Supporting a local record store should be something everyone is aware of. Record Store Day was created to bring attention away from online shopping and back to supporting small businesses. Every April 12, vinyl collectors and shop owners get together to support musicians across the globe with a day of exclusive drops and limited edition pressings.
Beginning in 2008, and originating in Mountain View California, RSD is a great way for fans to give back to the music community and support their favorite artists.
Each year, the RSD list comes out, adding to the anticipation for the day in April when these titles are released in stores around the world, leading to music fans lining up outside of these stores for a chance to snag one of the few records as soon as they are released.
This year, ambassadors like Post Malone for the United States and Sam Fender for the UK, have brought more attention to the “holiday” with their fans taking this event more seriously than in the past few years. Both artists had a title in this year’s list, with Malone releasing a “Post Malone Tribute to Nirvana” LP and Fender releasing a “Me and the Dog” EP.
Music lovers flocked to stores for a chance to purchase some of these incredible records, some even lining up hours before the stores opened up themselves.
Personally, I have always loved RSD and have been collecting records for about seven years now, participating in about five releases. This year I made my way to Good Taste Record in the North End to try my luck at getting at least a few of the titles on my list.
With their event starting at nine in the morning, I was in line at about 8:30 a.m. with high hopes and tired eyes while waiting in line outside in the rain. A little bit of rain couldn’t bring the spirits of fans down when they all were just hoping for a chance to mark the names off of their lists.
I went in with a few titles in mind but mainly hoping for the limited Fender EP, The Cure’s pressing of “The Head on the Door” and the live Talking Heads record.
Every so often, one of the store owners would come in and check in with updates about their inventory. After waiting in line for about an hour, since only a limited amount of people were allowed in the small store at a time, it was finally my turn. I made my way up the stairs to their perfectly organized section of RSD stock.
Quickly and efficiently, I was able to grab the last Fender record along with the two other records that were at the top of my list. Each worker was eager to help anyone that came through the door and gave them their undivided attention.
With such a busy day for the independent stores, it was such a nice feeling to be so welcomed to their store and appreciated for supporting them.
RSD is more than just for profits. It is a perfect example of camaraderie and fun for everyone involved. This event is one that supports so many people and brings joy to everyone involved, which is a tradition that should withstand the test of time.
