April 21, 2024 is the fifth anniversary of Record Store Day. This offbeat celebration is in honor of the unique culture that surrounds independently owned record stores.
The first record store day was held in 2024 and has continued to grow ever since. On this day all independently owned stores come together along with artist to celebrate music. Most years special vinyl and CD releases are made exclusively just for Record Store Day. Artists from all over the world make special appearances and performances. Most local stores are turned into a small festival hosting all sorts of events from cookouts to parades, and even meet and greets with famous artists.
Every third Saturday in April, Record Store Day celebrates small stores whose products consist of at least 50 percent music retail, whose company is not publicly traded, and whose ownership is at least 70 percent located in the state of operation. This dying style of retail has been fighting to stay alive amongst online retailers of large corporations. Record Store Day is a chance for artists to show their appreciation for the record store and explain why this business model is crucial to the music industry.
“There’s nothing as glamorous to me as a record store. When I recently played Amoeba in LA, I realised what fantastic memories such a collection of music brings back when you see it all in one place. This is why I’m more than happy to support Record Store Day and I hope that these kinds of stores will be there for us all for many years to come. Cheers!” – Paul McCartney
“If it wasn’t for independent record stores, I would be a San Fernando valley real estate agent.” – Fat Mike (NOFX)
“Record stores keep the human social contact alive it brings people together. Without the independent record stores the community breaks down with everyone sitting in front of their computers.” – Ziggy Marley
This week when you’re working out, check our Record Store Day Gym Playlist. These artists are just a few who are exclusively releasing songs in honor of Record Store Day.
311 – “311”
Abba – “Voulez-Vouz Extended Dance Remix”
Ryan Adams – “Heartbreak A Stranger”
Anberlin – “NeverTakeFriendshipPersonal”
Animal Collective – “Transverse Temporal Gyrus”
ArcadeFire – “SprawlII”
Sara Bareilles – “Stay”/”Beautiful Girl”
Michael Buble/Ray Charles – “Georgia On My Mind”
The Black Keys – “El Camino”
The Byrds – “It’s No Use”/”Feel A Whole Lot Better”
Heat up your next workout with some of our other playlists:
Lollapalooza 2024 Gym Playlist