Here’s how you can snag this year’s exclusive pressings and support your local independent record store.
Record Store Day is back this year and once again the offerings are sure to titillate many fans and vinyl collectors. This year it’s going to be on Saturday, April 18.
What you have to know…
All releases have been posted on the official website as well as expected quantities for each record. The higher the quantity, the more likely that your favorite record store will have multiple copies. And vice versa, the lower the quantity the more likely you’ll be biting your nails in line as you wait for your turn to shop.
Now there’s the matter between the exclusive releases and RSD First releases—exclusives mean that the release will be just for the indie record stores and if you want it you have to be in that line on RSD, while RSD First means that it’s the first release but will inevitably be re-released to other retailers on some unspecified future time. That is to say, if you’re patient enough, you don’t have to stress out about getting it.
There’s regional exclusives as well, these are limited to a certain area and have limited quantity.
How to prepare
Find if your favorite record store will be participating. You can find this out by checking on the RSD website for a list of participating stores. Not all stores will be participating just because they sell vinyl records, so it’s best to check which stores are in the list.
Many stores will post about what releases they receive so check their social media accounts if you’re hoping to bag a specific release. Instagram and Tiktok are the most commonly used platforms, but in certain cases, you might have to dig through Facebook if the store owners aren’t as “hip”. And if you’re still unsure, drop by a day or two before RSD and ask them yourself.
While you’re there, feel free to also ask for advice on how to prepare for RSD—like should you wait in line hours before opening, and if so, how early? Certain stores do things differently. Some will open earlier than their usual hours while other stores will dissuade camping in line as to not disturb their neighbors. And if you are going to be joining the early morning lines: remember to wear a warm sweater, bring something to keep you distracted for hours, and don’t be disappointed if you don’t get the records you wanted. All the pressings are limited in quantity, some more than others.
