By Marina Gomide
IT has been a long-term issue in Maleny that although there might be plenty of activities for some generations, young adults have not been well catered for.
In an effort to revive the youthful spirit of the quiet hinterland town, Pressure Drop Records opened shop in May, selling not just records and vinyl, but also vintage clothing and alternative local artwork.
To help promote the new store and its artists, the shop has been hosting monthly events such as art exhibitions, life drawing classes, independent film screenings and DJ parties, which have become very popular amongst the local young adults.
Store owner Jamen Lyndon, 30, was born and bred in Maleny and always noticed the lack of options young people have in town to enjoy themselves.
He said the shop’s goal is to provide a fun space where youthful souls can connect and enjoy themselves.
He also said their support for alternative and underground art in Maleny comes from a desire to give these artists, a space to sell and display their art.
“There isn’t really much art that speaks to a younger audience, since all the main shops in town cater to art for tourists, so we wanted to cater to art that’s grittier,” he said.
To further ensure they’re supporting the artists they promote, they make zero profit off the exhibitions, taking no sales commissions.
One local artist who recently participated in one of these exhibitions is Crystal Waters native Jayo Stenz. During the exhibit he sold nearly every single piece displayed, which he says is all thanks to the new, modern store.
Jayo has a very unique artistic style, drawing cartoons influenced by his upbringing in the nature-filled hinterland of Maleny.
“As a child born in Crystal Waters Eco Village, the Australian-country creatures and wilderness always seem to find themselves in all of my artistic ventures,” he said.
One of his recent series of works are the imagining of Maleny from 1922 to 3022 (pictured below).
Aside from his paintings, he is also an illustrator for children’s books and is now diving into the world of animation, having won first prize in WAnimate’s International 30 Second Animation Competition in July.
The record shop’s techno nights have also been providing local young adults with a resemblance of a nightclub in small, quiet Maleny, having become an anticipated weekend event for locals looking to let their hair down.
“We want the young people of Maleny to come out of their houses on weekends and find each other and connect,” Jamen said.
The next events hosted by the Pressure Drop Record Store is an art exhibit by Smessy Art on October 8, from 7pm to 10pm, and a BYO rave on October 15 starting at 7pm.
