Shari-Vari Records founder Patrick Little from the UK moved to Perth and set-up the record store from scratch – introducing Western Australian audiences to new sounds as curated by the owner himself.

Importing key classic and contemporary vinyl – knew and old – Shari-Vari Records specialise in Ambient, Experimental, House, Techno, Soul, Disco, Reggae, Dub, African and Brazilian genre styles.

From spotting new music movements and importing their latest releases from around the world, owner Patrick has a knack and natural ability to spot music and its talents that are breaking boundaries. From the UK jazz and soul movements to underground beats, Patrick’s expertly curated selection is a gem to come across.

Find Shabaka Hutchings’ or Cleo Sol’s latest releases or classics from Jamal Ahmed Trio or Sun Ra. Find game-changing music across the genre spectrum all in the Shari-Vari Records curation such as Waak Waak Ga Min Min by Yolngu songman Bobby Bununggurr, pressed by Melbourne-based label Efficient Space. The store can also import key finds upon request too (such as Jahari Massamba Unit ‘YHWH is Love’ Patrick is sourcing for us).

Found underneath the State Buildings in Perth’s CBD situated next to the best wine bars and restaurants in the city, Shari-Vari Records is in an intimate space where vinyl can be tested and tried on site in the relaxed atmosphere Patrick has created. At Shari-Vari Records it’s all about quality over quantity. We spoke to founder Patrick Little about running a record store, his must-have records, and the best new releases he has in store.

Tell us about Shari-Vari’s founding – when you began, where you worked before, your influences and what sparked the idea for the store’s name.

Shari-Vari Records launched initially online 3 years ago, I moved to Perth two years previously and had been working as a freelance fashion consultant, but wanted to get back into music (I studied Music at college and worked in a record shop in Manchester UK before working in fashion). Larz & Aida at Man-tle were kind enough to offer me a space in their shop for a few months before I moved into the State Buildings basement around Easter, 2022.

Shari-Vari was actually the name of my consultancy whilst working in fashion, it’s a reference to a very Kraftwerk-influenced new wave/ electro track by Detroit band A Number Of Names – everyone should check it out if they don’t know it. It was also released in 1981, the year I was born. The name naturally worked well for the record shop, so I just kept it.

What are the best things about running a record store?

Being immersed in music pretty much 24/7, meeting other music fans & building a community of shop regulars, hopefully contributing to the cultural landscape of the city.

What are the challenges of running a record store?

Sourcing records at fair prices (so many suppliers) and overcoming hurdles of being a small business in a very volume driven industry, lots of emails and spreadsheets.

Resisting the urge to buy everything for yourself, and separating my own tastes from what customers actually want.

You’re originally from the UK, please tell us how music influenced your life there and how you ended up bringing those influences to Perth?

I’m from Bedfordshire, just outside of London originally. I studied and lived in Manchester for 11 years, which had the biggest impact on my musical journey. Everyone that lives in Manchester is really into music, it’s noticeable, there’s so much knowledge to tap into and people want to share with each other. That’s when I discovered hip hop culture, the samples, breaks etc, but moved quickly onto house & techno, but also lots of my friends were into folk and psychedelic music. I lived in London from 2014 to 2019, which is where I got more into ambient and leftfield / experimental music I suppose, but always trying to keep an open ear regardless of genres. My wife is from Perth, we met in London and decided to move here and start a family.

What is it about Perth that you love more than anywhere else?

The weather, pace of life, beaches… it’s so geared up to being outdoors generally, it’s amazing for young kids (I have 2).

What are the top 5 records you couldn’t live without?

Burning Spear ‘Burning Spear’, Steve Hiett ‘Down On The Road By The Beach’, Sade ’Stronger Than Pride’, Bill Withers ‘Justments’, Nick Drake ‘Bryter Layter’

What is your dream set-up for a listening room (vinyl only ofcourse)

Not sure, Devon Ojas comes to mind, he’s doing some amazing things, so maybe I’d ask him!

Also, Audio Gold in London – more realistically. But essentially a decent turntable & cartridge/ stylus, maybe some big old Tannoy speakers, a nice valve amp, a comfy chair and easy access to records!

What are the best new released you’ve just got in store?

Records I’m listening to a lot: ML Buch ’Suntub’, Jessica Pratt ‘Here In The Pitch’, Lau Ro ‘Cabana’, Jorga Mesfin ‘The Kindest One’, Four Tet ‘Three’, Total Blue ’Total Blue’ and Shabaka ‘Perceive It’s Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace’.

Tell us about your clientele, Perth-based and global?

I’m based in the CBD, so lots of local workers during weekday lunchtimes, but also younger kids, local DJs. I sell a fair bit online across Australia too.

What is the current state of vinyl use and future of vinyl collecting in your eyes?

What does the future hold for Shari-Vari records?

I’d like to do more merch, collaborations, perhaps accessories/ equipment in the future. It’s always been a dream of mine to play music by the ocean, Cafe del Mar-style. I’m always looking, but yet to find the right spot.

Shari-Vari Records
State Buildings, Cnr St Georges Terrace & Barrack St
Perth, 6000, Western Australia 

Images: Duncan Wright
Text: Monique Kawecki