AU | Australian Vinyl Record Prices Set to Rise Again in May 2025: Vinyl record prices are set to rise again. Universal Music Australia has confirmed that prices will increase on May 5th. In a letter to retail partners Alisa Lai, VP of Commercial at Universal Music Group Australia, states that, “Due to cost pressures in materials, manufacturing, and logistics, we are required to implement a PPD increase across a selected range of vinyl titles, despite our best efforts to absorb this increase in costs.” Brisbane record seller Wax Lyrical shared Universal’s letter on Instagram, expressing concern over the rising costs. “Becoming impossible to exist,” they share. …My view is this. The joy of collecting won’t fade, but the collecting dynamic will certainly shift.
Pharr, TX | Vinyl Frontier: The Record Store That Resurrects Rio Grande Valley’s Lost Grooves. In the middle of the 20th century, the South Texas border region became the epicenter of influential, international musical styles. Labels like Falcon Records, in the farming community of McAllen, and Rio Grande Music Company, in San Benito, the birthplace of Texas music legend Freddy Fender, put on vinyl genres that mixed musical styles from across Mexico with those of local performers and European immigrants. There flourished Tejano Conjunto, small groups that prominently feature the button accordion from central Europe and the bajo sexto, a stringed instrument popular in Mexico that provides a bass line. There sprouted the orquestas tejanas, larger groups that incorporate horn sections. And there took root norteño, a blend of genres with a more prominent bass and percussion.
Lichfield, UK | Stylus Records celebrate their third Record Store Day: Stylus Records Limited is excited to announce that it will be celebrating its third Record Store Day on Saturday, April 12, bringing music lovers together for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Lichfield. This annual event honours the unique culture of independent record stores around the world and is set to be a day of exclusive releases, live energy, and community camaraderie. Located in the charming Grade II listed building at Minster Pool Walk, Stylus Records has quickly become a local music haven since opening in 2022. With its eclectic mix of new and pre-owned vinyl albums, CDs singles, and cassettes spanning every genre, the store has built a loyal following of customers, who rely on Tim and his passionate team of music enthusiasts for their expert knowledge and personalised service.
Newton Abbot, UK | Record shop’s last ‘Record Store Day’ before moving to new premises: A Newton Abbot record shop is preparing for this year’s Record Store Day and it will be the last before moving to new premises Roger and Marsha Cox, owners of Phoenix Sounds, the town’s independent record store, are looking forward to bringing the town together for Record Store Day 2025 on Saturday, April 12 at their shop on Queen Street. Not least because it is one of the most significant dates in any vinyl enthusiast’s diary, but also because it will be the couple’s last in their current premises. The store will move to East Street, a stones throw from the clock tower, in June. Doors will open at 8am, where keen collectors can snap up rare and limited-edition Record Store Day releases on a strictly first-come, first-served basis – once they’re gone, they truly are gone, Phoenix Sounds says. ‘Record Store Day is a highlight for us.’