Calling all crate diggers far and wide, the annual celebration of the record store is back to celebrate independent music merchants around the globe with in-store performances, extended trading days, banging deals and special releases across stores in Melbourne.
Since its inception in 2008, Record Store Day has become a time to salute the people who keep a record store spinning – the staff, the customers and the artists – and to celebrate the store's culture within the wider community. This year, you can expect special releases from the likes of The Wiggles, Montaigne, Tasman Keith, The Terrys, Ian Moss and heaps more artists. You can discover the full list of official international releases scheduled for Record Store Day here.
Stores all across Melbourne have signed on to participate on the day, including Rocksteady Records in the CBD, Skydiver Records in Collingwood and Greville Records in Prahran.
The nostalgic among you will be happy to learn that a host of Aussie legends including The Meanies, Magic Dirt, Sunset Strip, and The Mad Turks have also joined forces for a double LP compilation called Time Capsule. Australian Sounds 1985-1994.
Rock up to your fave store on the day and they might even be hosting performances from local artists. For example, Northside Records will host sets from Emma Donovan and Lord Knows, while Rocksteady Records will be graced by the Sugar-fed Leopards.
While we love a deal as much as anyone else, it’s also worth remembering that Record Store Day’s real purpose is to help independent record stores (and the artists whose music they sell) get the love and dollars they deserve.
Independent artist Montaigne, who is releasing a special vinyl pressing of their debut for this year’s record store day, say they're proud to partner with Record Store Day.
“I’m so excited to finally release Glorious Heights on vinyl after years of demand," they say. "I’m also stoked that I could do it in partnership with Record Store Day and support independent retailers of music as I embark on my own journey of independence.”
Find out more about what is happening this Record Store Day by visiting the website here.