The glossy finish on the dark black records with thin grooves is a feeling impossible to forget. The needle gliding across the ridges at the beginning of an album is a sound worth listening to. The ability to hold music in your hands is a joy in life – which is why supporting local record stores is important.
Record Store Day is an annual event held each year where musicians release exclusive merchandise to record stores. People flock to the stores to pick up these limited releases – with most availability of the products limited to April 20.
Famous bands like Metallica, Pearl Jam and most recently, Paramore have been ambassadors for the celebration – showing just what power the event holds. The day promotes the support of independent record stores, but they still should be supported throughout the year.
Independent record stores have been the backbone of music. Famous musicians like Axl Rose, Dave Grohl and Iggy Pop all worked in record stores before becoming successful. Without record stores, music would be very different today.
Record Stores also support smaller artists by providing an outlet for their music to be heard and sold. They also allow for a community to grow. Events, such as Record Store Day, allow people with similar tastes in music to connect – expanding the community even more.
Supporting local record stores means you’re supporting small businesses. Instead of buying from Walmart or Amazon for new records or eBay for vintage goods, check out a record store. You will most likely find more variety and stock at a record store.
Many record stores also carry CDs, cassette tapes, shirts, record players, and even laser discs, so before you buy online, check and see what a record store has to offer. Some even have websites where you can access directly from the store.
The most convenient way to buy records is through large corporations – who doesn’t like two-day delivery? While it seems like the fastest and easiest option, online record shopping takes out the best part of record stores – the experience.
Flipping through the albums, finding underrated gems you haven’t seen anywhere else and talking to the person behind the counter about your favorite albums is what makes record stores special.
So, take time out of your day to visit a record store – and get to experience a wonderful feeling.