Deadbeat Sounds at the heart of My Dead Grandpa in the city is run by the fast-paced, firecracker feminist, Esther Troup. Starting in early 2026, Deadbeat was created in direct response to the oversaturation of “old white men running vinyl stores,” (it’s okay, grandpa understands) making a point to the local community that women can succeed in any male dominated industry, especially as record sellers. Situated amidst the hustle and bustle of the physical media section, you’ll find the titles they focus primarily on are female artists, LGBTQIA+, and alternative/indie artists.
In a world that pushes subscription based media, Esther pushes back and declares the return of physical media is not a micro trend or a blip on the tiktok algorithm, it’s here, and it’s here to stay. “Most of our stuff is preowned, like someone’s 30 year old aunty owned this and now it’s on our shelves, ready to buy. There is something really special about that because you’re extending its life and value with something that would otherwise literally be in landfill. Capitalism has gotten the best of us and I’m ready to stop letting it do that because it will ruin the world.” A bold statement from an even more audacious and daring young lady!
Deadbeat stocks modern pressed vinyls, preloved CDs and vintage posters ranging from sports to pop culture, cult classic movies, tv shows and bands from the early 2000s. While grandpa appreciates the loud, punk aesthetic of the y2k kids, what’s even more impressive to him is Deadbeat’s constantly rotating stock of about 200 vinyls and more than 1000 CDs on the shop floor that gets restocked every week.
They have one of the biggest collections of high-quality pre-owned CDs for sale in Adelaide! Talk about variety. Deadbeat boasts a good selection of 70s, 80s and 90s rock, while keeping a strong collection of y2k pop and a healthy dose of other genres as well. You’ll be sure to find something that fits everyone’s tastes no matter your age or style.
Deadbeat may trade exclusively at My Dead Grandpa, however Deadbeat’s crowd is anything but exclusive. They cater to all clientele, particularly those who prioritise “self expression in the alternative world” and are conscious about sustainability and what they buy.
Esther’s favourite thing about this gig is seeing people’s eyes light up when they find that one nostalgic item, “People start to talk about their favourite artist, their sister who had this exact poster or their mum who went to see this band in the 80s. And people start to give sentimental value to this poster or cd. It’s a cool fly on the wall moment.”
When asked about any message she would like to spread, Esther kept it simple:
“Music can be so deeply personal. It’s a part of your lifestyle, just lean into it and stop avoiding it.”
