Saturday, 29 August 2020

There’s been a twist on Record Store Day (RSD) this year, as the COVID-19 pandemic has inspired three “socially distanced” dates across August, September and October.

In the past, Record Store Day has been about the gatherings, parties, concerts and a “group hang” element of celebration. However, these different times have made for a new focus of bringing revenue to the stores, as well as the artists, labels and distribution aspects of the industry.

The first of the three scheduled Record Store Days is happening in all good indie record stores this Saturday, 29 August.

Crackle and Pop will be doing their thing from the Big Shed Brewing Concern this year, spinning tunes and selling records from 9am. They will have breakfast burgers and pizzas available to devour, and those of you who love a morning brew, they’ve got you covered too.

Clarity Records are celebrating their tenth year, and will be kicking off RSD at 00:00 on Saturday, 29 August, however will be closing at 7pm on Saturday night, rather than their traditional 24-hour extravaganza. A BBQ and other special treats will be on hand to accompany you on your record unearthing journey, while specially designed t-shirts and tote bags will be on hand to celebrate the occasion. They will be abiding by the COVID-19 restrictions, meaning a maximum of 10 people in the store at one time… so please be patient when waiting in line.

There will be plenty of good finds at Underground Records, who are celebrating the “undying awesomeness of coloured circles that mysteriously play everything we love and adore”. They will be opening their Prospect Road doors at 10am, with a jaw-dropping amount of records on hand, available from as little as $10. Be sure to peruse their RSD titles, along with mind-melting psychedelic rock.

So go forth, enjoy the winter sunshine, and keep buying and supporting vinyl.