Brick and mortar retail plays a vital role in any brand’s distribution chain. The majority of Ironlak’s product moves via the shelves of localised, independent graffiti, skate and art shops like Union Heights, a Hip Hop and graffiti shop Melbourne heads are supporting. These small business owners are our front-line hustlers, the link between our warehouse and our community. They’re the ones that grind it out on the daily to get product into your hands.
Frank at Union Heights has played a big role in the development of the Melbourne (and Australian for that matter) Hip Hop scene. He’s been holding it down in Melbourne town for almost 15 years, I got in contact over email for a digital chin wag – grab yourself a Melbourne Bitter and have a read.
BRT: I understand you have a bit of a solid history in the Melbourne (and Australian for that matter) Hip-Hop scenes; can you give us a quick background story?
UH: I actually grew up in sunny Wollongong, during my mid/late teens I started off with graffiti art and moved into DJing on community radio back in the mid 90’s. From there things continued to evolve with DJing in pubs/clubs and organizing legal graffiti art programs through the local council and live music events so yeah I had a solid foundation before I moved to Melbourne in 2002. In 2004 after a year of studying audio production I started managing the Obese Records retail store cementing my involvement in the Melbourne hip hop scene. After ten years with Obese it was time for me to move on and pursue my own business interests launching Union Heights late 2015.
BRT: How has it been watching the scene (graffiti and Hip-Hop) change over the years? Do you think it’s better or worse now?
UH: The local hip hop and graffiti scene has evolved and diversified quite dramatically. There’s a clear distinction between the commercial and underground/independent styles. In the early years we all wanted to see local hip hop music grow, maintain independence and gain acceptance without being compromised or going “commercial” but that wasn’t the case. The essence of hip hop and graffiti art culture will always have it’s roots in the underground and the ever growing wider acceptance has enabled acceptance of the true form yet there’s always more backing behind the mainstream/safer elements such as “street art”. I don’t believe that things are worse, there’s more opportunities to be creative, artists just need to find their groove and do their thing.
BRT: Anyways enough about that, tell us about Union Heights! Apparel, Vinyl, Art Supplies, Gallery. Sounds like it’s more than just a paint store!
UH: Yeah, much more than just paint. Union Heights is Melbourne’s new destination for all things hip hop. Hip Hop covers so many creative elements with it’s foundation in DJing, graffiti art, break dancing and rapping. We’re here to support and promote the culture through our store. The majority of apparel brands are independent local brands eg Burn, 1Line, Balla with the inclusion of a few internationally known brands such as Crooks & Castles. Our vinyl stock is heavily focused on hip hop – new release and classics and we also venture into the roots of hip hop – soul, funk, dub etc with a touch of contemporary electronica in the crates as well. We have the most comprehensive range of aerosol paints and accessories this side of the Yarra with over 600 colours across eight brands in stock. Throughout the year our gallery space will feature some of Melbourne’s finest visual artists, representing hip hop culture through mediums including graffiti art, photography and street art.
BRT: Judging by your sales, what would be the most popular Ironlak colour? (excluding Roarke & Aspen haha)
UH: Depends on the season, at the moment it would have to be Reals Sublime (bright green).
BRT: Favourite vinyl to spin in store
UH: Always kick off the day with some instrumental vibes including the work of Oddisee, J Dilla or Madlib.
BRT: What’s next? Got any events coming up?
UH: We’re planning a launch party late March with a few DJs etc. There’s World Record Store day in April and several art exhibitions in the works. We also run “Upfront Fridays” a monthly hip hop event at Revolver Upstairs and planning a few events with some bars in Windsor. We also have some outdoor art projects in the works. Everything will be listed on our website and regular updates via our social media pages.
Union Heights – Hip Hop and graffiti shop Melbourne:
Website
Instagram
Facebook