What’s Record Store Day?

What’s Record Store Day?

Record Store Day (RSD) is a day to celebrate and spread the word about the thousands of super cool independently owned record stores across the world. It’s a day of special vinyl and album releases in honor of the unique role independent record stores play in their communities. Usually it takes place in April, but this year’s dates for RSD Drops are scheduled for June 12 and July 17

As Kansas City’s top record store for the last 45 years, the Vinyl Underground at 7th Heaven is prepped to have a sweet RSD Drops! this year. 

History of Record Store Day

The idea for Record Store Day was thought up in 2007 by a group of record store owners and employees. They thought there should be a way to bring more attention to record stores and the value they bring to their communities. 

The first RSD was celebrated in 2008, mainly in San Francisco. Metallica spent hours at Rasputin Music meeting fans, and now it’s a yearly tradition for artists to come to record stores around the world to perform, do signings, greet their fans, and buy some music themselves on Record Store Day. 

Jesse Hughes, lead singer of Eagles of Death Metal, declared himself the “Record Store Day Ambassador” in 2009, and since then many other incredible artists have worn the ceremonial sash. Those artists include: Josh Homme (Eagles of Death Metal, Them Crooked Vultures, Queens of the Stone Age), Iggy Pop, Jack White, Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Grohl, Metallica, Run the Jewels, Pearl Jam, and more. 

The organization in charge of RSD works with independent and major record labels all year in order to create the contests, special releases, and promotions we all use to spotlight the importance and benefits of supporting independent, locally-owned record stores all year.

Record Store Day Drops 2021

You may remember when we had a great Record Store Day Black Friday, and now it’s time to prepare for 2021’s official Record Store Day Drop, happening June 12 and July 17! Because 2020 just HAD to leak into 2021, RSD organizers determined it would be in the best interest of everyone to hold two “RSD Drops” dates this year.

How is RSD Drops different from RSD?

Most Record Store Days have been celebrated with one huge day. Crowds would pile up inside and outside of their local record stores. Bands would play gigs. Food and beer were enjoyed by all. While that looks like the probable outcome for RSD 2022, it’s probably not a great idea this year. 

So, RSD Drops is a way to make sure we all get badass content in our stores, but without the big party or crowd. Instead of just one day, we’ll have two days of record drops with exciting new music available. 

Record Store Day and More at The Vinyl Underground

Here’s the deal, Kansas City: we’re not just a record store near you, we are THE record store near you. Come by to see our amazing collection of new and used vinyl records and chill with the city’s biggest music enthusiasts. If you want to know what’s been happening in The Vinyl Underground, check out the latest news. Don’t forget to pick up your smoke and sex accessories while you’re visiting! 

Come take a walk on Kansas City’s wild side at 7th Heaven and make the most out of Record Store Day.