Curious about zines? The following Inner West outlets sell or display zines for your reading pleasure.
The Rizzeria
Community spirit is the backbone behind this non-for-profit workshop and retail outlet. Formed nine years ago by a volunteer group of artists who purchased a risograph printer for public use, The Rizzeria has become a haven for Inner Westies wanting to print posters, invitations, zines, graphic design pieces and much more. Jo from The Rizzeria explains: “The risograph printer produces a bit of a different look – it’s not black and white. The colours are really bright, so it looks different to digital printing”.
While it doesn’t stock a large range of zines, The Rizzeria is a place where people can print their own zines, and they’ll then try to stock a few copies. If you’re interested in creating zines, The Rizerria runs workshops. “We show samples of zines, talk about the different things you can put into zines, look at different styles and formats, and everyone can make their own zine and then print them,” says Jo.
Shop 2/359 Illawarra Road Marrickville
Repressed Records
Repressed Records specialises in DIY, punk and alternative music, and zines. Their big selling zines include the Sydney-based Unbelievable Bad, Distort Zine from Melbourne, and American MAXIMUM ROCKNROLL. Their diverse clientele has their interests catered for, whether it be punk, blues, jazz or hip hop. Certain zines have attracted regular customers; for example, some Sydneysiders have purchased MAXIMUM ROCKNROLL every month since 1995.
Ravi from Repressed Records is a fan of zines: “Zines are great. And it’s fantastic when people put in the effort to create them. We’re fortunate enough to have some zines incorporate Repressed Records into the narrative through artwork or events.”
413 King Street, Newtown
Red Eye Records
Red Eye Records, while not strictly within the Inner West jurisdiction, stocks a swag of music-related zines. The number of zines they have in stock depends on how many are brought in. According to Red Eye, some zines attract a cult following and sell well. Others are the result of individuals simply wanting to create zines and share their work. “We like to support people’s passions”, Red Eye Records told Ciao. They most likely have something for everyone, with a diverse clientele that ranges from teenagers to 80-year-olds, and everyone in between. What to zines offer to the music community, according to Red Eye? Fun.
143 York Street, Sydney
Verge Gallery
A non-for-profit exhibition space located the University of Sydney’s Darlington campus, Verge Gallery has over 80 titles in their zine collection and offers visitors a reading room space to enjoy publications. It’s worth checking out Verge’s selected issues by The Refugee Art Project, which includes first-hand accounts, drawings, poems, and interviews with children and adults in Villawood detention centre. “Zines are a product of this intersect between art-making and publishing…It’s important to exhibit zines in this creative environment because it promotes a do-it-yourself culture, creating alternative media platforms, sharing ideas and experiences, and connecting with others,” says Director Sian McIntyre.
Jane Foss Russell Plaza, City Road, Darlington
