Author Archives: TVD HQ

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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