It’s Musika time again

MUSIKA, the much-loved independent record collector gathering and music fan meet-up event, is returning for another year at its usual venue – The Gasket Alley in Petaling Jaya. As a prelude event to coincide with Record Store Day in April, Musika offers a space where music collectors can look forward to a day out of crate-digging fun. Music from all genres will be on sale at the event, from independent record shops like Teenage Head Records and Sputnik Records, indie vendors, pop-up vinyl specialists and private collectors.

Thirsting for a good digging session? Here’s the opportunity to browse through thousands of music-related items, including new and used LPs, CDs, cassettes, posters, turntable equipment and supplies, memorabilia, collectibles and more.

“Not only is Musika a music digging and hunting event, it also serves as a community gathering of music lovers. It’s a rare time when music sellers and buyers can get to mingle, hang out and share a coffee or two. The venue itself is a conducive space, with deejay booths, a mini band stage and exhibition area giving music-related activities prominence at Musika,” says Nurul Jannah, one of the founders of Musika, which was established in 2016.

The entire Gasket Valley in Petaling Jaya will be transformed with music and art displays, within comfortable, lounge-like, social gathering areas that allow collectors and visitors to browse and enjoy live music.

“An event made by music collectors for music collectors is always a special treat,” says Sputnik founder Naza Mohamed.

From the music stalls to the stage, Musika is also about the past, present and future.

Contemporary bands and deejays on stage will include Pastel Lite, Son Of A Policeman (SOAP), Disko Santan, DJ Kurt (Singapore) and KiDG (Singapore). Indie outfit Ferns is doing a special live set after many years away from the scene. More acts to be announced in the coming weeks.

This year’s Musika will also see limited edition cassette releases made available for tape collectors, including albums from Pastel Lite, The Impatient Sisters and Stellar Dreams, while the reissues come from Telebury and Ferns.

“Musika has emerged as more than just an event. It shows that community can help community grow. It reflects the social and cultural phenomenon of listening to, collecting and sharing the love for vinyl records, CDs and cassettes,” says Zaid Omar from independent label Payola Records, which is collaborating with Musika to release indie band Telebury’s album on cassette for the first time.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase from several on-site food stalls at Musika.

But let’s get real … you only need music to feed the soul.