Record Store Day returns this year for an 11th consecutive celebration of the culture behind vinyl and record stores.
Over 200 independent record stores across the UK are offering their customers exclusives and valuable re-releases of high demand vinyl for one day only. Each year the list of releases seems to grow, giving platform to artists across all genres and introducing fans to new talent. Audiophiles are expected, as they are every year, to be camping out overnight to ensure they can get their hands on the exclusive releases.
This year’s UK ambassador, Rag’n’Bone Man will be exclusively releasing a live to vinyl recording of new tracks; ‘Don’t Set The World On Fire’ & ‘George Has Got A Friend’ exclusively for RSD on 21st April. Alongside this, other high-profile releases are on the cards with new music from Florence + the Machine, Manic Street Preachers and Hinds. Some of the most anticipated releases are in fact reissues of lost gems.
Many stores around the country are hosting artist performances and events to mark the occasion, in the hope of encouraging customers to continue to contribute to the rise in vinyl sales following the recent resurgence. Last year saw stores selling an extra 32,500 vinyl records during the week of the event alone, with sales of 12” singles jumping from 2,000 to 89,000.
Record collector, Andy Straw believes that RSD offers an exciting prospect for record collectors and music fans in general.
“The range of exclusive to vinyl releases really amps up the appeal of owning physical copies of people’s favourite artists”.
Andy also said that he feels events like this have had an effect on how younger generations are consuming music: “Younger generations are now more interested in owning physical copies of the music they enjoy for two main reasons: the aesthetic and the feel of owning a physical copy album and the improved quality of sound. Although it’s a more expensive venture, you’re aware that you’re helping the artist with each purchase and from that you get a far more personal experience whilst you’re buying music.”
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