Record Store Day is a day that was created to help independent music shops. However, many people argue that it is actually harming these stores instead.
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 over 700 independently owned record stores in the US and thousands of similar stores internationally.
First Record Store Day
The first Record Store Day took place on April 19, 2008. Metallica spent hours at Rasputin Music in San Francisco meeting their fans and signing autographs. Since then, hundreds of artists, internationally famous and from the block, have flocked to record stores around the world for performances, signings, meet and greets, and to fill their own shopping bags with music.
Exclusive Products in Selected Independent Music Shops
Record labels and artists are releasing exclusive products only available at independent music shops on this day, and as a result, customers are flocking to these stores in order to get their hands on them. This is causing some stores to sell out of products very quickly, and it’s also preventing them from stocking other items that would normally sell well.
Record Store Day is an annual event celebrating independent record stores’ culture. On Record Store Day, fans and artists alike come together at participating stores to celebrate the music industry. This event was inaugurated in 2007 in order to bring attention to the need for support of independent record stores.
These types of stores are vital to the music industry because they provide a unique experience that cannot be found at larger chain stores. They offer a more personal touch and often carry hard-to-find items that fans are looking for. In addition, independent record stores play an important role in supporting up-and-coming artists by carrying their records and promoting their music.
Without these stores, many artists would struggle to get their music heard. Record Store Day is a great way to show support for independent record stores and the vital role they play in the music industry.
About Record Store Day
Record Store Day was created in 2007 by a group of independent record store owners and employees who wanted 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.
The First Record Store Day
The first Record Store Day took place on April 19, 2008, and today there are Record Store Day participating stores on every continent except Antarctica.
This is a day for the people who make up the world of the record store—the staff, the customers, and the artists—to come together and celebrate the unique culture of a record store and the special role these independently owned stores play in their communities. Special vinyl and CD releases and various promotional products are made exclusively for the day.
Record Store Day is an opportunity for music lovers to support their local businesses and connect with others who share their passion for music. So whether you’re a seasoned vinyl collector or a first-time record buyer, make sure to head to your local participating store on April 21st!
Record Store Day 2009
In 2009, Jesse “Boots Electric” Hughes (Eagles of Death Metal) declared himself the “Record Store Day Ambassador” as a way of shouting out how important the stores were to artists and since then Joshua Homme (Eagles of Death Metal, Them Crooked Vultures, Queens of the Stone Age), Ozzy Osbourne, Iggy Pop, Jack White, Chuck D, Dave Grohl, Metallica, St. Vincent, Run The Jewels, Pearl Jam and Brandi Carlile have worn the ceremonial sash.
Record Store Day is a day for music lovers to come together and celebrate their love of music. It is also a day for musicians to show their support for the independent record store.
These stores are an essential part of the music industry and provide a vital service to both fans and artists alike. On Record Store Day, let’s all take a moment to celebrate the culture of the independent record store.
Record Store Day 2013
Over the past 13 years, the holiday has grown exponentially, with cities across the United States declaring it an official holiday. In 2013, Co-Founder Michael Kurtz was made a Chevalier of the Ordre Des Arts et Des Letters in France, honoring Record Store Day’s contribution to the cultural and artistic life of the French people. That same year, the organizers of Record Store Day accepted the Independent Spirit Award from NARM (now the Music Biz Association).
Record Store Day 2015
In 2015, Record Store Day was named the Marketplace Ally of the Year by A2IM, an organization of independent music labels. Each year, on the third Saturday in April, music fans around the world celebrate Record Store Day by visiting their local independent record store and purchasing exclusive vinyl releases. In addition to supporting local businesses, Record Store Day provides an opportunity for music lovers to discover new artists and connect with like-minded people.
While some may see Record Store Day as a single day where people line up for exclusive releases, the organization works with both independent and major labels throughout the year. RSD Black Friday is one example of their efforts to support local stores.
By redirecting the focus of the biggest shopping day of the year, they help to spotlight the benefits of buying music from these stores. Independent stores offer a unique experience, and by supporting them we can keep this experience alive. By working together, we can keep these stores thriving for years to come.
Every year, Record Store Day brings together independent record store owners and industry professionals for two days of discussion, networking, and fun. The first day of the conference is devoted to business, with panels and workshops on topics ranging from marketing to distribution.
The second day is all about music, with performances by up-and-coming artists and DJs. In addition to being a great place to learn about the latest industry trends, Record Store Day is also a great opportunity to meet people who share your love of music. Whether you’re a record store owner or just a passionate music fan, Record Store Day is an event you won’t want to miss.
Record Store Day 2016
In 2016, Record Store Day created Summer Camp, a conference devoted to the unique business that is the independent record store. The conference provides a place for record store owners and staff to meet and interact with labels, distribution, vendors, and anyone whose work places them in the orbit of a record store.
For three days, attendees can partake in panels and networking opportunities, as well as get an up-close look at how Record Store Day operates.
Beyond that, there are showcases featuring some of the best new artists signed to independent labels, and plenty of time to just hang out and talk shop with like-minded people. In an era where the very existence of physical media is being questioned, Summer Camp is a reminder that there’s still a thriving community devoted to the love of music on wax.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in vinyl records. Thanks to the efforts of companies like Record Store Day, more people are rediscovering the joys of collecting and listening to vinyl. The Making Vinyl conference is one way that Record Store Day is helping to keep the vinyl resurgence alive. In 2017, Record Store Day was a co-host of the Making Vinyl conference.
The conference brings together the companies and individuals responsible for the production and distribution of vinyl records. It provides an opportunity for everyone involved in the industry to share best practices and find new ways to grow the market. In addition, the conference helps to educate consumers about the benefits of vinyl and how to get the most out of their collection. Thanks to conferences like this, the future of vinyl looks bright.
Record Store Day 2020 – Postponed Due to Covid
In 2020, the annual Record Store Day celebration was postponed due to the global pandemic. However, in response to the ongoing crisis, Record Store Day morphed into three RSD Drops dates, held on August 29, September 26, and October 24.
The focus of the event shifted from parties and shows to celebrate the comfort, joy, and fun that record stores bring to their customers through the music they sell. Even during a pandemic, record stores proved essential to their community, providing a much-needed source of entertainment and escapism. By supporting your local record store, you can help keep this vital institution alive and thriving.
Record Store Day Returned in 2022
Music fans rejoice! After a year of pandemic-induced isolation, Record Store Day returns in 2022 with a special one-day event on April 23. Following the success of last year’s modified event, which featured exclusive releases available only at participating stores, organizers are excited to bring back elements of the “traditional” Record Store Day experience, see also the RSD DROPS 2022 detail.
This includes live music performances, beer tastings, and other special events that will allow fans to safely enjoy the unique atmosphere of their local record store. In addition to celebrating the resiliency of independent stores, this year’s event will also focus on the importance of supporting these businesses year-round.
