I loved this Andy!! Just what I needed after a long and frustrating shite day (long story).
I didn’t realize that Record Store Day was a pissup? From Kristin’s comments maybe it’s not that way in the US. Not really my vibe going to a crowded store with a bunch of stinky drunk guys tbh. Probably best for me to stay way from RSD.
Oh no mate what happened? Always here if you want to talk.
Thank you so much for your comment and I’m so glad I could bring some respite to an otherwise shit day.
Things may have changed but that was pretty much the vibe I remember. I suspect now it may be worse with concerts etc. (both in terms of crowds and alcohol) but perhaps it’s better organised (judging by how long the queues are, it doesn’t seem likely, though).
I love a drink and a good time, it’s just that I don’t think it’s worth getting completely drunk when others (particularly record store staff) have to clean up your mess (in their busiest day of the year, on top of everything).
It so happens that my go-to stores in central London are very popular, very crowded and quite narrow. The vibe might be different in other stores/cities.
I do think however there’s little point going unless you really want to get one of the exclusive releases. It used to be great to also browse and chat with other record collectors but there are so many people nowadays, there’s so much demand for these releases, that there’s little time or space to do much else.
Thanks for this Andres! I've actually NEVER been to a Record Store Day. If I'm going to support an independent shop I'd rather go on a day that is NOT so busy so I can browse at my leisure. Have you found that there are better deals on Record Story Day? If not, why do people bother to go?? BTW, I didn't notice your pimple until you pointed it out!
Thank you, Dan! Lol I kinda figured people wouldn't notice the pimple. To be fair, the image quality on the Substack page looks neater than on my phone while I was recording 🤣
Like you, I prefer visiting stores on quieter days so I can browse in peace. The main reason why so many people attend is to stand the best chance of getting one of the exclusive releases. There's a list every year with the specific releases and you can check stock with your local participating store.
It's a cool event but I personally think it needs some reform/update to the current times.
Thank you, John! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Deffo a tshirt that says "DON'T VOMIT ON THE RECORDS" would be a good idea. I'd rock it next to the "I've got a girlfriend" tshirt wearers 😂😂😂😂
Oooh drinking!! I’d be down for that! My record store said they would have coffee and maybe donuts.
I’m dragging a friend along with me who also loves vinyl and has also never been to a Record Store Day. There are 3 stores in our area - we have friends who are going to the other 2, so, I’m thinking about doing a group text chat to see if we can snag stuff for others?? I know the one I’m going to is the least popular one - I chose this one because I don’t do crowds well hahaha!! But, they also get the least amount of copies. Two years ago, I was going to go with a friend, but when we drove by, the line was like 3-4 blocks long at 8am!! Also, it was cold and raining/snowing/sleeting and neither of us was up for that. We drove by again later after open and the line was still ridiculous.
Thank you so much, Kristin! Really glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Yes, the shower thing is definitely a thing 🤣🤣 and no one talks about it! Especially in England, no one will say it too directly, so someone had to 😜
Coffee and donuts sounds nice too! At least no one will be vomiting on the records. Here some start drinking beer at 7 am -- no judgment whatsoever, and I have actually partaken, but some people get quite drunk and I think it's a shame for the store, the records and the other customers.
I think it's a great idea to do a group chat so you guys can join forces and help each other out if needed. I hope you have a great time and that the weather behaves this year! Let me know how it goes.
Thank you! I just checked the weather and no rain in the forecast 🎉 it should be about 35 degrees- another friend that goes every year suggested a blanket, so I’m definitely going to take one!
Watching this as I hit submit on my much more pro-Record Store Day post, gulp..
Haha I can't argue with any of it, but I love Record Store Day! I'm blessed to have a great local shop who does time slot shopping for traffic reduction. They also do concerts, raffles, coupons, merch, and a food drive donation. Though I may bring my kid this year, and I may regret that..
Thank you, Jared! No gulping, please, as I love the fact we have different experiences. I have to admit I have actually enjoyed RSD in the past but things have, in central London at least, changed (or I have changed with age, or a bit of both). The thing is, for me, currently, I’m mostly interested in old pressings of my favourite artists, and not so much into new releases. But as I was saying in another comment, I think it’s great there is a market for it as there’s clearly demand, and also, it’s a great community experience (which I can confidently say Americans are a million times better at than us).
I hope you have a blast, and I look forward to your post! I promise I won’t grinch it 🤣
Thank you very much, Pe! I’m glad to hear you laughed so much 😅😂 I’d like to thank you once again for suggesting in my latest survey that I should do a video. I’ll never forget that 😊 Thanks again!
Personally, I've never understood the point of RSD. You can buy records literally every single other day of the year. Unless you're just really into crowds... which makes the entire thing seem more performative than anything else. I live in NYC and I stopped going to record stores in the late 90s because even places like Other Music had to order what I was looking for online, so I just started doing that myself... and have never looked back. RSD really just feels like it's something one participates in as a signal to others (despite being filled with people who would likely claim to hate capitalism on any other day) — not because they care about the music itself... which kinda just seems to be the over-all theme these days.
Thank you for your comment, Nuk! I see what you mean regarding crowds, and I suspect NYC and London, as two major global cities, share some characteristics, not least in the amount (and variety) of crowds these things tend to attract.
I like supporting my local stores as and when I feel like or when I’m after something I know they’ll have at a good price. I don’t like being dictated by the calendar. I also have an issue with the militant tone the RSD organisers have adopted in recent years (at least, that’s my perception here in the UK).
I think it’s cool if people want to get one of the exclusive releases, and it’s a good sign there’s a market for it.
Thanks again so much for watching and for your valuable contribution!
Fabulous new arrow in your music-writing quiver, Andy! Now, we get to read you, hear you, and see you! I love your free-wheeling, let-it-fly approach....that's our Andy! Keep it up!
As for Record Store Day, I appreciate it from a focus-on-vinyl point of reference in this century of streaming, and how it (seems to) open up hard-copy interest to Gen Z-ers and beyond.
Thanks for the thoughtful and considerate product placement! I think we can call that mug-mugging!☕😁👍
Thank you so much, Brad! As I’ve said before (but it bears repeating), your encouragement and support have been instrumental in this new venture. Thank you once again 😊 I’m also excited to be adding videos as part of the combo going forward.
I totally see what you mean about RSD. Its cultural significance is huge: from triggering the vinyl revival movement to the excitement in the faces of the younger generations.
The Tune Tag mug is gorgeous, and so well made! Readers and viewers, take heed!
This turned out great! Nice job making it through without sneezing. lol.
Seriously though; this is all great advice--especially the part about showering first. It's not an "enchanting musk" or pheromones; it's just B.O.
As for me, I'm going with scenario 1...sort of. I have one record I'm really excited to pick up, but I'm not sure my local shop will have it (waiting for them to open to call & confirm). I did find a store that's carrying it, but they're in Kentucky of all places. So it looks like I might be shopping online this year?
Scalpers still suck, but I'm not sure how you stop that without indrectly hurting the store(s) you want to support. Maybe by this time next year, I'll have a better idea.
Thank you so much! I was less concerned about the sneezing and more concerned about the farting tbh 🤣 but fortunately no accidents. It's become kinda like my catchphrase BUT I'm well aware this might happen someday (and it would be HILARIOUS if it did).
100% agree shower is non-negotiable especially as people are going to be in tight crowds for a big chunk of the day.
I really hope you can get your record -- I'll be rooting for you! Else you might have to "accidentally" end up on a flight to Kentucky while you're at work. I mean... you're already at the airport, right? The hard part is done 🤣
I genuinely believe (but I accept it may be too optimistic on my part) that if RSD allowed online pre-orders (either to collect in store on the Saturday or for delivery after Saturday with shipping fee paid by the customer), demand/supply would stabilise, or work a bit more harmoniously (as tends to be the case with non-RSD vinyl in general). Would this remove scalpers completely? Probably not, but it might help us take a step in the right direction.
Thanks a lot for watching and commenting!
PS: I need some On Repeat merch (I'm thinking cap/hat/sunglasses, what ya reckon?) and you can be sure I'll be rocking it on camera too!
I'm rooting for the cap, Kev. "Make Records Great Again" 😉 Sunglasses too, although branding them would be tough due to lack of space.
While we're at it, some cargo shorts would be in order. Can't promise I'll wear them though (too long for me as far as shorts go 🤣) but I'm sure they'll be popular!
A few years ago I was excited to get or try to get a Damned album. Needless to say, I was unable to procure the album and have sense not really participated in record day.
immediately got lost in your steely blue eyes, apologies xx
Thank you for the tips! I deffo think the stink in predominantly male conventions/events is definetely a thing. Might be controversial but I honestly don't mind it as much in situations like a gig or parade - if you're jumping, dancing and moshing for 2hrs of course there will be some natural BO. However....... no business being stinky on a day of leisurely browsing vinyls. Deodorant is important!
Lol thank you! Much appreciated 😅Yes, 100% agree. Big parties, concerts, festivals, even nightclubs — no big deal, we’re all in the same boat, we’re all human. Now, a Saturday morning at a record store? Come on, man! 🤣
Enjoyed the video! The last RSD I went to was probably close to 10 years ago and John Oates played a surprise set out back of the little indie record shop we went to. Was a lot of fun!
Thank you, AJ! That must have been so cool. I also haven’t been to RSD in several years. Sadly I have many reservations with what’s become, but it’s cool to see other people still enjoy it. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I loved this Andy!! Just what I needed after a long and frustrating shite day (long story).
I didn’t realize that Record Store Day was a pissup? From Kristin’s comments maybe it’s not that way in the US. Not really my vibe going to a crowded store with a bunch of stinky drunk guys tbh. Probably best for me to stay way from RSD.
I hope you do more of these, this was great!!
Oh no mate what happened? Always here if you want to talk.
Thank you so much for your comment and I’m so glad I could bring some respite to an otherwise shit day.
Things may have changed but that was pretty much the vibe I remember. I suspect now it may be worse with concerts etc. (both in terms of crowds and alcohol) but perhaps it’s better organised (judging by how long the queues are, it doesn’t seem likely, though).
I love a drink and a good time, it’s just that I don’t think it’s worth getting completely drunk when others (particularly record store staff) have to clean up your mess (in their busiest day of the year, on top of everything).
It so happens that my go-to stores in central London are very popular, very crowded and quite narrow. The vibe might be different in other stores/cities.
I do think however there’s little point going unless you really want to get one of the exclusive releases. It used to be great to also browse and chat with other record collectors but there are so many people nowadays, there’s so much demand for these releases, that there’s little time or space to do much else.
Thanks again for watching and commenting!
It all sounds like a bit of a nightmare to me to be honest!
I hear you! That’s one of the reasons I don’t participate anymore 😁
Thanks for this Andres! I've actually NEVER been to a Record Store Day. If I'm going to support an independent shop I'd rather go on a day that is NOT so busy so I can browse at my leisure. Have you found that there are better deals on Record Story Day? If not, why do people bother to go?? BTW, I didn't notice your pimple until you pointed it out!
Thank you, Dan! Lol I kinda figured people wouldn't notice the pimple. To be fair, the image quality on the Substack page looks neater than on my phone while I was recording 🤣
Like you, I prefer visiting stores on quieter days so I can browse in peace. The main reason why so many people attend is to stand the best chance of getting one of the exclusive releases. There's a list every year with the specific releases and you can check stock with your local participating store.
It's a cool event but I personally think it needs some reform/update to the current times.
Thanks again for watching and for commenting!
"DON'T VOMIT ON THE RECORDS"—I see tee shirts in the future.
This really ups the ante (in a good, good way.) I had three laugh out loud moments while I was DRINKING COFFEE. Roughly translated, that's five stars.
A great mixture of information, humor, and humanity.
DM will arrive shortly re: turntable recommendations.
And speaking of records, for the record (do you guys say that in legalese?), I will be stealing this idea.
Thank you, John! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Deffo a tshirt that says "DON'T VOMIT ON THE RECORDS" would be a good idea. I'd rock it next to the "I've got a girlfriend" tshirt wearers 😂😂😂😂
Steal away my friend!
My DMs are always open.
Thanks again!!!
This was fantastic!!
Yes, shower please!! Hahahaha!
Oooh drinking!! I’d be down for that! My record store said they would have coffee and maybe donuts.
I’m dragging a friend along with me who also loves vinyl and has also never been to a Record Store Day. There are 3 stores in our area - we have friends who are going to the other 2, so, I’m thinking about doing a group text chat to see if we can snag stuff for others?? I know the one I’m going to is the least popular one - I chose this one because I don’t do crowds well hahaha!! But, they also get the least amount of copies. Two years ago, I was going to go with a friend, but when we drove by, the line was like 3-4 blocks long at 8am!! Also, it was cold and raining/snowing/sleeting and neither of us was up for that. We drove by again later after open and the line was still ridiculous.
Thank you so much, Kristin! Really glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Yes, the shower thing is definitely a thing 🤣🤣 and no one talks about it! Especially in England, no one will say it too directly, so someone had to 😜
Coffee and donuts sounds nice too! At least no one will be vomiting on the records. Here some start drinking beer at 7 am -- no judgment whatsoever, and I have actually partaken, but some people get quite drunk and I think it's a shame for the store, the records and the other customers.
I think it's a great idea to do a group chat so you guys can join forces and help each other out if needed. I hope you have a great time and that the weather behaves this year! Let me know how it goes.
Thanks again for watching and commenting!
Thank you! I just checked the weather and no rain in the forecast 🎉 it should be about 35 degrees- another friend that goes every year suggested a blanket, so I’m definitely going to take one!
That's less than 2 degrees Celsius 😱 Sooo cold for mid April! Where do you live if I may ask?
Midwest United States - I live in Davenport, IA. Part of the Quad Cities area along the Mississippi River.
I see! I’ll bear this in mind next time I think London is too cold 😂 It’s generally mild here in comparison, especially at this time of year.
Watching this as I hit submit on my much more pro-Record Store Day post, gulp..
Haha I can't argue with any of it, but I love Record Store Day! I'm blessed to have a great local shop who does time slot shopping for traffic reduction. They also do concerts, raffles, coupons, merch, and a food drive donation. Though I may bring my kid this year, and I may regret that..
Thank you, Jared! No gulping, please, as I love the fact we have different experiences. I have to admit I have actually enjoyed RSD in the past but things have, in central London at least, changed (or I have changed with age, or a bit of both). The thing is, for me, currently, I’m mostly interested in old pressings of my favourite artists, and not so much into new releases. But as I was saying in another comment, I think it’s great there is a market for it as there’s clearly demand, and also, it’s a great community experience (which I can confidently say Americans are a million times better at than us).
I hope you have a blast, and I look forward to your post! I promise I won’t grinch it 🤣
I laughed so hard, the neighbors must have heard. The commercial break was genius! You’re a natural!
Thank you very much, Pe! I’m glad to hear you laughed so much 😅😂 I’d like to thank you once again for suggesting in my latest survey that I should do a video. I’ll never forget that 😊 Thanks again!
Personally, I've never understood the point of RSD. You can buy records literally every single other day of the year. Unless you're just really into crowds... which makes the entire thing seem more performative than anything else. I live in NYC and I stopped going to record stores in the late 90s because even places like Other Music had to order what I was looking for online, so I just started doing that myself... and have never looked back. RSD really just feels like it's something one participates in as a signal to others (despite being filled with people who would likely claim to hate capitalism on any other day) — not because they care about the music itself... which kinda just seems to be the over-all theme these days.
Thank you for your comment, Nuk! I see what you mean regarding crowds, and I suspect NYC and London, as two major global cities, share some characteristics, not least in the amount (and variety) of crowds these things tend to attract.
I like supporting my local stores as and when I feel like or when I’m after something I know they’ll have at a good price. I don’t like being dictated by the calendar. I also have an issue with the militant tone the RSD organisers have adopted in recent years (at least, that’s my perception here in the UK).
I think it’s cool if people want to get one of the exclusive releases, and it’s a good sign there’s a market for it.
Thanks again so much for watching and for your valuable contribution!
I think RSD is for record collectors what St Patrick's Day for people who drink more than twice a year. Lot of amateurs come out of the woodwork lol
Couldn’t agree more!
Fabulous new arrow in your music-writing quiver, Andy! Now, we get to read you, hear you, and see you! I love your free-wheeling, let-it-fly approach....that's our Andy! Keep it up!
As for Record Store Day, I appreciate it from a focus-on-vinyl point of reference in this century of streaming, and how it (seems to) open up hard-copy interest to Gen Z-ers and beyond.
Thanks for the thoughtful and considerate product placement! I think we can call that mug-mugging!☕😁👍
Thank you so much, Brad! As I’ve said before (but it bears repeating), your encouragement and support have been instrumental in this new venture. Thank you once again 😊 I’m also excited to be adding videos as part of the combo going forward.
I totally see what you mean about RSD. Its cultural significance is huge: from triggering the vinyl revival movement to the excitement in the faces of the younger generations.
The Tune Tag mug is gorgeous, and so well made! Readers and viewers, take heed!
Thanks again!!
This turned out great! Nice job making it through without sneezing. lol.
Seriously though; this is all great advice--especially the part about showering first. It's not an "enchanting musk" or pheromones; it's just B.O.
As for me, I'm going with scenario 1...sort of. I have one record I'm really excited to pick up, but I'm not sure my local shop will have it (waiting for them to open to call & confirm). I did find a store that's carrying it, but they're in Kentucky of all places. So it looks like I might be shopping online this year?
Scalpers still suck, but I'm not sure how you stop that without indrectly hurting the store(s) you want to support. Maybe by this time next year, I'll have a better idea.
P.S. Incredible product placement! lol.
Thank you so much! I was less concerned about the sneezing and more concerned about the farting tbh 🤣 but fortunately no accidents. It's become kinda like my catchphrase BUT I'm well aware this might happen someday (and it would be HILARIOUS if it did).
100% agree shower is non-negotiable especially as people are going to be in tight crowds for a big chunk of the day.
I really hope you can get your record -- I'll be rooting for you! Else you might have to "accidentally" end up on a flight to Kentucky while you're at work. I mean... you're already at the airport, right? The hard part is done 🤣
I genuinely believe (but I accept it may be too optimistic on my part) that if RSD allowed online pre-orders (either to collect in store on the Saturday or for delivery after Saturday with shipping fee paid by the customer), demand/supply would stabilise, or work a bit more harmoniously (as tends to be the case with non-RSD vinyl in general). Would this remove scalpers completely? Probably not, but it might help us take a step in the right direction.
Thanks a lot for watching and commenting!
PS: I need some On Repeat merch (I'm thinking cap/hat/sunglasses, what ya reckon?) and you can be sure I'll be rocking it on camera too!
Thank you! I’ve toyed around with some merch protypes, but nothing definitve yet. Still have stickers for people, but that’s it so far.
I'm rooting for the cap, Kev. "Make Records Great Again" 😉 Sunglasses too, although branding them would be tough due to lack of space.
While we're at it, some cargo shorts would be in order. Can't promise I'll wear them though (too long for me as far as shorts go 🤣) but I'm sure they'll be popular!
I mean, they *would* be on brand for me...
Love the video, very well done.
A few years ago I was excited to get or try to get a Damned album. Needless to say, I was unable to procure the album and have sense not really participated in record day.
Thank you, Bob! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Yes, I hear you. There are always way too many people and not enough records.
Thank you for watching and commenting!
immediately got lost in your steely blue eyes, apologies xx
Thank you for the tips! I deffo think the stink in predominantly male conventions/events is definetely a thing. Might be controversial but I honestly don't mind it as much in situations like a gig or parade - if you're jumping, dancing and moshing for 2hrs of course there will be some natural BO. However....... no business being stinky on a day of leisurely browsing vinyls. Deodorant is important!
Lol thank you! Much appreciated 😅Yes, 100% agree. Big parties, concerts, festivals, even nightclubs — no big deal, we’re all in the same boat, we’re all human. Now, a Saturday morning at a record store? Come on, man! 🤣
Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
Enjoyed the video! The last RSD I went to was probably close to 10 years ago and John Oates played a surprise set out back of the little indie record shop we went to. Was a lot of fun!
Thank you, AJ! That must have been so cool. I also haven’t been to RSD in several years. Sadly I have many reservations with what’s become, but it’s cool to see other people still enjoy it. Thanks for watching and commenting!