Although serving coffee, Sounds Espresso is first and foremost an independent music shop specialising in vinyl records: first editions, second hands, new releases and re-issues. Owner Anthony Skapetis also stocks and sells CDs, turntables, audio cables, parts and repairs.
“You generally get to interact with a lot of people when you’re playing music, especially when you’re playing records. It’s a different experience; some people are interactive, some can keep to themselves,” says Anthony, who will go out of his way to find an album or CD for a customer. “If it’s available, obviously.”
“Music can give you happy moments, sad moments; remind you of the past, family, and loved ones who have passed. It’s bonding and very, very spiritual,” he observes. “I have a copy of Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall in my crates. That’s part of my life because I was in a dark spot many, many years ago and I found relief [through the music]. It’s not really about the artist,” he says, suggesting it was the right record at the right time.
Whether in search of a specific title, or hoping for a perfect discovery, Sounds Espresso is the place. And Anthony’s recommendation for testing your speakers once you get your purchases home? “If your stereo can play Mozart’s Fifth Symphony, it can play anything! It goes from very, very high to very, very low to very, very everything very, very quickly, and literally puts your speakers into overdrive.”
So come for the coffee and discover the music, or vice versa. Either way, Anthony is happy to let you sit and sip, browse the collection, and chat about music.
268 Victoria Road, Marrickville
www.soundsespresso.com.au
