Ahead of this year’s Record Store Day, we’ve got a list of all our top events we think you need to check out.
Celebrating the continued rise in popularity for vinyls and their unique culture, each year Record Store Day is becoming bigger and bigger with more independent record shops across the UK and the world taking part. April 21st sees in the 11th year of this admirable event (HBD babe).
Some background on this harmonious event: RSD is about so much more than just the records, it’s about what they mean and bringing people together. Vinyl is not an exclusive club, anyone and everyone is encouraged to come along – with over 500 exclusive releases we don’t doubt that you’re going to unearth so many hidden treasures, but you’ll have to beat us to it (the game is on guys).
In 2018 sales are continuing to rise and people are continuing to buy more vinyl than ever – and you could be a part of it, hon! These are the seven things we suggest you deffo do…
1. The early bird catches the worm
Talk about exclusivity! Record Store Day is going to be full of surprises and goodies for the fans this year. Fred Perry and Record Store Day have teamed up to create limited edition tote bags for the vinyl-lovers as a reward for being the first people in queues all over the country. So many babes have gotten involved, including our faves at So Young Magazine who have collaborated with RSD to bring you a glorious exclusive design that we’re slightly obsessed with. Be sure to get down to your local independent record store early as they’ll only have a limited supply of each design!
2. Pop someone’s RSD cherry
It’s always fun to try something new, so if this is your first RSD don’t worry we’ll be gentle. And you’re also not alone! For their first Record Store Day, Brighton’s Vinyl Revolution are starting with a bang. With doors opening at 8am there’s time to rush in and get your hands on some exclusive goodies. BBC’s Danny Pike will be broadcasting live from the store, and for the first time in 20 years all the music from his show will be played on vinyl decks. Live music begins at 12:45pm and includes the fabulous local band Dirt Royal who won a competition to be the opening act.
3. NEW FUCKING FLORENCE!
RSD is always full of special releases, and this year is no different. Wonderland‘s fave mega-babe Florence Welch and her glorious ensemble have teamed up with Record Store Day to give fans a limited edition double-A-sided 7” vinyl of her new single “Sky Full of Song”. The single will be backed by a recording of “New York poem (for Polly)” taken from the album Useless Magic that will be released in July. We’re not crying, you’re crying.
4. Check out some of our Wonderbabes
A short trip away from Wonderland HQ, and a definite hangout for RSD is and always will be Rough Trade West. A pioneer in the vinyl game, stocking newbies and oldies and something for everyone. Join them tomorrow for over 500 exclusive titles available to buy in store only and get your boogie on with their live musicians including Wonderland faves Isaac Gracie and Goat Girl.
5. Headbang with Big Jeff in Bristol
Beginning on Record Store Day, the folks at Friendly Records in Bristol have decided to make it “Record Store Weekend” with live performances from Snails, Alex Lipinski and Olive Haigh. They’ll be teaming up with their neighbours, The Old Bookshop and The Old Butchers to deliver a gorgeous weekend of records, music food and drink. And if that doesn’t do it for you, Bristol and music world legend Big Jeff Johns will be DJing from 5pm – 6:30pm in all his curly haired glory.
6. Get your hands on those sweet, sweet exclusives
The exclusive vinyls range from appointed RSD ambassadors Run the Jewels, the limited edition box set have only 5000 units up for grabs worldwide. Lo-fi king Mac Demarco has two separate records up for grabs and of course you can’t miss indie classics from the likes of Wolf Alice and The Courteeners; they’re essentials to any collection and we’re not against fighting to get our hands on them!
7. Head to Berwick Street.
Berwick Street is always the place to be during RSD. Transforming into a mini music festival, there’ll be performances by acclaimed and emerging artists and all the independent stores are joining forces with the shops, restaurant and market to celebrate. Added bonus, you can also recreate Oasis’ (What’s The Story) Morning Glory cover which was shot down there! Now let’s just all collectively pray that the weather gods smile on us…
