Record store day sparks interest in indie music

As the rise of hipsters and counter-culture nonconformists causes a surge of interest in all things retro, the local record store has repopulated with new listeners.

To celebrate the rebirth of vinyl, the third Saturday of April is annual Record Store Day. Local independent music stores, such as downtown’s Love Garden Sounds, have come together to have a day filled with exclusive new releases and special deals.

“People should go to their indie record store and find out what is happening,” singer-songwriter Regina Spektor said in an interview with Record Store Day officials.

[Record Stores] are the only ones that may still suggest something new and fresh, instead of just what’s popular.

— DJ Jazzy Jeff

From The 1975, to A$AP Rocky, to Johnny Cash, artists from all genres are putting out unique versions of their albums to be released only on April 18.

“[Record Stores] are the only ones that may still suggest something new and fresh, instead of just what’s popular,” DJ Jazzy Jeff said in a quote for the event website.

In preparation for the mass of people trying to snatch up these one-of-a-kind releases, Love Garden has organized a numbering system for the holiday. Before the stores open at 10 a.m., customers will be given a number respective to their place in line.

There is also a five-item limit on Record Store Day releases until all numbered customers have been given a chance to shop. In addition to the cool finds, store merchandise will be 25 percent off.

This event is nationwide and largely supported by those indie artists whose albums started off only being sold in the small hometown stores. Rapper Aaron Dontez Yates, also known as Tech N9ne, started his career in Kansas City this way.

“As a result, with the indies help, you have now heard of me throughout the US,” Tech N9ne said. “They gave my music an opportunity to be heard, and now with the fans support, I have become the largest truly indie rapper.”

Tech N9ne’s success is proof of the significance in supporting local music and businesses.

“I think it’s high time the mentors, big brothers, big sisters, parents, guardians and neighborhood ne’er do wells, start taking younger people that look up to them to a real record store and show them what an important part of life music really is,” musician Jack White said, as quoted from the event website