What were once threatened by the woes of online music and streaming services, are now dominating the music scene. Now, they even have their own day of celebration. Record Store Day, held every year in April, brings music fans across the world together in support of independent music stores and record sales. Record Store Day has been credited in ‘saving’ independent music distributers in the wake of mega-corporations such as Amazon and Apple. The celebration, which takes place this Saturday, April 21, will include special events, sales, live performances and exclusive LP releases from artists such as David Bowie, Courtney Barnett, Pink Floyd and Arcade Fire.
Though catalyzed and sometimes criticized by the trendiness of Crosley record players lining the shelves of Urban Outfitters, records and vinyl provide fans the opportunity to be a part of a greater community. Collectors across the globe eagerly await the arrival of the Black Friday-inspired holiday to celebrate their love for music and their local record stores. Since its founding in 2008, sales for vinyl on Record Store Day have continously broken the prior year’s record.
Milwaukee is definitely no stranger to the Holiday. Here’s a list of a few events taking place across the city to celebrate the day of music:
- Acme Records and Music Emporium
Acme Records, notorious in Milwaukee for its Record Store Day celebrations, will kick off the day at noon with exclusive releases, DJ sets, beer, food, and live music from acts such as Steve Gunn and Red Stuff.
- Exclusive Company
Attracting some of the most die-hard music fans in the city, the Exclusive Company often finds Record Store Day attendees camped out hours prior to opening in hopes of obtaining highly sought-after releases. Opening at 7 a.m., the Exclusive Company will offer 10 percent off non-Record Store Day exclusives. Spend over $100, and get a free Exclusive Company tee shirt. The Exclusive Company will close out its Record Store Day celebration with a performance from Abby Jeanne, named as one of the Wisconsin Bands to Watch by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
- Rush Mor Records
Being the oldest record store in the city, Rush Mor Records holds a high level of credibility among Milwaukee music fans. The store will open at 7 a.m. with exclusive Record Store Day tee shirts, vinyl, and releases from Wisconsin-based artists.
- Bullseye Records
This East Side store is famous for its rare collection of vinyl from every genre. Bullseye Records has supplied Milwaukee music fans with its eclectic array of music since 1966. According to its Facebook page, “When it comes to Record Store Day releases, we prefer reissues of truly rare records over “limited edition” colored vinyl rehashes of records that can regularly be found in used bins for $10.”
- Off the Beaten Path
Celebrating its inaugural Record Store Day, head to Off the Beaten Path for $1 bins full of records from 9 a.m. to noon. After 12 p.m., records in the bins will drop to 50 cents, and finally to 25 cents after 3 p.m
- Riverwest Public House Vinyl Potluck
After you’ve gotten your fix of vinyl purchases for the day, head to Riverwest Public House at 4 p.m. for a vinyl potluck. Bring both your favorite records and a dish to share to finish off your day of celebration.