Every year on the third Saturday in April, independent record stores, musicians, and music lovers get together to celebrate Record Store Day. The occasion brings together music lovers to honour the craft of acquiring and enjoying vinyl recordings. Record Store Day in the Twin Cities will feature exclusive releases, live performances, and discounts in honour of the recent increase in vinyl sales.
What is Record Store Day?
An annual celebration of independent record retailers, Record Store Day began in 2008. The purpose of the celebration is to unite fans of music in honour of the special place that record shops hold in local culture. The third Saturday in April is designated as Record Store Day every year, and to commemorate the occasion, there are special vinyl releases, live concerts, and other festivities.
The Rise of Vinyl Sales
In recent years, vinyl albums have started resurfacing, and the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Vinyl sales in the United States have been rising gradually since 2006, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), reaching a record high of 27.5 million units sold in 2020. Part of vinyl’s rebirth might be attributed to nostalgia and the desire for a tangible connection to music. It’s also because vinyl albums provide better sound quality than digital music does.
Record Store Day in Twin Cities
Record Store Day is being observed by Twin Cities stores with exclusive releases, live music, and special pricing. Let’s look at some of the stores that are taking part in this year’s celebration.
Electric Fetus
Minneapolis’s famed Electric Foetus has been selling music since 1968. Since it opened more than 50 years ago, the store has been a mainstay of the Twin Cities music industry and is renowned for its extensive collection of new and secondhand CDs, vinyl, and DVDs. In honour of Record Store Day, Electric Foetus is providing limited vinyl releases, live performances, and special prices. Additionally, the store collaborates with nearby companies to give clients discounts and freebies.
Hymie’s Vintage Records
Another well-known record shop in Minneapolis that specialises in old vinyl is called Hymie’s Old Records. Since opening in 1988, the store has amassed a sizable collection of uncommon and difficult-to-find records. In honor of Record Store Day, Hymie’s Vintage Records is providing limited vinyl releases, live performances, and special prices. Additionally, the store is collaborating with nearby breweries to give consumers free beer.
Why Vinyl Matters
Digital music cannot compare to the unique listening experience provided by vinyl records. Many audiophiles like the warm, rich sound of vinyl recordings. A tangible connection to music is also provided by vinyl records that digital music cannot. Album art, liner notes, and other extras are included with vinyl records, which improves the listening experience as a whole.
FAQs
What is Record Store Day?
Record Store Day is a global event that started in 2008 to celebrate the culture of independent record stores. The event aims to bring together music lovers to celebrate the unique role that record stores play in the community.
Why are vinyl records making a comeback?
Vinyl records have been making a comeback in recent years due to a desire for a physical connection to music and the improved sound quality that vinyl records offer compared to digital music.
What are some of the Twin Cities shops that are participating in Record Store Day?
Some of the Twin Cities shops that are participating in Record Store Day include Electric Fetus, Hymie’s Vintage Records, and Cheapo Records.
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