Whilst many families are looking forward to the upcoming four-day Easter break, this Saturday (19th April) brings an additional aura of excitement for music fans – Record Store Day is almost upon us! Arguably one of the most exciting, and anticipated dates in any British music collector’s calendar, Record Store Day is shaping up to be the biggest one yet, and with recent research showing the unexpected rise in sales of vinyl, and even cassette (yes, cassette), it’s no wonder music fans have been counting down to sift through the hordes of goodies that no-doubt await.
So what can one expect for Record Store Day? Well firstly, the renowned Berwick Street will of course be displaying an astounding range of performances at their street festival with acts that include Adam Ant, Edwyn Collins, DJ Andy, The September Girls and Tim Arnold heading to perform at the historic music capital of London.
Rough Trade of course has a great day lined up too, featuring Toy, East India Youth, The Rails, Ben Watt & Bernard Butler, Younghusband, J Spaceman, Amazing Snakeheads and DJ sets from Trevor Jackson and Django Django at the East store. And even more artists at the West store; including Adam Ant, Sleaford Mods, Eyedress, Slow Club and Edwyn Collins!
Billy Bragg will be performing exclusively at Raves from The Grave, ready to fulfil all of your folk, punk, political and rock needs. The Underground Solu’shn hosts Lord of the Isles performing live, DJ Craig Smith, and Capitol 1212 & Friends in Edinburgh.
Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly (Sam Duckworth) will be playing at Truck store in Oxford- an act definitely not to be missed! Whilst in Manchester, Piccadilly Records hosts an all-day record festivity with The Smoke Faries, The Emperor Machine and a few others playing exclusively in store.
BM Soho will have a range of dj’s playing throughout the day to stimulate the electronic music fans; including Waze and Odyssey, Jo Wallace, Exit Records DJs and the BM Soho crew. Phonica just around the corner on Poland Street in Soho will also be hosting a day of dance music delights, including live sets from Paul Woolford, Throwing Snow, DMX Krew, Josh Morales and many more!
Head Record Shop in Bromley have a fantastic line up of rock, pop, metal and singer songwriter acts including: Tom Ussher, Peter Green, Robb Johnson, The get go and Van Susans! While the Bristol store hosts Livid Strippers, local band Trust Fund, Downard, More Than Life and emotionally raw rock band Stallone. The Rise Music stores in Cheltenham, Bristol and Worchester will be displaying an eclectic mix of performances such as George Ezra, Alex Rainsford, Andy Oliveri, Beans On Toast, Wax DJ’s, Edd Donovan and Groove Alegiance to name a few.
Record Store Day continues to celebrate the art of music and this year’s National celebrations are looking to be something out of a vinyl junkies dream. The event is a tribute to the ever growing range of UK artists and genres, and the sheer musical talent we hold as a Nation. The UK RSD co-ordinator Spencer Hickman said “The shops have once again exceled themselves and put on a stellar line up of performers to accompany what is set to be an amazing day of music and culture”
It’s even the artists getting in on the act too. London Grammar are to release a limited edition vinyl of latest single, Hey Now, featuring the original alongside multiple remixes, whilst Bonobo will also release a vinyl of Get Thy Bearings.
Elsewhere, Damon Albarn will release special editions of Hollow Ponds and Lonely Press Play from his upcoming Everyday Robots album, alongside Disclosure who will re-release their surprise 2013 cut Apollo on limited edition vinyl.
Essentially, there’s LOADS going on this Saturday – head over to the official Record Store Day website for the full list of what’s happening, and the limited edition vinyls you can lay your hands on. Good luck! And remember to let us know what treasure you managed to find.
