Record stores and romance seem to go well together in movies, right? Well, here's a real-life love story.
A decade since opening in Marrickville, Sydney, RPM Records is a bricks and mortar record shop founded by Lizzie and Steve, who began dating December 2014 more than a year after first meeting on a boat cruise that Steve's band, The Cleanskins, played a set on.Steve had talked about how he'd like to open a vinyl/ coffee shop one day; while Lizzie spoke of her desire to run her own business utilising her hospitality and computer skills (having worked at a record shop in the late '80s in Toronto, when cassettes were a big thing but CDs had not arrived yet).
The RPM name was Lizzie's idea that came partially from a mid '80, '90s famous warehouse club in Toronto's Queens Quay East she loved before she moved to Sydney; partially from 33 and 45 revolutions per minute (the speed vinyl plays at); and mostly because it fit the business model of 'records, posters and memorabilia'.
They were offered a once in a lifetime opportunity from legendary Australian promoter Kevin Jacobson, and RPM Records ended up with their walls adorned with incredible historical posters and signed memorabilia from Kevin's personal collection including framed photos from the former Sydney Entertainment Centre and signed photos and albums from the world's biggest superstars.
It was a bold leap of faith to open a shop after only a six-month relationship, but both the relationship and shop have gone from strength to strength. The couple married two years later next door at The Gasoline Pony.
From day one, Lizzie, Steve and the shop have been warmly embraced by the Marrickville and wider community, and the feelings are reciprocal.
Initially it was only second-hand vinyl that was sold, but RPM soon realised that Record Store Day and new-release records were essential for growth. Pretty soon a huge collection of sealed, brand-new albums and reissues were acquired from Australian suppliers in most genres.
Nowadays they also source vinyl from overseas suppliers who have larger selections. The variety of stock is incredible, with approximately 30,000 titles on offer. It's always been RPM's aim to offer high-quality vinyl at great prices. In short – great value for money.
"The all killer no filler [store policy]," Steve explains, "is subjective of course and based mostly on condition. You won't find any music snobbery from us, so anything from AC/DC to Zappa and all roads between will be on the shelves.
"The condition will be usually VG+ or better. Occasionally if we find a rare record with only a VG cover, we'll price accordingly. All records are tested, and mostly vacuum machine cleaned, to ensure the best listening experience."
RPM Records also offers a huge selection of titles online. "For those in remote areas, obviously the online store is a vital and essential service," explain Lizzie and Steve.
"Additionally, we are an ARIA chart reporting store since 2025 so customer purchases count towards the ARIA charts for the artists. However, from our perspective, record stores offer far more than items for sale.
"They rather offer an experience that can be lived and enjoyed. A place where music lovers of all walks of life can come together as a community."
After eight years in their original shop, in early 2023 RPM Records moved up the street to 163 Marrickville Road, where they remain today. "It's just a short walk down the road from the old place and right next door to the Souvlaki Boys Shop," the pair says.
The new location offers air-con, a bathroom and a lovely garden out back that's ideal to lounge in with a coffee or tea perusing your new purchases or chatting about music.
"The goal at RPM is to have some fun and maybe meet a few other people from all walks of life who are also into vinyl, either again or new to it. We don't all love vinyl for the same reasons, but we still admit to loving it.
"When you come through the big, heavy, sliding door at the entry that you try and soak up the '80s vibe and start to feel a bit younger. We are all here to recreate a part of our youth. Enjoy your visit to our precious collection. It's our job to restore and protect the vinyl, they sell themselves."
RPM Records is located at 163 Marrickville Road in Marrickville (Sydney). (02) 9569 3465.
