Vinyl collectors, physical media enthusiasts and independent music stores around the world are getting ready to celebrate the 17th annual Record Store Day, happening on April 20, 2024. The Arizona music and shop local scenes are no different.
There are almost 20 different stores in the state that are Record Store Day (RSD) partners participating in the event this year. For many, RSD is more than just a celebration of the resurgence of vinyl and an opportunity to snag exclusive releases; it’s a celebration of the community that is keeping the stores, and the art of physical media, alive. To honor the vinyl collecting community, a handful of stores create an all-day experience with special events including sales, raffles, live music and even after dark parties.
The idea of Record Store Day was created in 2007 by a group of independent record store owners and employees to celebrate the unique culture of the thousands of independent stores in the United States (and thousands of others across the world) and garner support for the resurgence of vinyl and physical media. The first Record Store Day was celebrated on April 18, 2008 and has been a global celebration that grows larger each year.
Not only is it a day for stores and collectors to celebrate, but it’s a day for musicians to celebrate as well. On the first RSD, Metallica spent hours meeting fans in San Francisco, signing items and celebrating the day alongside some of their biggest supporters. Since then, artists have shown up to stores across the world on the big day for meet and greets, signings, and even live performances to show their appreciation and support for the stores and fans that keep them going.
This artist involvement created the ambassador program when Jesse “Boots Electric” Hughes named himself the first RSD ambassador in 2009. In the following years, he was joined by music legends like Ozzy Osbourne, Josh Homme, Pearl Jam and Taylor Swift as ambassadors. In February, RSD announced that the iconic alternative band Paramore is the ambassador for this year, a perfect fit as the band started the new year completely wiping their social media channels and announced their rebrand as a “completely independent Paramore,” as they shift–like many artists lately–to move onto their own label and retain full rights to their work.
Check out the list of 2024 Record Day Exclusive Releases here.
Arizona Participating Stores and Special Events (check back for more updates):
Asylum Records (Chandler) - Opens 7AM
Michael Bruce (from Alice Cooper) doing in store signings and meet and greets from 10AM-2PM
Sales throughout the store
Candy & Records (Phoenix) - Opens 9AM
Live music and DJs
Deadwax Records (Goodyear) – Opens 8AM
Raffle giveaway; sales and specials throughout the store, and exclusive Deadwax RSD 2024 merch drop
Desert Islands Records (Tucson) - Opens 8AM
DJs spinning throughout the day
15% off all used media
Grace Records (Gilbert) – Opens 7AM
Order all RSD titles; 10% off entire store (excluding RSD titles)
Puscifer The Store (Jerome) – Opens 10AM
Kari Marigold tattooing from 10AM-6PM
RSD After Dark doors at 6PM (18+) featuring Twisted Heart Puppets and Swaza6
Rock This Town Records (Gilbert) - Opens 9AM
Stinkweeds (Phoenix) - Opens 8AM
Sojo Donuts for the early birds
Hello Merch printing buttons for first in line
Limited edition RSD shirt
Massive used music and collectibles drop
The 'In' Groove (Phoenix) – Opens 8AM
The Record Room (Phoenix)
Tracks In Wax (Phoenix)
Uncle Aldo's Attic (Mesa) – Opens 10AM
10% off entire store (excluding RSD titles)
Vinyl Record Dude (Scottsdale) – Opens 8AM
Wax Broker (Glendale; Arrowhead Mall) - Opens 10AM
Taco truck and live music
Weird Kid Records (Casa Grande) - Opens 9AM
Wooden Tooth Records (Both locations; Tucson)
Zia Records (All Locations; Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Tucson) - 7AM
Trade counter opening at 10AM
Comments