Chris Gill

Northside Records

Who are you and what do you do?
I am Chris Gill, DJ, broadcaster and owner of Northside Records on Gertude Street in Fitzroy, the SOUL of Melbourne.

What has been your greatest challenge?
You could say that running a record store in the age of digital music is kind of tough. But, despite the trend of retail sales going down, Northside can hold its head up and say that Melburnians have shown that they love soul.

Tell us about a memorable moment.
Shaking hands with Mulatu Astatke, the greatest living Ethiopian musician, and hanging out with the likes of Sharon Jones, Fred Wesley, Redman, and Antibalas.

Who do you work with on your projects?
Miss Butt for logistics and ideas and Greg Foster of Blister Finger does Northside's website and graphics. Recently I also collaborated with Tim from Wax Museum Records in the city to make a map of independent records stores in Melbourne.

Where to now?
Looking for beautiful music to sell to the people of Melbourne! Always thinking of ideas of trying to push great soul and funk music. Whatever it takes - never stop dancing!