In rotation: 4/4/25

AU | Australian Vinyl Record Prices Set to Rise Again in May 2025: Vinyl record prices are set to rise again. Universal Music Australia has confirmed that prices will increase on May 5th. In a letter to retail partners Alisa Lai, VP of Commercial at Universal Music Group Australia, states that, “Due to cost pressures in materials, manufacturing, and logistics, we are required to implement a PPD increase across a selected range of vinyl titles, despite our best efforts to absorb this increase in costs.” Brisbane record seller Wax Lyrical shared Universal’s letter on Instagram, expressing concern over the rising costs. “Becoming impossible to exist,” they share. …My view is this. The joy of collecting won’t fade, but the collecting dynamic will certainly shift.

Pharr, TX | Vinyl Frontier: The Record Store That Resurrects Rio Grande Valley’s Lost Grooves. In the middle of the 20th century, the South Texas border region became the epicenter of influential, international musical styles. Labels like Falcon Records, in the farming community of McAllen, and Rio Grande Music Company, in San Benito, the birthplace of Texas music legend Freddy Fender, put on vinyl genres that mixed musical styles from across Mexico with those of local performers and European immigrants. There flourished Tejano Conjunto, small groups that prominently feature the button accordion from central Europe and the bajo sexto, a stringed instrument popular in Mexico that provides a bass line. There sprouted the orquestas tejanas, larger groups that incorporate horn sections. And there took root norteño, a blend of genres with a more prominent bass and percussion.

Lichfield, UK | Stylus Records celebrate their third Record Store Day: Stylus Records Limited is excited to announce that it will be celebrating its third Record Store Day on Saturday, April 12, bringing music lovers together for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Lichfield. This annual event honours the unique culture of independent record stores around the world and is set to be a day of exclusive releases, live energy, and community camaraderie. Located in the charming Grade II listed building at Minster Pool Walk, Stylus Records has quickly become a local music haven since opening in 2022. With its eclectic mix of new and pre-owned vinyl albums, CDs singles, and cassettes spanning every genre, the store has built a loyal following of customers, who rely on Tim and his passionate team of music enthusiasts for their expert knowledge and personalised service.

Newton Abbot, UK | Record shop’s last ‘Record Store Day’ before moving to new premises: A Newton Abbot record shop is preparing for this year’s Record Store Day and it will be the last before moving to new premises Roger and Marsha Cox, owners of Phoenix Sounds, the town’s independent record store, are looking forward to bringing the town together for Record Store Day 2025 on Saturday, April 12 at their shop on Queen Street. Not least because it is one of the most significant dates in any vinyl enthusiast’s diary, but also because it will be the couple’s last in their current premises. The store will move to East Street, a stones throw from the clock tower, in June. Doors will open at 8am, where keen collectors can snap up rare and limited-edition Record Store Day releases on a strictly first-come, first-served basis – once they’re gone, they truly are gone, Phoenix Sounds says. ‘Record Store Day is a highlight for us.’

Fayetteville, NC | Record Store Day: Celebrate vinyl, exclusive releases on April 12. Since its inception in 2008, Record Store Day has become a cultural phenomenon, drawing attention to independently owned record stores worldwide. Initially conceived to celebrate and support these local institutions, it has grown to encompass a wide array of events, special releases, and community gatherings. The day is a reminder of the important role record stores play in their communities. They are not just places to buy music. They are cultural hubs where people connect over a shared love of music. The staff, customers, and artists contribute to making Record Store Day a unique and cherished event. This year’s Record Store Day promises a plethora of exclusive releases that will excite music enthusiasts.

AU | Vinyl’s ultimate tribute: Record Store Day’s limited edition, special events and live in-store performances: On Saturday 12 April, independent record stores Australia-wide will celebrate vinyl culture the only way they know how; with even more music! From free in-store performances, a full day of DJs and your favourite regional acts making some noise, Record Store Day Australia will see over 200 independent record shops from all across Australia cementing its status as a treasured day for music lovers and collectors alike. Plus, the hits keep on coming with a new track from Aussie favourite Gordi added to an already stacked list of exclusive releases from Dannii Minogue, Pond, The Grogans and more. Perth psychedelic outfit Pond headlines the local offerings with a collection of their early works, while pop icon Dannii Minogue revisits Neon Nights with a fresh remix package. For nearly two decades, Record Store Day has been the ultimate tribute to indie record stores worldwide, offering rare vinyl, live performances, artist signings, and more. This year will be no different.

Edinburgh, UK | Record Store Day 2025 at Underground Solution, Edinburgh: Record Store Day is back on Saturday 12th April and we’ll be proudly presenting a mountain of exclusive vinyl releases plus a rather special selection of in-store performances celebrating some of the amazing artists we sell here in the shop. As always, we’ll have all 400+ exclusive RSD releases on sale from 8am in the shop with live sets kicking off the party from 1pm. Check the full line-up below. We hope you can join us for this worldwide celebration of Record Shop culture and all the good folk that make ’em special…music lovers unite!

Sudbury, ON | Memory Lane: Remembering when the record store was king: The Nickel City retail landscape once included at least half a dozen music stores. Times changed and those stores are long gone, so take a trip down memory lane with history writer Jason Marcon as this week he explores the stacks of retailers past. …Throughout the psychedelic 1960s and into the 1970s, record stores (both independent and chain) began to pop up, catering to the growing demand for rock and pop music. One such store was A&M Records, which opened at 27 Elgin St. North during the same month in 1969 that Mayor Fabbro busted out his saxophonist chops for the von Zubans. “We intend to sell nothing but records and stereo tapes from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. six days a week,” said Art Midgley, the 27-year-old manager of the A&M record store. The store promised the largest selection of records in the city, including everything “from Beethoven to the Beatles” along with a special section of French selections from France and Quebec and even foreign language records.

Naperville, IL | Naper Settlement partners with local record stores for Naper Nights ticket giveaway: In celebration of Record Store Day on April 12, Naper Settlement will announce the 2025 Naper Nights concert lineup and partner with five local record stores for a special concert ticket giveaway. From June to August 2025, the museum’s popular Naper Nights concerts will feature an all-new lineup of tribute performances and an exciting, nationally recognized band with several beloved hits from the 1970s. To celebrate bringing this national act to the local community, Naper Settlement is partnering with local record stores to give away free tickets to Naper Nights. Participating record stores include Purple Dog Records in Naperville, Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap in Lisle, Kiss the Sky in Batavia, Left ‘Round Records in Plainfield, and Paul Rose Records & Boutique in Plainfield.

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  • SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL INDIE SHOPS SINCE 2007


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