Record Store Day 2025
Via recordstoreday.com
Record Store Day is one of the most important holidays for physical media nerds! This year Record Store Day is coming to an indie record store near you on April 12th. Record Store Day takes place each Spring and brings together artists, record stores, and fans. What is it and how did it come to be?
Record Store Day started in 2008 as a way to unite independent record stores, artists, and customers. It brings people together to celebrate all things vinyl records and music. Artists release exclusive, new records from cover albums to live performances. You never know what will be released! The catch? There is only a certain amount of records that are released so you have to check how many are available. This year you can pick up records from Gracie Abrams, Gorillaz, The Killers & Bruce Springsteen, and even a Post Malone tribute album. Speaking of Mr. Malone, he is the 2025 Record Store Day ambassador. Each year the RSD team picks an artist as an ambassador that releases a special record and sometimes special merch. Other ambassadors from years past include Paramore, Jack White, Taylor Swift, and Iggy Pop.
How do you celebrate this holiday? Go to your local record store! The great thing about RSD is that it gets you out in your local community. Record Store Day is celebrated internationally with thousands of stores participating globally. You can go on their website and see which stores are taking part near you. Each store puts its spin on the day with live performances, signings, DJ sets, and even meet-and-greets. Most local record stores will share their events on social media and websites. Be sure to check there!
Via Instagram
Now I’m going to share some tips on how to best ensure you have a great Record Store Day experience. I’ve been enjoying this sacred holiday for 4 years now. It can be overwhelming when you first start, but once you go - you’ll have to go again.
Be early! Some stores allow you to camp the night before, but some make you wait till 5-6 am the morning of. Bring a folding chair, snacks, and maybe a book. You’re going to be waiting in line for a while.
Wear something comfortable! You’re going to be waiting outside for a while, so check your weather and wear something comfy. If you live in a warmer climate like me - shorts and a T-shirt are your best bet. If it’s raining grab a poncho and an umbrella. Comfortable shoes are also a must. You don’t want blisters at 7 am when you’re 50 people deep in line.
Hydrate! Some stores get partners to pass out water. I’d make sure to bring a water bottle. If someone offers you a weird carbonated water - don’t drink it. It will be a gross black cherry flavor and everyone will regret getting one. (Not like I’m talking from experience or anything.)
Have a patient and kind attitude! Everyone is excited and wants to grab an exclusive record. This doesn’t give you an excuse to be a jerk to those in line, customers in the store, and most of all record store employees. Don’t try to elbow your way to the records or to people who bought the record you wanted. Most people will share their haul and let you know what stock is left.
Take advantage of all the freebies! My favorite store gets rid of a lot of stuff during RSD like promotional items. I’ve gotten posters, totes, buttons, and stickers. Keep an eye out for any available freebies. Some artists have freebies that come with exclusive albums, so your local record stores about those.
Record Store Day is one of those community-building events that are just plain fun! You get to meet other fans, support your local indie record stores, and get exclusive records from your favorite artists. It’s a win, win, win for everyone! Learn more about what record stores are participating and albums will be available here. What albums are you going to try and get your hands on?
