Wirral, UK | West Kirby vinyl shop to take part in first Record Store Day: Wirral’s newest vinyl shop is taking part in its first Record Store Day this year. Dig Vinyl based on Banks Road in West Kirby announced it would be participating in 2024’s Record Store Day on Saturday, April 20. Record Store Day, which began back in 2007, celebrates and promotes the distinctive culture of record shops with special vinyl releases made exclusively for the event and stocked only by participating retailers on the day. Over the years Record Store Day has evolved into a prominent music celebration globally, involving thousands of record shops from all over the world, including more than 260 in the UK. Dig Vinyl’s second permanent retail shop saw the Merseyside brand branch out over the water to the Wirral, joining the vibrant independent retail scene of West Kirby.
Frisco, CO | Come for a latte, stay for the music. A new record shop in Frisco makes its debut at a coffee shop. …Adrian and Lehman opened up the doors to High Rhodes Records on Dec. 20 in the space attached to Rocky Mountain Coffee Roasters. Now, when you walk into Rocky Mountain Coffee Roasters, you can wander into a revamped adjacent space where original artwork by Adrian lines the walls and boxes and shelves are full of records and instruments. You can find guitar straps, turntables and maybe even a customer playing a song requested by one of the owners on a mandolin. Lehman and Adrian want their spot to create an atmosphere where music is approachable. Adrian, a regular at record stores, said that he understands that the environment can be intimidating for newcomers. He said he wants to ensure that his record shop is an inviting place where people who maybe aren’t too familiar with music can feel comfortable browsing.
Red Wing, MN | This Red Wing Record Store Is A Fave Of Minnesota’s Vinyl Lovers! Nestled in the picturesque town of Red Wing, Vyntage Vinyl is more than just a music store; it’s a portal to the past, a place where music lovers can reconnect with the timeless magic of vinyl records. Since its grand opening in 2015, Vyntage Vinyl has become a beloved destination for those seeking the warmth and nostalgia that only vinyl can provide. As you step into the store, you’re greeted by the comforting scent of old records and the soft hum of music playing in the background. The shelves are lined with an impressive collection of vinyl records, CDs, and cassette tapes, spanning all genres and eras. From classic rock to jazz, country to pop, there’s something for everyone.
Glasgow, UK | Queue’s that? Hundreds of fans queue outside Glasgow record store for glimpse of star guest: Singer—who is a huge Swiftie—has millions of online followers. YouTube singing sensation Conan Gray was in town and held a signing session at the city’s Assai Records. The US crooner is promoting the release of his new album Found Heaven which comes out on April 5. Scores of fans lined the streets with some waiting over an hour to meet their hero. The 25-year-old musician is best known for his hit singles Heather and Maniac. Ahead of his visit Assai had written online: “We will have the one and only pop sensation Mr Conan Gray signing in-store THIS FRIDAY in-store, to celebrate the release of his upcoming album.” The Californian has become internationally renowned and surpassed over five million YouTube subscribers. In 2013, he created a YouTube channel where he uploaded vlogs and covers as a teenager from Georgetown, Texas. Conan was then signed by record label Republic—the same as Taylor Swift—four years later.
Philadelphia, PA | Milkcrate Cafe vandalized but still open: Milkcrate Café, the vinyl record boutique and café that opened at 45th and Baltimore less than six months ago, was vandalized early Thursday morning. Several windows were smashed “sometime around 3:30 a.m.,” according to an Instagram post by Milkcrate owner Adam Porter (see below), and there is no information as of today on who did it and why. Despite the vandalism, the shop will stay open for business. “Unfortunately, there will be boards up for 2-3 weeks until the new windows are in,” reads the post. Adam also thanked everyone who have supported his business these past two days in the aftermath: “As disheartening and sad as it may seem…I found joy and comfort from all of our neighbors coming by and showing support… It’s a wonderful vibey shop and I’m super proud of it. West Philadelphia is an amazing vibrant, unique, super rad neighborhood that’s unlike anywhere else in the city. To say I’m proud to be here & part of this community is an understatement.”
Hobart, AU | Rare Taylor Swift records surface at Hobart’s Music Without Frontiers: Rare Taylor Swift vinyl records in brand-new condition have surfaced at a popular Hobart music store. Following her sold-out Australian leg of the “Era’s Tour”, two of Swift’s early albums are now available at Music Without Frontiers. With an asking price of close to $2,000 each, the store is hopeful that a devoted Swiftie will be quick to snap up the prized memorabilia. “We’ve got a set of pretty rare editions of Taylor Swift’s first two eras. Both are 2018 Record Store Day special releases and still in shrink wrap,” the store said. Swift’s debut album “Taylor Swift”, featuring music released in 2006, is up for grabs for $1,500, while her 2008 album “Fearless” (Platinum Edition) has a price tag of $1,600. “No proceeds to go to Scott Borchetta or Scooter Braun,” the store said, referring to Swift’s controversial former managers.
Terre Haute, IN | Got vinyl? Care for a store full? Since opening as a brick and mortar store two and a half years ago, The Local Vinyl has sold more than 10,000 albums. Vinyl sales have grown for 18 consecutive years and show no signs of diminishing. Nonetheless, owner Eleanor Jones has put the business up for sale. She began Local Vinyl as a popup store in 2018. “I started it because I thought that Terre Haute needed a record store,” she said. “It’s doing well on its own. It’s at a pivotal point where if somebody really comes in with the right passion and the right capital, it’ll just grow.” A music fan would enjoy running a record store, Jones said. “Most of my customers have way more albums than I do,” she said. “There’s someone out there who can take what I’ve learned and what I’ve built and really excel because they’re already paying attention to the albums that are being released, they’ve already listened to 15 different genres, they’re already in this industry without realizing it.
Glasgow, UK | Glasgow’s first-EVER vinyl record factory to open in spring: Rockvinyl has secured premises within a 7000-square-foot industrial building in the city’s East End and will be the country’s second record-pressing plant. Ahead of its launch, the start-up is looking to raise £1.75 million from vinyl aficionados and the investing public in a public share issue, with shares priced at £5 per share. The proceeds will go towards building three AD12 vinyl pressing machines, which are due to be delivered to Glasgow in early spring ahead of Rockvinyl taking its first orders. Funds will also be used for employing pressing staff and finishing staff who will be trained by specialist consultants in vinyl pressing. Once it is up and running, the plant has a target run of 60,000 records per month and plans to offer fair prices, quick turnarounds, and optimised production lead times.
Roland and Serato come together to celebrate 303 day with a double control vinyl set that also honours the TR-606 drum machine: “If it wasn’t for the 303, I wouldn’t even be here right now talking to you,” says producer Fast Eddie. …Both boxes were released in 1981 to a fairly muted response, but found their groove in the ‘90s when they were discovered and repurposed by electronic musicians. The first record of the new 12-inch vinyl pairing pays tribute to classic 303 basslines—as reinterpreted by hip house pioneer Fast Eddie and influential dance music DJ and producer Shadow Child—while the second simulates 606 drum beats thanks to the efforts of producer DJ Haus and J Rocc, one of the original turntablists. “If it wasn’t for the 303, I wouldn’t even be here right now talking to you. That’s my history,” says Fast Eddie of the classic Roland synth. J Rocc meanwhile, recalls: “When I first heard the 606, it was a revelation – it’s right up there with the best.” The BPMs of the tracks on each of the records are complementary, making it easy to use them together. In each case, the flip side features the Serato control tone.
