Several weeks ago I reported on the moving of Record Store Day 2020. However, after having announced a new date the beloved ‘holiday” that so many of us celebrate has once again been altered. Many of the stores involved with this have their own rules and regulations as to how they can and cannot conduct business, therefore this has to be approached from a different perspective and I think this was a good choice.
To be honest, this will be three different days of celebrating small businesses instead of just one. Many states have so many different laws and rules that they will be dropping on three separated weekends in the year of 2020. As I have previously stated in many of my recent articles I have a strong suspicion life will never return to the echelon it once was.
Just about every festival has been postponed or cancelled to next year, and we see very little hope for big major shows to come back before mid fall of this year. Most of us have turned to podcasts and videos of our favorite bands we love, and continuing to enjoy new release albums of 2020.
So with that in mind let me release to you, my dear readers just exactly what I know about Record Store Day this year:
RSD is worldwide and celebrates a record store’s place in the community. As members of those communities we want everyone to be safe, healthy and feel comfortable coming to the party.
Record Store Day 2020 is moving to June 20.
We think it’s the best move we can make given all we know (and don’t know) about what’s going on around us. The safety and good health of everyone who makes up Record Store Day (the customers, the staff and the musicians who come to the party) is super-important to us because we want to celebrate with you for many Record Store Days to come!
So check off a new date on the calendar, wash your hands, don’t touch your face and if you’re stocking up to spend some extra quality time at home, save some toilet paper money and stop by a record store. They’ve got exactly what you’ll need for extended time on your sofa: books, movies, games and of course, music.
They, like all small businesses, would appreciate the support.
They’re wiping down the door and the bins right now!
Since 2008, Record Store Day has grown into the world’s largest single-day music event, shining a light on the culture of the indie record store across the globe. In 2020, that world is different, so Record Store Day will be too. RSD is now scheduled to be celebrated with special, properly distanced release dates on Saturdays in August, September and October.
Record Store Day will look very different this year, but supporting indie record stores may be more important than ever. We don’t know what sort of rules will be in place, or what sort of gatherings people will be in the mood for this year, so we’re focusing on the music and getting the really great titles on the RSD Official List this year into the stores and into your hands, in the most financially and socially responsible way.
The titles on the RSD 2020 Official List, launched on March 5th, will be released at participating record stores on one of these three RSD Drops: August 29th, September 26th, and October 24th. The new version of The List, with newly assigned RSD Drops dates will launch on June 1 so check back here for a look at when you’ll be able to pick up the titles on your RSD 2020 wishlist at your local record store.
Once again our friends at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery are helping us celebrate and we think their #RSD20 Official Poster is out of this world! Get one FREE while they last, at participating record stores on April 18, and select stores that sell Dogfish Head beer.
RSD Podcast host Paul Myers demonstrates the #RSDShelfie. Take a snap in your favorite record store, tag them on socials, use #RSDShelfie, and maybe end up on the Podcast telling the world about that favorite store. RSD PODCAST every other Tuesday. Listen/Subscribe/Review where you get your podcasts.
Well, we would have been celebrating our big Day tomorrow, but things in 2020 are turning out a little differently. We’ll be throwing a party at a record store again for sure, but this weekend, let’s make sure record stores know how we feel about them. Check below for ways to celebrate, spread the word and share your love for record stores!
SHOW OFF YOUR SHIRTS!
Head to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and show us what stores you’re wearing on your sleeve/chest/elsewhere! Use #RSD2020
I’D RATHER BE AT A RECORD STORE!
Click the picture below to download a graphic for Twitter, Facebook or Instagram (stories too!) and tell the world where you’d rather be on April 18! Use #RSD2020
WATCH A MOVIE! OR THREE!
You could have a veritable film fest this weekend! Details below!
OUR VERY FIRST EVER OFFICIAL FILM OF RECORD STORE DAY! Filmmaker Jeanie Finlay’s look at Sound It Out Records, her hometown record store, and the cast of characters you’ll recognize from your OWN cherished shop. FREE TO SCREEN FOR A LIMITED TIME–and a bonus watch party and reunion show on Saturday April 18! Jeaniefinlay.com
A deep dig into the crates of the vinyl record resurgence to discover what an old technology says about our relationship to music and each other in a divided time in America.
The premiere was supposed to happen this spring, but…
Participating record stores are selling “tickets” for special online access to the film over the original RSD weekend so buy a ticket, support a record store and check out VINYL NATION in the comfort of your own record room.
ALL PROCEEDS FROM TICKETS GO TO THE INDIE RECORD STORE!
The documentary about the beloved New York City record store Other Music has an “online cinema experience” this weekend, and tickets benefit indie record stores and theatres. Check with your local record store –the ticket links go live today!
50% OF THE PROCEEDS FROM TICKETS GO TO THE INDIE RECORD STORE!
BUY SOME RECORDS! No matter the format, no matter the amount. Record stores across the country are open for business — by phone, by email, online, on Instagram, and some for curbside pickup! No better way to let them know you care.