Words: Jessica Thomas // Photos: Closer Closer Closer
If you’re wandering around Jetty Road, you may hear echoes of soulful disco, groovy house, deep techno, or all three at once and wonder, “Where is that coming from?” The answer is Closer Closer Closer — the place so nice they named it thrice.
Nestled in Rose Street Glenelg, Closer Closer Closer is home not only to an ambient, funky, and inspiring record store, but also to coffee nook A Cup of Sunny and barbershop The Royal Moody.
This trio of sunshine is run by Glenn October, who not only does an excellent haircut, but is a music connoisseur. And talking with Glenn is a breath of fresh air. You will always find him collaborating and talking with, laughing with and welcoming everyone who enters, as he prioritises the feeling of community and connection.
“It is not about the building, but the people that are in it,” Glenn says.
Glenn describes the emotion of Closer as “allowing closeness between people and encouraging them to come together as like-minded individuals, who can bond and share love for the same thing”.
Alongside the faint noise of buzzing and scissors, you will find an array of electronic music sounds, disco, house, old-school, and ambient vibrations welcoming you as you enter the store.
Closer also hosts many different radio shows where local DJs, music selectors, and guests come to explore and showcase new sounds and frequencies. It provides a voice to local musicians and creatives, and a space for expression where diversity of sound is a key aspect of Closer.
Some of these shows include Ocean Breeze, Rose St Radio, Divide By Zero, and Inner City Life.
Whilst each show is live streamed online and archived, the team welcome anyone and everyone to come along, join, and experience the shows in store to their full magic.
“As much as I do talk and educate and share my experiences, the real blessing is to listen – this is a place where you can be heard, musically and emotionally,” Glenn says, emphasising the importance of listening and learning from others, whether that be musical inspiration or just life in general.
Maximising the space of the store, Glenn, alongside Serge Lebedev, who is also known by his well-respected DJ alias Snake Charmer, optimises their collection of old, new, underground, and international types of vinyl records, catering to all frequencies and styles of music.
Closer welcomes experienced and seasoned music lovers with open hearts, whilst also inviting in those expanding their music taste and vinyl collection with loving arms, everyone of all tastes are made to feel right at home.
Each vinyl selection is handpicked and specifically selected for the store. Any record you pick up and listen to is chosen to pique your interest, no matter the genre and style. Records from Adelaide locals, national and international artists provide an expansion in taste of music, and the opportunity to branch out of your comfort zone into many different cultural styles and sounds.
“We want to educate and not just sell,” Glenn says.
“Whether you come in and just relax, listen to music and share opinions with those who enter, or just grab a coffee or a haircut, it is about building a community.”
The resident coffee shop, A Cup of Sunny, is run by Sunny Jang, who specialises in a flavourful and heartfelt cup of Joe, or chai if you like the sweeter side. Together with the record store and barbershop, it provides a sanctuary and space for everyone who enters.
Encapsulating the big record store energy, while focusing on knowledge and teaching, comes from the passion of not only the workers but also the regulars and customers. The neon lights, mood-lifting aromas, music, and energy captive all who enter and emulate an inspiring and dedicated energy to the craft, in every aspect of the businesses that run in the building.
“There is no place like this, a place where people can come, talk, play, listen to music, and share ideas – we’ve created a home away from home,” Glenn says.
“You can be drinking a cup of coffee, listening to a live DJ, while also relaxing and being with friends. It provides connection on a daily basis and a place for opportunity.”
It is a very special feeling to be surrounded by those who aim to give back and support our community just as much as we continue to support creatives, music, and the arts.
Closer is a feeling of home and a welcoming energy that invites you to come in, have a warming coffee, listen to music, get your hair done and talk and connect with like-minded people. It invites you to join a community full of support, creation, knowledge, and connection.
Closer Closer Closer really is a gem in our city, now it’s time for you to experience it for yourself.
Closer Closer Closer: 1B Rose Street Glenelg 5045
