Newcastle’s Rudderless Records will close one door to open another in November when it merges with Wallsend’s Hiss & Crackle Records. 

For long-time mates Ben Leece, the owner of Rudderless, and Mitch Eaton, his counterpart at Hiss & Crackle, combining their businesses was a no-brainer.

“We’re just elaborating on the things we’re both doing well,” Leece said.

“This is about having a partner that’s got the same stakes and having someone to lean on when things get rough.” 

Beyond selling records, a love for the local music scene and a desire to create spaces for genuine connection are at the heart of the pair’s business ethos. 

“Musos can come here and meet, connect, get advice and discover new music,” Eaton said. 

While closing Rudderless was a difficult decision, Leece said the connections the store fostered over the years were a highlight for him, and he was looking forward to continuing that in another form. 

“It’s a community,” he explained.

“Yes, it’s a retail store first and foremost, but it’s also a musical hub.

“I’ve seen bands form right in front of me in the store.” 

Hiss & Crackle will undergo renovations to make way for an expanded collection of vinyl, CDs, films, merch and posters. 

“There’ll be hip-hop, more emphasis on turntable culture, as well as the hardcore side of punk from Benny as opposed to my collection, which is more post-punk,” Eaton said. 

The renovations will also provide a room dedicated entirely to a new CD collection.

The duo acknowledged the challenges for small businesses posed by large corporations and streaming giants.

And, while those platforms offer some positives, according to Eaton, they also devalued art in that “everyone thinks music should be free”.

“The best way to find new music is to think for yourself outside of an algorithm that’s dictating what you listen to,” he said.

From November, the pair will hit the ground running with live gigs and up-to-date releases.

“I’m always excited to come down here every day,” Eaton said.

“I’m really lucky that I get to do it, and this whole merger just reinvigorates that.”

The last day of trade for Rudderless is 28 September.

• University of Newcastle journalism student Tarni Cruickshank

For more business stories:

• Hunter rolls out welcome mat to international trade delegation
• Painting a new picture for women in trades
• Coalition promises to resurrect ‘valuable’ Business Connect program

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.