With My Own Eyes
It’s now an international phenomenon that attracts lots of attention and enthusiasm by those “in
the know.” Hailed as a global celebration of vinyl culture featuring special releases, in-store
performances, and unique sales events at independently owned record stores, it’s a significant
factor driving the interest in records. In fact, this event is credited with triggering the resurgence
of music on vinyl.
So it seems rather odd that it’s the first time I’ve actually “attended” Record Store Day.” There
are some reasons for that. First, I get impatient with lineups. Shopping for me is something
approached with strategy and intention and executed with economy of time in mind. Then
there’s the fact that I’m not really a collector in the generally understood way. I only buy a
record, new or used, that I fully intend to listen to and enjoy. My modest collection isn’t
something firstly for bragging rights nor accruing value.
However, I got my hands on the official RSD25 Canada release list, and in its 4 pages of small
type I found something that I got excited about. It’s the 18 th year of the event, and I determined
to join the fray on April 12, 2025. I simply chose the record store closest to me in Edmonton and
showed up around 11am.
Sure enough, there was an impressive customer queue on the sidewalk stretching almost the
full city block. But the weather was mild, the sun was out, and I resolved that I could also share
in the spirit of the event by suppressing the urge to come back another day. I looked around and
discovered that it was largely Millennials in the line, with some Gen Z thrown in as well. While it
was my generation that actually grew up with vinyl as the primary mode of music listening, there
were hardly any other Gen X’ers to be seen. I was reminded that this second coming of vinyl
has captured the fascination of an entirely new cohort of listeners.
It wasn’t long before I got caught up in conversation with another solo shopper. He had already
been to another record store and came up empty-handed with the title he was hoping for. Now
he was patiently waiting again for the chance to find it here. After sharing what we each had our
eyes set on, we segued into our related interests, he with this long-time cover band, and me
with the viny pressing vocation. It was an engaging chat with a total stranger, making the one
hour wait pass quickly.
When there was finally room inside the store for us, it became all business. My new friend found
what he was looking for within the first 2 minutes, and he was clearly pleased with his success. I
on the other hand, searched through all the racks dedicated to RSD, with no luck. Fortunately
the staff were eager to help me find that title, and after a thorough quest discovered that it was
in a box that hadn’t yet arrived. However, they took down my information and true to their word, I
got a call several days later saying they had it.
I may not attend every year in the future, but this long overdue first experience was one worth
repeating.
