Category Archives: A morning mix of news for the vinyl inclined

Chicago, IL | Record Store Culture Celebrated At Beverly Records: Crate diggers gathered at Beverly Records for Record Store Day, celebrating the special role indie record shops play in their communities. It was one of those rare confluences of holidays, like having two solar eclipses seven years apart, when the (wink-wink) 4/20 and Record Store Day fell on the same Saturday. It won’t happen again until 2030. Beverly Records, 11612 S. Western Ave., Chicago, kicked off its first RSD party in the parking lot. Although it was 43 degrees and there was a stiff Chicago wind, the vibes were warm once the music started. …There was the blacklight-lit shop in my hometown that I went to as a young teen to buy Cowsills records entering through a beaded curtain where a haze of marijuana smoke hung over the shop. The freaks who ran the place always had big smiles on their faces. My parents would have been horrified knowing I was walking into such a den of iniquity.

Kingston, ON | Call him Kingston’s real record keeper: store owner marks 44 years of music: As vinyl records enjoy resurgence thanks in part to Record Store Day, Brian Lipsin recounts 44 years of musical challenges and changes. Record Store Day is always a special day at Brian’s Record Option, the iconic and old school record store that has been a staple in downtown Kingston almost as long as the limestone itself. Only this year, the annual day of vinyl appreciation—which began in 2007 in a bid to keep the medium alive against the emerging digital music world—happened to fall on the anniversary of the day Brian’s owner, Brian Lipsin, opened his shop on April 20, 1980. Forty-four years to the day, and in many ways, for the last four-plus decades, every day has been Record Store Day for Lipsin, 72. “I planned to open at 8,” Lipsin said on Saturday inside his shop, which was bustling with activity as customers scrambled to collect the limited edition albums that have become synonymous with Record Store Day. “I didn’t want a lineup.”

Glasgow, UK | Blitzkrieg record shop in Glasgow’s East End celebrates Record Store Day: Blitzkrieg were one of several shops in Glasgow which welcomed record hunters to their shop at the weekend. Blitzkrieg shop on London Road was one of several Glasgow record shops which celebrated Record Store Day at the weekend. Shop owner Tony Gaughan spoke about his recommended albums and a bit about how Blitzkrieg were celebrating the big day. The event has been running since April 2008 and has been a huge success as it is celebrated by thousands of record shops all over the globe in what’s become the biggest new music event of the past decade. At the beginning of March, the shop in the shadows of the Barrowland Ballroom even had a special guest pop in as Kevin Armstrong was spotted at the store. Armstrong is best known for co-writing with David Bowie and also playing guitar for Iggy Pop and is not the only famous face to have popped in with Glasvegas playing a short set at Blitzkrieg to celebrate Record Store Day a couple of years ago.

Paris, FR | Paris Vinyl Sale 2024, the giant vinyl sale at the Bastille Design Center: Attention Parisian music lovers! The Paris Vinyle Sale returns to the Bastille Design Center on Sunday, May 19, 2024, with nearly 50,000 vinyl records of all kinds at low prices. For its sixth edition, the Paris Vinyl Sale returns to the Bastille Design Center, over three floors, on Sunday May 19, 2024 from 10am to 6pm. This giant vinyl braderie is an opportunity to discover incredible nuggets in all genres, eras and formats! For its sixth edition, the Paris Vinyl Sale returns to the Bastille Design Center, over three floors, on Sunday May 19, 2024 from 10am to 6pm. This giant vinyl braderie is an opportunity to discover incredible nuggets in all genres, eras and formats! At this mass destocking event, you’ll find jazz, electronic music, rock, but also pop, funk or metal, from great artists or unknown musicians, on all formats.

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Harrogate, UK | ‘Best ever’ Record Store Day for independent Harrogate shop as long line of customers forms on pavement: Queues of people lined up outside an independent Harrogate shop for Record Store Day. The owner of P&C Music at Devonshire Place on Skipton Road said this year’s celebration of vinyl records saw people waiting on the pavement on Saturday from 3am before doors opened at 8am. Hailing it the “best ever” RSD, Peter Robinson said he was hopeful his long-standing shop which, first opened 30 years ago, had received a major boost to business. “This year’s RSD was our best ever,” he said. “I met some lovely people who, I hope, will become regular customers, instead of just visiting for RSD. “It’s important because it is repeat trade which gives us the financial security to take part in Record Store Day.” More than 260 shops in the UK hosted Record Store Day 2024 an annual event launched in 2007 to “celebrate the culture of the independently-owned record store.”

Nashville, TN | Chuck Indigo, Becca Mancari, Many More Rock Out on Record Store Day: The Groove and Vinyl Tap hosted blowout shows Saturday with a massive variety of live music. Records are fun to own, and if that’s the extent of your relationship with them, that’s fine. But shopping for them at a mom-and-pop spot where humans decide what to stock and rubbing elbows with others who share your interests (or have totally different ones) add lots of layers to the experience. That creates one more way to build a community with your neighbors, and that’s what Record Store Day is really all about. The boatload of Nashville musical talent on display on what turned out to be a gorgeous Saturday, via shows at two of the many local stores taking part in the holiday, enhanced that feeling. Per tradition, Acme Radio Live organized the setup in the backyard of The Groove. Despite minor technical difficulties, Bre Kennedy proved patience is a virtue as she opened her set with “Control,” a tune from 2021’s Note to Self, and softly serenaded the crowd with songs from her latest record Scream Over Everything.

Manchester, UK | Music fans queue around the block in Manchester city centre for Record Store Day: Music lovers got up bright and early in a bid to get their hands on some rare records. There were queues around the block in Manchester city centre today as vinyl fans took part in Record Store Day. Music lovers got up bright and early in a bid to get their hands on some rare records this morning on Saturday (April 20). An exciting day for hobbyists and collectors, special vinyl releases are made exclusively for the day and many shops are set to host artist performances and events to mark the occasion. Record Store Day first started in 2007 when a gathering of record shop owners came together in the US to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture of record stores. The first event took place on April 19th, 2008, and today it is celebrated by thousands of record shops all over the globe in what’s become the biggest new music event of the past decade.

Toledo, OH | Vinyl lovers turn out for Record Store Day at Culture Clash: The scratch on this year’s Record Store Day was the chilly weather, but the group of four who showed up at 5 a.m. outside of Culture Clash Records with their own propane heater came prepared to deal with the cold. Todd Green, 61, Nathan Ables, 48, Trevor Ables, 22 and Grayson James, 12, all from the Adrian area, trekked down to Toledo before the early morning light, prepared to be first in line ahead of the 200 other patrons who would queue behind them for the limited releases associated with the event. “The first time we didn’t show up so early,” Nathan Ables, the originator of the tradition back in 2010, said. “We were way back in line, and I missed some things that I wanted. “So that’s why we started making a point to get here early.”

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Kansas City, MO | Stores, customers in Kansas City celebrate Record Store Day: Record stores across the country celebrated “Record Store Day” on Saturday. This annual music event celebrates the culture of independently owned brick-and-mortar record stores worldwide. “I got out at 3:30 this morning and waited in line, and then I got out again, so twice,” Timothy Mallon Josey Records customer said. “It’s been really good for us this year. We had people lined up and down the street around the corner,” Josey Records Sales Associate Jeannie Chism said. The first Record Store Day took place in April 2008. The goal is to support and boost sales at local shops while bringing collectors, fans, artists and employees together to celebrate the culture of brick-and-mortar record stores. “They come out with all these exclusive releases, limited pressings, first-time pressings, first-time color variants of records that you can only get by physically coming into the store on Record Store Day,” Chism explained.

London, UK | Vinyl enthusiasts spin into action on UK’s Record Store Day: It was 8.30 am (0730 GMT) and the line was growing in front of Flashback Records in the Shoreditch neighbourhood of Britain’s capital. Saturday marked the UK’s annual Record Store Day, created to support independent outlets, and vinyl enthusiasts were eager to get their hands on special reissues and new releases. The first fans arrived at 4.45 am, although the store did not open until 9 am. The excitement reflects a new golden age for vinyl, with sales thriving despite their predicted demise 20 years ago. Martin Wolyniec, 45, with a graying beard and blue eyes and accompanied by his niece Amelia, stood in the line outside the store, holding a list of specials released for the day. On it was an album by the English band Groove Armada, the duos Orbital, and Everything but the Girl, and if the pair were “lucky”, a record by the singer Kate Bush. Minutes later, after a search inside, Wolyniec emerged victorious, brandishing a square bag filled with coveted album sleeves.

Jacksonville, FL | Hundreds line up for Record Store Day at Tiger Records in Riverside: The top sellers included Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo and Paramore. Hundreds of people lined up outside a Riverside record store Saturday morning for a chance to get their hands on a special release from their favorite artist, in honor of Record Store Day. Tiger Records, like many independent record stores around the country, celebrated the 17th annual Record Store Day on Saturday. It’s typically a day for music lovers from across all genres to come out and find something they love. “Hundreds of releases all come out the same exact day. …Some people in Jacksonville waited overnight to get their hands on limited edition LPs. Siboni said he saw about 20 people in line with sleeping bags outside the store around 8 p.m. Friday. “We came in today at 7:45 to get ready, and the line was probably, maybe like, 300 deep down, down a couple blocks,” said Siboni, adding that his store sold around 1,000 records all day.

NZ | Music lovers celebrate vinyl on Record Store Day: It’s the biggest day of the year for record stores throughout the country, with music lovers out in force. Record Store Day has been held annually since 2007 to celebrate independent record stores and the music they sell. Many artists release special records to mark the day. At Real Groovy in Auckland, there was a magic show, face painting and a street party, while at Flying Out Records, local musicians including Luka Buda, Ebony Lamb and Thee Golden Geese performed in-store all day. At Aotearoa’s longest-running independent record store, Slow Boat Records in Wellington, a queue started forming at 3.15am. Co-owner Jeremy Taylor told Music 101 that Record Store Day was “actually bigger than Christmas now.” In 2023, Taylor Swift’s Folklore: The Long Pond Sessions was the hot item. This year, it was Olivia Rodrigo’s cover of Noah Kahan’s ‘Stick Season’ on 7-inch vinyl, he said.

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Boise, ID | Hundreds line up at The Record Exchange for Record Store Day: The Record Exchange offered hundreds of records only available at independent stores. Record Store Day was Saturday and hundreds of people lined up to celebrate the event outside of The Record Exchange in Downtown Boise. The store had dozens of exclusive releases you could only get in store. …Before the sun rose above downtown’s buildings, hundreds of people stood outside The Record Exchange. “We drove down the road and saw that the line wrapped around the alley and we were like, ‘We should’ve been here an hour ago,'” said Leslie, a woman waiting in line as the store opened. Saturday was an important day for The Record Exchange “It’s Record Store Day, it’s our Christmas,” said Chad Dryden, co-owner of The Record Exchange. The holiday supports independent record stores around the world. Stores like The Record Exchange get exclusive records you can only find in independent stores.

Nashville, TN | Paramore surprises fans at Grimey’s in East Nashville for Record Store Day: Alex Barry lined up at Grimey’s Records with her four best friends at 8 p.m. Friday night to be at the front of the line when the vinyl shop opened Saturday for Record Store Day. Behind Barry is a line of hundreds stretching down Trinity Lane. “It started to drizzle when we got here,” she says, “and then the rain started to come down. It was like 2 a.m. so those of us in line marked ourselves and waited in our cars in the parking lot.” Running on three hours of sleep, the Belmont student couldn’t wait for 10 a.m. to come soon enough. She wanted to get her hands on a Paramore record. The band of Hayley Williams, Taylor York and Zac Farro is the opening act for Taylor Swift on the Eras Tour. The trio will dazzle for 51 shows across Europe, but today they are the Global Ambassadors for Record Store Day, a title Swift had in 2022. “I love Paramore,” Barry says unaware they are waiting inside ready to surprise fans.

Billings, MT | Cameron Records in Billings celebrates Record Store Day: The organization, Record Store Day, started an annual celebratory day in 2007 to shine a light on independent record stores around the world. This year, Record Store Day fell on Saturday. “We’re participating in it,” said T.J Goodwin, the owner of Cameron Records. “They partner with labels to put out exclusive records. Some of them may have never been on vinyl before. You just have to go in person.” Goodwin’s owned Cameron Records on Central Avenue for 5 years. He said it’s always been a dream of his to own an independent store that focuses on getting people together to talk about music. “We’ve been coming here for awhile now,” said Rock and Barb Mclean, two regular customers of Cameron Records. Rock said he had a collection of records he sold back when he was moving, and is now trying to get that collection back with the help of the store. “I regretted selling them the second after they were gone. I’m happy that now I can come in the store and get the collection back for myself.

Chicago, IL | Chicagoans build community while seeking special vinyl on Record Store Day: On Saturday, music-lovers visited local record stores for their favorites among more than 380 exclusive releases, including projects from Pearl Jam, David Bowie, the Beatles and Paramore. For some Dusty Groove customers, Record Store Day began with coffee, doughnut holes and a magician. On Saturday, dozens lined up outside the record store at 1120 N. Ashland Ave., which provided the free refreshments and entertainment before opening its doors at 7 a.m. By 10 a.m., the store was still humming with activity as vinyl-lovers sought out their favorites from the more than 380 exclusive releases, which included popular projects from Olivia Rodrigo and Noah Kahan, Pearl Jam, David Bowie, the Beatles and Record Store Day ambassador Paramore. But for many customers, the 17th annual celebration of independent record stores was more about community-building and nostalgia rather than the special titles. Several mentioned the joy in spending time with loved ones, meeting new people and reminiscing about the past.

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UK | Record Store Day 2024 set to boost indie retailers by almost £10m: Record Store Day is expected to deliver a £9.7 million boost to indie record shops as it returns this weekend. Taking place on Saturday, April 20, the event will see 443 exclusive releases hit independent stores, with the £9.7m figure an estimation by ERA of their total sales value. ERA analysis does not include non-RSD titles, food, drink or other items. ERA estimated that Record Store Day releases accounted for nearly 10% of annual sales of all physical music product through High Street stores in 2023. Last month, ERA announced that indie store numbers have hit a 10 year high. ERA CEO Kim Bayley said: “Record Store Day is a cultural phenomenon which draws in tens of thousands of music fans across the country, but it is also a financial lifeline for a vital element of music’s unique ecosystem. Without Record Store Day, many would find it difficult to stay in business.

Record Store Day is about more than just the releases: A lot of music fans will be lining up at independent record stores across the country for Record Store Day on Saturday, April 20, but the day is about more than just landing that special release. “It’s almost like Record Store Day is two different days in one,” RSD co-founder Carrie Colliton tells ABC Audio. “In the morning, it’s all about, ‘Oh, I got this special treasure.’ … But the second half of the day is a party, and a celebration of stores and what they do in the community all year long.” RSD started in 2007 and artists like Metallica, Dave Grohl and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy were early supporters, but for RSD co-founder Michael Kurtz, it was when Paul McCartney emailed them after an in-store appearance that he knew they had made it. Kurtz notes, “That was the moment I think we all were like, ‘Holy crap, one of the Beatles likes us,’” adding it made them realize they “must be doing something right.”

Philadelphia, PA | Look what’s happening in Philly on Record Store Day 2024: Check out some special events at local stores, including ones where you’ll find free copies of XPN’s Homegrown Originals Volume 2. You know it: this Saturday is Record Store Day. The annual holiday celebrates independently owned record stores and brings together fans, artists, and local businesses around the world. Many Philly establishments are joining the fun and continuing the yearly event with exclusive sales, live music, and more. To add to the excitement, WXPN’s Homegrown Originals is back with its second volume with support from Dogfish Head. Featuring a slew of Philly artists, the limited vinyl will be available as a free gift with purchases at select independent record stores in and around Philly, all of which are listed below Don’t miss out on your chance to score Homegrown Originals Volume 2, and check out all the events going on – this Record Store Day is shaping out to be one to remember, and not just because it falls on 4/20.

Miami, FL | 8 Best Record Stores in Miami: From hip-hop to jazz and rock to electronica, Miami has a plethora of record stores catering to every kind of vinyl aficionado. Miami is one of the best places in the U.S. for record collectors. Sustained by a buzzing DJ scene and a class of shop owners who know the city’s scene well, South Florida’s outstanding options for diggers and vinyl fans rival, and even surpass, those of bigger cities. Specialty shops for dance music, reggae, and high-quality vinyl can be found in Miami, along with multigenre and community-oriented spaces that understand the unifying power of music in a diverse city. Here are the eight best record stores in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, in alphabetical order. Start digging!

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Nashville, TN | Your Quick-Reference Guide to Record Store Day 2024 in Nashville: A brief rundown of special releases and happenings at local independent record retailers. Audiophiles and analog enthusiasts rejoice, for 2024’s edition of Record Store Day is right around the corner! Since 2008, RSD has been championing independent record stores and local music communities around the country and beyond. This year’s celebration falls on Saturday, April 20, and we’ve got details on the exclusive releases offered on the day and where around town you can find them. This year’s RSD ambassadors are our Nashville neighbors, Paramore, who became newly independent after their decades-long contract with Atlantic Records ended late last year. Following tradition, the band has a few RSD exclusives of their own.

Washington, DC | Vinyl shops around DC to celebrate Record Store Day with exclusives and concerts: There’s no feeling quite like dropping the needle of a turntable on the smooth vinyl of a record and embarking on a sonic journey with your favorite album. Record Store Day, which falls on April 20 this year, is an annual celebration of independent record stores observed by hoards of vinyl collectors in search of RSD-exclusive editions by artists from Charlie Parker to Sabrina Carpenter. Participating stores select from a list of about 400 RSD-specific editions to sell for the holiday, some pairing highly sought-after records with giveaways and live performances. Pioneered in 2007 by Baltimore-based record store owners, RSD aims to reignite the frenzy for vinyl at brick-and-mortar stores, especially after a decrease in vinyl sales in the ‘90s and early 2000s. Record stores across the District are celebrating the holiday with exclusive performances and special-edition vinyls.

FL | Record Store Day is Saturday. Here’s what Florida stores are participating, what records to grab: Christmas Day for music snobs, vinyl collectors and dedicate fanbases is almost here. Are you ready for it? Record Store Day is back for its 17th year on Saturday, April 20, when dozens of exclusive new releases and reissues will be available from musicians, from Fleetwood Mac to Sabrina Carpenter. USA TODAY writes the annual event − typically held on the third Saturday in April − has served as a treat for core vinyl owners and an introduction for newer digital-age music fans. “Record Store Day was conceived in 2007 at a gathering of independent record store owners and employees as a way to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture surrounding nearly 1400 independently-owned record stores in the US and thousands of similar stores internationally,” their website writes.

Stroud, UK | Stroud gets into the Record Store Day groove: This Saturday, April 20th, is Record Store Day 2024 (RSD), an event which celebrates the UK’s independent record shops. Sound Records in George Street, run by Tom Berry, will once again be joining in – one of only two stores in the whole of Gloucestershire. Sean Roe’s Klang Tone Records in Lansdown hasn’t signed up for RSD but has plans to mark the day. “I’ll be putting out around 200 records especially held back for the day – rarities and unusual LPs – I’ll promote on Instagram in the week leading up to the day, and we also have live sessions in the shop,” said Sean. The first of the two free live performances takes place at 4.30pm and features Louis Giannamore, composer, artist and drummer. His debut LP World Tour! Is a catalogue of songs created using only iPhone memos and field recordings, recorded on tour, across several countries and continents in 2023.

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Boise, ID | Get in line for Record Store Day at The Record Exchange: Get ready to queue up! The Record Exchange, Idaho’s “largest independent music store, steadfastly expanding Idaho’s musical boundaries since 1977,” is celebrating Record Store Day with a l-o-n-g weekend-long celebration starting on Thursday, April 18 until Sunday, April 20. The Record Exchange has been celebrating Record Store Day since 2008 during the Great Recession. It was originally created to remind communities of the joys of gathering to share the experience of music in a record store. Exclusive records are released throughout the weekend, much to the delight of vinyl lovers and spin doctors who wait for the annual event with much anticipation.

Liverpool, UK | Liverpool to host one of the UK’s biggest Record Store Day events next week: Record collectors across the north-west will be delighted to learn that one of the biggest Record Store Day events is being held in Liverpool next week. Record Store Day is an annual event where independent record stores across the UK feature exclusive vinyl releases. You’ll find never-before-released albums, reissues of rare classics, and alternative versions of fan favourites. Liverpool’s own Jacaranda Record Store is gearing up to host one of the UK’s biggest Record Store Day events. At 8:00 AM, Jacaranda Record Store on Slater Street will open its doors, allowing people to get their favourite Record Store Day finds. In the past, eager fans have lined up from the early hours of the morning to ensure they get exactly what they’re after. Those who arrive early this year will receive more than just a guarantee they get their desired Record Store Day picks.

Landsdowne, PA | Record Store Day at Vinyl Revival: Vinyl Revival celebrates Record Store Day, the international day to celebrate the culture of the independently owned record store, on April 20, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Vinyl Revival will stock titles that are Record Store Day Exclusives, RSD First titles, and Small Run/Regional Titles. As part of the Record Store Day celebration, there will be a pop-up shop featuring rock ‘n’ roll pillows by Tamme Handmade. Each item is lovingly made by textile artist Tamme McClelland whose creative imagination goes into every design. Receive free Record Store Day promotional merch with a $50 purchase while supplies last. Enjoy complimentary light refreshments and drinks. Additionally, everyone who makes a purchase will receive a coupon for 20% off a future purchase (some restrictions apply). Here’s how the line works…

UK | Some Scottish vinyl to tempt fans on Record Store Day: It’s Record Store Day next Saturday and on Thursday I finally bit the bullet and started opening all the boxes that have been arriving over the last week. We don’t order the vast amount of stock favoured by some shops but we still had more than 40 boxes to open with a few more to arrive. Scottish bands are not particularly well represented and the bigger Scottish labels don’t really get involved in Record Store Day these days but there are still some interesting releases tempting folk to get involved. The most Avalanche related release comes from The Gentle Waves, which was the solo project of Isobel Campbell, then of Belle and Sebastian. Swansong For You was her second album originally released in 2000 and not pressed on vinyl since that time.

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Toledo, OH | Out for a spin: Record Store Day promises exclusives on vinyl. Twenty years of Culture Clash. More than 30 years of Allied Record Exchange. Five years of No Noise Records and Hi Fi. This year is a big year for Toledo area record stores, and Record Store Day, which will be held April 20, promises to be a hit for vinyl enthusiasts. Record Store Day, founded in 2008 by a consortium of independent record stores, is an international annual celebration of the distinctive culture surrounding indie music stores. The day is marked by exclusive music releases (mostly on vinyl) only for sale on Record Store Day. Toledo’s record stores are preparing for Record Store Day in a variety of ways.

UK | Record Store Day 2024: Why I’ll be battling the crowds and heading to these Scottish vinyl hotspots on 20 April. “It’s a ritual that connects the listener with the artist and their creation in a way that a remotely-hosted data file never will.” Over-hyped. Over-commercialised. Way too busy. Almost two decades since the decks began spinning, has Record Store Day become a victim of its own success? This year’s main event takes place on Saturday 20 April and no doubt queues will be forming outside some of the 270-odd UK record stores that will be participating hours before their doors open to fans and collectors. The RSD concept originated stateside in 2007 with the first official event taking place a year later, before the revival went global. …Of course, some of us never stopped buying albums, even when their existence appeared threatened by the advent of the CD in the early 80s and, more recently, by flat-fee or even free streaming services. However, the current vinyl renaissance appears to be underpinned by younger generations discovering the delights of spinning a 12-inch piece of plastic.

Boise, ID | National Record Store Day brings new sounds and friends: “To share music is to kind of share the expression of how you live your life. It’s the same thing, that’s why we share food, art, music, all sorts of things. It’s an extension of all our personalities too,” says Derek Anderson, the owner of Modern Sounds Vinyl and Music. …Vinyl sales are currently at an all time high. Nearly fifty million units were sold in 2023, marking a 14% increase in sales. …National Record Store Day is not only about purchasing new vinyl. Many local record shops host events to honor the day, and it is a great time for community to come together. “Record Store Day is super important.” Derek Anderson adds, “The people that started it knew the record format was at its absolute lowest when people began consuming music on the go. You lose so much when you’re not able to hold and have that tangible item…”

Birmingham, AL | Your guide to Record Store Day in Birmingham, April 20: Record Store Day 2024 is right around the corner, and Birmingham’s two record stores—Seasick Records and Renaissance Records—have a lot planned! Read on to learn more about Record Store Day 2024 + where to celebrate in Birmingham. Held annually since 2007, Record Store Day was created to “celebrate the culture of the independently owned record store” and bring together the people who make up the world of the record store—the staff, their customers and the artists. Participating record stores often put on their own festivities, including live performances, giveaways, cookouts and more. One of the biggest draws to Record Store Day are the limited edition, special releases. Ranging from artists big and small and in a variety of different formats—vinyl, CDs, cassettes and more—these special releases are only available at participating record stores.

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Indianapolis, IN | In shop’s 30th anniversary year, Luna Music gears up for Record Store Day: Luna Music owner Todd Robinson said a human connection accompanies the 21st-century vinyl revival, a trend that gained steam because collectors appreciated the large format and robust sound quality of records when compared to compact discs. Robinson’s shop at 5202 N. College Ave. was closed to the public for 525 days during the pandemic. When Luna reopened, Robinson noticed generations of music fans sharing experiences in the store’s aisles. “I ran into it yesterday,” he said. “A father was pulling out a record and showing it to his daughters, saying, ‘I listened to this when I was your age.’ We didn’t get a lot of that with CD, which was fine. I don’t think I counted on that shared connection when vinyl came back.” Record Store Day, the cultural/consumer holiday at the heart of vinyl’s resurgence, is scheduled for April 20. As always, Luna will celebrate Record Store Day by selling limited-edition titles indoors and by presenting an afternoon of live music outdoors.

Los Angeles, CA | Live DJ sets! Freebies! Exclusive drops! 12 L.A. shops going big for Record Store Day: 420 isn’t just for stoners. This year, Record Store Day — the worldwide celebration for independent record shops that typically happens every third Saturday of April — falls on the storied day. Across Los Angeles County, audiophiles and vinyl collectors will converge at participating stores to search for one-of-a-kind wax and CD releases by artists new and old, along with other one-of-a-kind items. Even in the age of Spotify, vinyl records have stayed in demand — more than 43 million people bought vinyl records last year, according to the Recording Industry Assn. of America (RIAA). …For people like Young and Mathieu Schreyer, a music supervisor and former KCRW DJ, every day is Record Store Day. But Schreyer, who’s been DJing for two decades, says he understands the value in having an intentional day to patronize local vinyl shops. “We can’t just diss Spotify and then not participate and support when it’s needed,” he says. “I think it’s important to support the record stores and the culture.”

Dallas, TX | What is your favorite local record store in Dallas? Record Store Day is approaching. Music Lovers around the nation rejoice as Record Store Day is right around the corner. On April 20, music lovers and collectors will celebrate the culture of independently owned record stores. Usually, stores will host events that are used to showcase the different types of artists, local talent, music and record stores in the area. Stores will release titles from the RSD 2024 Official List as part of their celebration. These are usually special edition records that will be released and available on RSD. You can find the full list of artists here. If you’re looking forward to celebrating here in Dallas, you’re in for a treat. Dead Wax Dallas has released their list of records that will be updated regularly leading up to RSD. These records include Alex Chilton’s “Cliches,” which will be the first time ever that the album is available on vinyl. Spinster Records in Oak Cliff has also started posting about their releases for Record Store Day. On April 20 there will be limited edition sales as well as local live music and a Go Easy Pop-up Shop starting at 8 p.m. It’s a lo-fi kinda night.

Detroit, MI | Music fans tune in to Record Store Day: The spirit of independent record stores will make music on Record Store Day, set for April 20 this year. Record Store Day, held internationally, was launched in 2007 to give employees and customers the chance to gather and celebrate the culture of the indie record store, including those that sell used and new titles. The event can trigger feelings of nostalgia for anyone who grew up listening to vinyl on their parents’ turntables or met up with friends at the neighborhood shop in their youth. It’s also a day on which artists release new music or re-release albums and CDs that have been out of print or previously weren’t available. That could include music from current bands and also from groups no longer together. Some titles are limited releases. From the mainstream to the obscure, Record Store Day will have artists from all genres: classic rock, rap, blues, jazz, punk and country. Each individual record store owner decides what titles to order.

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Oslo, NO | A GoFundMe Has Been Launched for Oslo Black Metal Landmark and Record Store Neseblod: A GoFundMe has been launched to aid the owners of Neseblood Records rebuild and recover following the fire that wiped out the Black Metal Landmark! Launched by Metal industry lifer and extreme music champion Darren Toms, the campaign has already raised 1/3 of the goal of £20,000 in less than 24 hours. See the link below and donate if you can. According to a published report by VG News in Norway, Oslo record store Neseblod Records has suffered a fire and a major loss of business. As of now, it is unknown how extensive the damage is, but in the article, the owners feared a total loss, especially historic memorabilia from the store and the first and second wave Black Metal scene. Originally known as Helvete (“Hell”) the record store was owned by Øystein “Euronymous” Aarseth.

Milwaukee, WI | Lilliput Records has big plans for this year’s Record Store Day: During last year’s Record Store Day festivities, Lilliput Records—an independent record retailer owned and operated by former Exclusive Company managers in the same property (1669 N. Farwell Ave.) that its predecessor called home for more than 30 years—went above and beyond for its first installment of the consumer holiday. With another RSD on the horizon, owners Tanner Musgrove and Brian Kirk have even bigger and better plans for this year’s edition. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, Lilliput plans to host a day full of live music, DJ sets, a pop-up cafe, raffles for concert tickets and other goodies, and the chance to score some goodies related to the other holiday being celebrated that day. Oh, the store will also have some new Record Store Day releases on hand and will be offering sales on a variety of non-RSD releases all day long. There are a lot of aspects of Lilliput’s Record Store Day celebration, so we’re just going to go point-by-point.

Philadelphia, PA | Spring’s Record Store Day has a lot of Philly in the mix: The twice-a-year tribute to vinyl that is Record Store Day is always a worthwhile treat — and its Spring iteration is right around the corner. Though officially, Record Store Day is Saturday, April 20, it is important to start the ball rolling now, as every independent record store has limited supplies of each already limited-edition product. And this go-around, there are plenty of local treasures in the mix. Here is a breakdown of the best Philadelphia and New Jersey-related artists selling Record Store Day rarities in their hometown.

Mill Valley, CA | For the Record: Marin’s longest-running indie record store: A long-lost art form unto itself, the thrill of digging for vinyl records is slowly making a comeback. The idea of finding that live Weather Report vinyl one only heard about or that long out-of-print King Biscuit Flower Hour 10cc live CD—sometimes after an hour or more of looking in every crevice and open box—is still very much a lure for many audiophiles. Unlike the stale experience of going to Best Buy, Wherehouse or Sam Goody nearly 30 years ago, independent stores like Gary Scheuenstuhl’s Mill Valley Music thrive on the experience over the end purchase. At his store, it’s not uncommon to find many un-priced records, so a discussion and possibly even a little price haggling can occur. Nestled on Miller Street, a high-traffic roadway leading both into town and back to the 101 freeway, Mill Valley Music is one of those rare stores where music lovers can freely talk amongst themselves about vinyl inserts, CD liner notes, upcoming concerts, gigs in the past and anything else music-related.

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Brooklyn, NY | A new record store is coming to Brooklyn’s ‘coolest street.’ Park Slope’s Fifth Avenue continues to be “one of the coolest” in the world with a new addition coming to the popular street — a record store. Sterling Record will offer an extensive inventory of vinyl records, books, T-shirts, turntables, CDs, music accessories, and a curated selection of music memorabilia. The owners, Ray and Gary, want to cater to both avid vinyl collectors and newbie music enthusiasts. Vince Clarke, a legendary musician and one of the founding members of several English synth-pop bands, is a major investor in the store and hopes to get doors open by May 19, Brooklyn Paper reports. The store will also offer coffee, a small selection of pastries, and in-store events. Live music performances and artist showcases at Sterling Record will also be possible thanks to a partnership with Maker Park Radio, a Staten Island non-profit radio station.

Melbourne, AU | Free beer and live music: Wah Wah Records is doing Record Store Day right: Vinyl-lovers’ favourite day of the year is back, and it’s back with a bang at Wah Wah Records. After another revolution around the sun, we’re going to celebrate with some revolutions of a different beat. 33 1/3 rpm to be precise. Wah Wah Records is throwing one awesome party to celebrate those who make the independent record industry so special in Australia, so if you’re looking for somewhere to browse, boogie and binge amazing music this April 20, we’ve got you covered. Record Store Day is a national day of celebration in record stores across the country, aiming to unite music lovers and, more specifically, record lovers. Various record stores will host parties of their own and Wah Wah Records’ is set to be a banger! The day promises to highlight independent record stores across the nation, placing the spotlight on an industry that is thriving throughout Melbourne.

Te Puke, NZ | Blackbird Records opening in Te Puke this week: Shopping for records is about to become a busman’s holiday for Te Puke’s Justin and Angela Bruning. When they were running Te Puke’s Marigold Cafe, one of the couple’s few recreational activities was hunting for records. “When we had the cafe, probably our one outing was, we’d be going vinyl shopping,’’ says Angela. Now the cafe has new owners and they are about to become vinyl sellers with Blackbird Records at 132 Jellicoe St opening on Friday. While the shop will also sell CDs and possibly a few “little gifty things as well as a few plants” its mainstay will be new and second-hand records. Angela says they felt the time was right to open the shop because of the increasing popularity of records. “I don’t know if it’s since Covid and people have gone back to appreciating basic things in life, but people seem to want to have physical copies of music again,” she says.

Gloucestershire, UK | 9 best independent record stores in Gloucestershire: Whether you’re just discovering the joy of putting on a crisp new vinyl record, or you’re a seasoned LP collector, SoGlos rounds up the best independent record stores in Gloucestershire — just in time for Record Store Day! Turn up the music for Record Store Day on Saturday 20 April 2024, with Gloucestershire record shops armed and ready with cool collections of rare and classic vinyl waiting to go under the needle or take pride of place on display. From well-known and well-loved stores to secret musical treasure troves, you’ll be sure to find a harmonious haunt near you in SoGlos’s round-up.

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Newton Abbot, UK | Store celebrates independent record shops day: An independent record store in Newton Abbot is preparing to celebrate all things vinyl for this year’s Record Store Day. Phoenix Sounds will be throwing open its doors on Saturday April 20 from 8am for the annual event which supports independent music shops. Known for its eclectic mix of music, Phoenix Records is poised to offer a range of exclusive releases from Kate Bush to Neil Young. Owner Roger Cox and his team have planned a series of live performances at the Queen Street shop on the day. Roger said: ‘We are eagerly anticipating Record Store Day. ‘This will be our second year and it is a chance to revel in our love for music and to offer some truly unique and sought-after releases. ‘Since it started, Record Store Day has really shown how much independent record stores mean to music lovers and communities everywhere.’ Performing on the day will be local singer Olivia Rose and Steve Cooper will be attending with his ‘Retrospective’ DJ set.

Yorkshire, UK | Country’s oldest vinyl only shop celebrates 30th anniversary with record release and sale: After 30 years Steve Mathie is still in the groove. The owner of Spin It Records runs what’s thought to the country’s oldest vinyl only record shop. Steve, from Hatfield, who has a stall on Hull’s Trinity Market, discovered at school that vinyl could be a good business. “I was 13 and I had a single, Kung Fu Fighting, and one of my class friends wanted it – he offered me three Elvis singles and two posters for the single. I thought there was a business to be had here.” Steve has since survived vinyl dipping out of popularity, when people were only buying CDs, recessions and most recently Covid. These days it’s not just the middle-aged rediscovering their passion for vinyl and rebuilding scratched collections. Younger fans have also caught the bug. Steve says they want “something tangible to hold and talk about”. They go for 1980s music – Duran Duran, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Spandau Ballet. He said: “Ten years ago the average age of the customers must have been 47—now it’s 27.”

Tavistock, UK | Tavistock vinyl shop tunes up for celebration: A Tavistock record shop owner is advising vinyl lovers to get up early on Record Store Day, Saturday, April 20, as queues for specially pressed recordings are likely to be in high demand. John Chapple, who runs Rival Records in Paddons Row, will be one of 250 independent record shops from all over the UK are expected to take part, with thousands more celebrating across the globe in what’s become one of the biggest events in the music calendar. Some shops will have live music on Record Store Day and all will have an exciting range of exclusive and limited-edition releases. The recordings are often previously unreleased live sets on sometimes novelty vinyl, such as light-up plastic. John, who used to manage an HMV shop, said: “Interest in vinyl has boomed, not only among older people like me who are reliving their youth and seen the fall and rise of vinyl, but also among young people who have never seen vinyl before.”

Stratford, CA | Sound Fixation celebrates new downtown home: Popular Stratford record store in midst of moving from previous Market Square location. A beloved Stratford record store will be opening its doors once again on April 20 in a brand-new location in the city’s downtown. Sound Fixation will be celebrating its grand reopening at at 4 George St. W. with Giving Thanks 420xRSD Dance Party, a special event being held in partnership with the Revival Vinyl Society crew at the Revival House. The free April 20 event will feature vinyl DJ sets from the Revival Vinyl Society, so attendees should expect lots of great music, dancing and fun. The party will also help mark Sound Fixation’s move from its previous location beside Allen’s Alley in Market Square to its new home. Trevor Worsell, the owner of Sound Fixation, got unexpected news in early March that Sound Fixation would have to move.

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Lehigh Valley, PA | Record Store Day in the Lehigh Valley: 2 local shops picked to carry exclusive WXPN vinyl: An exclusive vinyl copy of live recordings by some of eastern Pennsylvania’s best, but maybe lesser known, musicians will be available for one day only on April 20 for free. While you’re making your annual pilgrimage to your favorite music shop on Record Store Day, don’t miss hitting up either of the only two Lehigh Valley record stores selected to carry WXPN’s Homegrown Originals: Vol 2. Like its predecessor Homegrown Originals, Vol 2 is a compilation of exclusive live recordings on vinyl by Philadelphia-rooted artists taped for The Key Studio Sessions, WXPN radio’s weekly music scene series, and the Free At Noon concert series. The double-sided, 10-track album features music by Greater Philadelphia area artists who specialize in blending. Pop, R&B, indie, rock and punk all make up the happy host of genres reflected in the album and the sound of today’s underground music scene in this part of the world.

Brooklyn, NY | Record store backed by Erasure, Depeche Mode’s Vince Clarke coming to Park Slope: Enjoy the silence while you can Park Slope, there’s a new record store opening on Fifth Avenue next month, promising to be a haven for music aficionados of all ages. Sterling Records, a passion project of owner Gary Giddens and backed by synth-pop legend Vince Clarke — one of the founding members of Depeche Mode, Yazoo and Erasure — is aiming to open its doors and have records spinning by May 19, just in time for the annual Fifth Avenue street fair. Giddens, also the owner of nearby bar Gowanus Gardens, was first encouraged to follow his teenage dream of opening a record store by Clarke, his long-time friend. He said Clarke’s decision to come on board early as an investor got the ball rolling on making Sterling Records a reality. “I’m really excited to be involved with Gary’s project, an opportunity to share our passion for music, history, vinyl and the art of audio,” Clarke said in a statement to Brooklyn Paper.

Abertillery , UK | Kenny’s Vinyl Vault to open vegan café in Abertillery: Owned by Jo and Kenny Kendrick, Kenny’s Vinyl Vault, is nothing short of a success story with the business expanding from 15 High Street to 21 Church Street. The new shop will see the addition of a vegan café alongside thousands of new and pre – loved vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and Blu Rays. Mrs Kendrick will also continue her tarot readings where guests can also buy beautiful, responsibly sourced crystals and jewellery. In a true family affair, the couple’s three children Pippa, Carriad Kendrick and Tobey Kendrick are involved in the business. Mr Kendrick said: “The business will continue to be a vinyl shop and there will be a lot more music-based things in store such as record signings. Whilst Jo will continue to focus on the tarot readings and crystals. “We have built up a good following and are really excited about the addition of the café.”

Kansas City, MO | Manor Records settles into new home it hopes will be ‘anchor’ for Kansas City music scene: Manor Records, the nonprofit record label aimed at helping local musicians fund their work, is opening a new storefront on Troost Avenue. The record store will offer a small stage for concerts and a space for music lessons in the back. The foundation is celebrating its grand opening Friday with a concert. For the past month, a modest storefront next to an ice cream shop at 55th Street and Troost Avenue has been under wraps. Behind the brown paper, Shaun Crowley, the founder and president of Manor Records, has been hard at work creating his latest venture for the nonprofit record label that nurtures local talent. Crowley started the nonprofit in 2017, with concerts first in a rented house in Shawnee, then moving to a cafe in Strawberry Hill and later a basement space in the West Bottoms. On Troost, he’s doubled the retail space where he will sell used records. This time, Crowley thinks he has the right business model.

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Ellensberg, WA | A rare find in Ellensberg: An amazing used record shop. I promised you something special in Ellensburg and here it is. On my way home from my trip to Yakima last weekend I stopped in Ellensburg to visit a guitar shop that turned out to not be in business anymore. (At least not in Ellensburg.) and stumbled on a used record store. Old Skool’s. 308 N Main. The store has been in its current location for about 18 years. Moved. After moving from a previous location 7 years before. The proprietor is Carroll Cox. Music lover and collector. Before starting this business, she worked in social services, and one day she decided she needed a change. The first impression you get when you’re looking in from outside is “This is just a little bit trippy, let’s go take a peek.” Then when you walk in, the first thing you see is records everywhere, piled on the floor and racks, leaning against the wall. There’s a huge selection all used. (she can special order new for you as well). There is a stereo set up behind the counter playing something.

Asheville, NC | The Record Store: Neighborhood, Community, and Celebrations in the Blue Ridge Mountains: A profile of Harvest Records in Asheville, North Carolina. In the early 2000s, Matt Schnable and Mark Capon were pals attending James Madison University in Virginia. They knew they wanted to launch a venture after finishing school, and they decided on a record shop. “But we were also hoping to create a space beyond just selling records,” Capon recalls. “In college, we were involved with promoting shows and with the college radio station community. And community appealed to us as much as retail.” Schnable concurs. “Going against some preconceived notions of record stores, we wanted to create a comfortable environment where people could hang out, meet up, exchange, be a part of something.” They decided on Asheville, North Carolina, a hip city of under 100,000 in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Bowling Green, OH | Family dream comes true with the opening of Goat Records in downtown BG: A dream shared by a father and son has come to fruition in the opening of Goat Records in downtown Bowling Green. Radio professional Mark Gedert, 57, has spent a lot of time, and money, at record stores, since he first fell in love with music lying in front of his family hi fi console. His son, Alex Gedert, 27, picked up that love from his father, as a young teen scouring his father’s collections for audio treasures and accompanying on vinyl hunting trips. The younger Gedert worked for Allied Records for six years. Not surprisingly they’ve been spinning around the idea of opening their own used record store for about five years. …“It really comes down to a love of records,” Alex said. He’s the manager of the store. Family friend Phil Brice will also work in the store.

Scotland, UK | Record Store Day 2024 in Scotland: When is it, shops, available records, how to buy, and can you buy online Vinyl is now outselling CDs for the first time in over 35 years – meaning that this year’s event celebrating the reinvigorated music medium is likely to be more popular than ever. Record Store Day has become a major event for vinyl lovers since the inaugural event in the US in 2007 sold barely more than 10 different limited edition pressings by artists including Death Cab for Cutie, R.E.M. and Stephen Malkmus. Now over 200 independent record stores across the UK take part each year, selling thousands of copies of exclusive vinyl, from new releases to old classics. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s event.

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Fort Myers, FL | Record Store Day in SWFL: What to expect and where to go. Get ready for exclusive vinyl and free stuff. Record Store Day is just around the corner. This music-centric holiday is an occasion to celebrate local music businesses and to be able to grab exclusive, one-of-a-kind records. April 20th will mark the event’s 17th birthday. How is Southwest Florida celebrating, you may ask? …Stellar Records is excited to celebrate its first Record Store Day. They plan to open at 8:30 a.m. and their event will contninue through 6:30 p.m. The store, located on Cleveland Avenue was established September 2023 during a vinyl emergence and within a strong local music scene. Owner Liz Cochran can’t wait for April 20. According to her, the first 30 customers will get a Stellar Records tote bag. Also… “We’re giving away a record player and a prize pack. That’s for everybody, anybody who comes in at any point during the day,” Cochran said.

London, UK | Record Store Day 2024: Where to celebrate in London. After two years of being a fairly subdued matter, Record Store Day is back in full force this Saturday (April 23) for the festival’s 15th anniversary, with more than 260 independent record shops getting in on the act. In addition to all the special-edition releases that are coming out to mark RSD, there will also be a whole programme of events taking place at the weekend: live music, day-parties, DJ sets, prizes, limited edition goodies, signed copies of records, and more. London is absolutely bursting with incredible record shops, so if you’re not sure where to start, check out our guide to the city’s best record shops. Then, here’s our breakdown of the best events taking place on Saturday. Bear in mind that queues are likely, and if you can book ahead, we’d advise you do so to avoid disappointment on the day.

Indianola, IA | West Wing Vinyls: Indianola’s “happy place.” Indianola has many things to offer: Beautiful parks, a great shopping center in the Indianola town square, and plenty of restaurants. One thing that Indianola local Suzanne Hack thought was missing was a vinyl and CD shop. Located on West 2nd Avenue in Indianola, Hack opened West Wing Vinyls, the first women-ran music shop in Iowa, in November of 2023. They wanted to make sure that they were open before the holiday season. Since opening, Hack has felt very welcomed by the community. “I knew it, and Indianola knew that we needed a record store,” she said. Prior to being a record store, it was a mechanical shop, and the biggest question Hack faced was: “How am I going to turn this into a music shop?” Hack knew that she wanted a smaller shop up front with more of a storage area in the back. She was able to use the old office space as the main part of the shop and has the rest of the vinyls, CDs and cassettes cataloged in the back so she is able to grab them for customers who ask.

Huntsville, AL | Record Store Day in Huntsville + 1 shop with exclusive sales: Record Store Day is coming up on Saturday, April 20th! This exciting holiday celebrates the staff, customers and artists at independent record stores across the country and internationally. The first Record Store Day was held on April 19, 2008. To celebrate, participating stores will be stocked with products like exclusively colored discs and never-pressed-before releases. Browse the list of titles and start making your shopping lists now—these releases will be selling fast! Keep in mind that not all titles are guaranteed to be held at all stores. Vertical House Records: Vertical House Records is located at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment and is owned and operated by a husband-wife duo passionate about all things music. You can shop a popular range of LPs, cassettes, CDs, turntables, stereo equipment and, of course, Record Store Day exclusives…

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