Record Store Day began in 2007 when a group of small record store owners decided the culture of records should be celebrated. Some artists release a number of specially pressed vinyl records to only be distributed among stores participating on this day. Record Store Day brings fans closer to some of their favorite bands and gives small record stores business and some publicity.
This year Record Store Day falls on April 16, and all around the U.S. businesses will be celebrating with live music and, obviously, lots of records.
If you’re wondering how to join the festivities in Naperville, look no further than Purple Dog Records. Located by the Metra Station, Purple Dog offers an array of vintage vinyl. This year Purple Dog Records is celebrating the big day with live performances, food, drinks and of course lot of deals on records.
If you enjoy having options, there are about 30 different record stores in Chicago. Senior Jessie Marsala has a favorite store in the city.
“Logan Hardware is a typical record store however, there is a secret ‘dungeon’ in the back and a hidden arcade with sick arcade games that you can play for free,” said Marsala.
Many artists have special releases this year from nearly every genre. Justin Bieber’s “Purpose” is a sure-to-sell-out contributor to the unique day. The late, great David Bowie has three records coming out on Record Store Day. Two of them are unique, picture discs never to have been released until now. Other artists such as Walk the Moon, Chvrches, and Florence + The Machine will release special vinyl of live albums, EP’s, and single. Topping off the star studded set of releases is Madonna with “Like A Virgin & Other Hits” on a colored vinyl.
Lily Yood, a junior at North Central, is excited about attending the party at Purple Dog. “I don’t have a record player, but I want to check out the new music and the chance to see the new releases coming out,” said Yood. Other students are also looking forward to the day as well.
“Record Store Day is a great time for people to enjoy music together,” says freshman Hannah Hellmyer.
Although these students can’t wait for Record Store Day, not everybody shares the excitement. Record Store Day has been the center of controversy lately with people saying it’s causing more harm than doing good. Some store owners came out and stated that because they don’t participate in Record Store Day, they are suffering.
A holiday created to celebrate small record shops is leaving some of their own out. Has Record Store Day become too big? With the growth of this holiday the need of celebrity endorsements is necessary. Getting some of the biggest names in the industry to release something exclusive for this day, is coming at a price.
Whether you think Record Store Day is beneficial or hurtful, supporting your locally owned shops is important. So if you’re in Naperville or Chicago find a record store and get your hands on some limited-edition music.
