Record shops of the UK and beyond are gearing up to deliver the biggest vinyl party of the year on Saturday 13th April as RECORD STORE DAY is back!.
Hundreds of artists have come together to support independent record shops and create one-off, exclusive vinyl releases especially for Record Store Day. Fans have been waiting in anticipation to see what will feature on 2019’s list. And you can now view all RSD releases below.
Artists such as The Rolling Stones, IDLES, Aretha Franklin and Iggy Pop have all produced special records which will only available from participating shops. A number of artists are also offering fans an opportunity to get their hands-on brand-new music including The Flaming Lips, Julien Baker and Courtney Barnett.
IDLES frontman Joe Talbot said “Record Store Day is a celebration. A celebration of worth, artistic exploration and conscientious craftsmanship that closes the gap on mindless consumerism and allows artists and labels who care about fans and hold the relationship they have with the artist as paramount. That celebration pushes both sides of the music industry to be more mindful on how and why art and music is consumed and create something more beautiful and something worth more to label, artist and fan.”
Iggy Pop, who also celebrates his birthday on RSD this year, said “In my life, music has been a balm for loneliness. It was in the cheap ass little record store that I found a way to connect with other people. I was 18. It was a theatre, a glimpse at the world of commerce, and a cultural library; and my experiences as a teenage clerk were full of humour, and curiously warm. The modern approach, which is fine, still needs nourishment from this template. Everywhere on earth I go, there are freaks minding a record store. It's a good hang - daylight vs. dimly lit, clear eyed vs. stoned, and social vs. savage. So that's why I like 'em.”
The list of releases is being celebrated at a launch party in London on Thursday as long-time record shop supporters Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes play an intimate set to kick off the RSD countdown. Speaking of the importance of record stores Frank Carter said “Independent record stores have always been a safe haven for music freaks, fans and aficionados. In an age where the world is turning digital and the very physical nature of product is disappearing into pixels before our very eyes, it has never been a more important time to get out and support the very place that provides more than just a song”. They provide knowledge, experience, vibe, community and passion in ways that the digital realm can only try to replicate. While it’s a great thing to have a world of music at your fingertips, it’s a beautiful experience to be surrounded by it, to pick it up, to lose yourself in the artwork and the lyrics and most importantly to talk to other people about why music is important to you. If digital is the future musical religion, then independent record stores will always be the cathedral, and only the purest followers worship at the cathedral.”
Lots more record shops around the country will be keeping their doors open late on the 28th and inviting customers in to take a first look at the list. A full events guide can be found HERE
More shops taking part than ever before Independent record shops continue to enjoy a resurgence as 250 are now signed up to take part in this year’s celebrations. That’s the largest number in RSD’s 12-year history. Ashlie Green, manager of David’s Music in Letchworth said “RSD remains such a special day for all of us independent retailers, big and small. It’s not only an opportunity for new music lovers to come through our door but it’s also a great opportunity to celebrate our favourite music with our loyal customers. There may be testing times ahead for independent retailers which is why events like RSD, which champions bricks and mortar shops all over the country, is more important than ever”
Hundreds of shops will host free in store performances, mini festivals and ‘DJ offs’ all over the country, a list of which can be found on the RSD website closer to the day itself.
Record Store Day Unsigned Returns
This year also marks one year since Record Store Day and our Official Manufacturing Partner Sound Performance launched its first Unsigned Competition. The competition was open to all artists from the unsigned community offering one act the opportunity to win 500 copies of their music pressed to vinyl and distributed to UK indies by Proper Music. And we’re very excited to reveal that the winning artist, Barbudo, who were chosen by DIY Mag, Tim Burgess (The Charlatans), Sister Ray and Sound Performance will have their debut album available to buy on the shelves of independent record shops from Friday 1st March. Steve Courtnell owner of Portsmouth’s Pie & Vinyl described the album as “Dangerous and smooth. Hazy and sad. Barbudo are like watching Curtis Mayfield, Ariel Pink and Connan Mockasin get it on…” The RSD Unsigned Competition is open once again. Artists can apply HERE
UK Ambassador
Finally, if that all wasn’t exciting enough... Hold tight as we’ll soon be proudly announcing 2019’s official UK ambassador(s) to the world.
Social Media
T: @RSDUK - F:@RSDAYUK - I: @RECORDSTOREDAY