Heartland Records

Lovers of music throughout Melbourne know to head to North Melbourne to check out the sounds of Heartland Records.

Heartland Records is an independent record store that sells all kinds of music and music-related goods, curated by lifelong music-lover, Paul Cook.

“You could say that I started Heartland Records as a hobby that got out of control!” hoots Paul.

“Since I was a kid, I have been wheeling and dealing records. Then I was working as a chef and selling records on the side, and when I got retrenched from my job, I thought I’m just going to give this music thing a go.”

Growing up in Hertfordshire in England, Paul immigrated to Australia in the ‘80s. He got his start selling records at markets and record fairs, and the opening of his first record shop on Peel Street in 1993 came about as a happy accident when he and his business partner happened upon the site.

They christened their business ‘Heartland’ after a song by the band Sisters of Mercy.

“We even etched a line from the song in our window, ‘Leave the silence far behind you’ which I thought was fitting for a record shop. Only later did I realise the actual lyrics are ‘Leave the sirens far behind you!” laughs Paul.

In their Peel Street location, Heartland Records was mostly known as a goth and alternative music store. In 2013, Paul had to relocate, and he found his current location on Victoria Street.

“I was worried about moving because the store was so well known in Peel Street, but it turned out to be even better than before. The old shop was a bit dark and dingy, whereas this space is lighter and more inviting, with more space. That means I’m able to stock a broader range of records, CDs, DVDs, and posters.”

Words by Joyce Watts & Photography by Anna Encio