Interview and photos: Dylan Starczak
With the recent Record Store Day, we sat down with the co-owner of east end’s Clarity Records and icon in the local music scene Matt Hovarth, aka Footy. The store is on its 13th year, known for stocking rare releases, supporting local, and being a hub for record lovers.
Footy shares how Clarity came to be, and what he predicts for the future of physical media.
Is it Clarity’s birthday on Record Store Day?
Well, technically it’s on April 17, but when we first opened, that was Record Store Day in 2010, so we celebrate it either way.
Tell me about the history of Clarity. How did it come to be?
So before Clarity, Laura [Footy’s partner and Clarity co-owner] and I had always been actively involved with the local music community – going to shows, playing in bands, booking shows and more. I worked at a record store called Big Star Records on Rundle Street. I worked there for nearly five years. I sort of always had aspirations to open our own record store, but working at a record store myself, I didn’t want to create any competition. When Big Star Records closed down, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do after that. I didn’t want to go study or work a random job. So, we just went all in and opened our own record store.
Were there any challenges you found when setting up the store?
Back in 2010, the so-called ‘vinyl boom’ hadn’t happened yet. From working at Big Star, I could see that vinyl was popular and CDs were well and truly on the way out, but it was all about finding that balance – stocking cool stuff, unique stuff that you couldn’t get anywhere else. Back then, it was definitely a lot harder getting vinyl because not every artist was pressing it and there weren’t as many avenues to get it.
How do you decide which records to stock?
I guess records I know that I like, and records I know that will sell. I’m always listening to people and what they want, and wanting to learn about different types of music. Coming from the punk hardcore sort of background myself, I naturally gravitate to stocking that too.
How would you describe the ethos of Clarity?
Definitely the ethos has always been to support independent artists as much as possible, particularly local artists: whether that be stocking their stuff, encouraging them to bring in their releases and promotional material, actively promoting what they do. And then with that, just be a bit of a hub for the local music community and just being a welcoming place that anyone can come to and discover cool music.
Why do you think it’s important to support local?
Growing up as a young kid going to shows, I learned very quickly how important it is to have a healthy local music scene. That helps create who you become as an older person. So, when it comes to stocking artists, we don’t turn anything away, everyone’s welcome. I think every band or artist needs a starting point as well; no one’s big straight out the gates. So, it’s important that there’s a place that nurtures bands and it gives them an opportunity or platform for people to discover them.
You’ve held a range of events in store over the years. What did these events involve and why do you host these sessions?
I think a cool thing about record stores is when bands have in-stores. I went to those as a kid growing up and it’s really intimate with the band playing in a unique space. So that’s something we wanted to try recreate and have free all-ages events. It’s something we’ve been doing since renovating the store. We’ve now got a stage with a PA permanently set up, and an actual semi production line.
You’ve got limited edition Record Store Day merch, vegan cupcakes – what else happens on at Clarity for Record Store Day?
We do special Record Store Day stock, and a whole heap of second-hand stuff that goes out. I did an all-nighter unpacking literally mounds and mounds of boxes. We open at midnight on Friday, we have a big line of people wanting to come in, and it just rolls through all day where it’s just a good vibe.
Where do you see physical media going within the next five years?
It’s definitely not going anywhere. I don’t think there’s going to be a drastic change like there was say, when downloading and streaming first came in. I can’t see another format that’s going to severely affect sales of physical media. I wouldn’t be surprised if CDs picked up again because even though the market has definitely changed a lot, there’s still a desire for CDs, and there’s a lot less places stocking it. People have shown a real interest in cassettes too. But in terms of vinyl as well, I think that will continue to keep growing and whatnot. It seems to be a market that’s continuing to evolve.
Do you have any tips for young people out there looking to get a start in music?
I think if people have aspirations to be creative and make music there’s no better place to start than just going out and doing it. Don’t try not to be complacent or doubtful of your abilities. I think the best thing about music is the rawness. Hearing people start out- there’s a charm to it. Even if it’s not playing music, but just being involved with a local music scene. If you’re interested in it, just go out and check it out, because I think there’s nothing better than being involved in and seeing great music in Adelaide.
Clarity: 60 Pulteney Street Adelaide 5000
