“First off, what if I don’t collect physical music much?”
Already seasoned collectors of physical music have no need to worry—most stores should be participating as long as they are locally owned. For those new to the hobby who don’t really have a store in mind, finding the right spot could provide the perfect vibe. The importance lies in the Tennessee Valley’s recently growing, yet ever-vibrant, music community, which has led to many developing subcultures. It can be easy for it to go over one’s head, but from the more indie rock–supportive Vertical House Records, to the nostalgia-focused Urban Atlas, and even the local 2nd & Charles, each can have a unique influence on how many perceive the physical music world. Maybe Record Store Day (or RSD, as veterans call it) could be the perfect opportunity to explore?
“Well, what exactly is Record Store Day, and how could it help introduce me to the hobby?”
RSD is an international event that occurs every third Saturday of April and focuses on celebrating the growth and love of music among smaller record stores. This does, sadly, mean that broader stores—such as the previously mentioned 2nd & Charles—tend not to participate, though they could offer potential sales if one decides to check. It is less of a professionally organized event and more of a tradition that benefits all parties involved. The ways certain places go about this can range from exclusive copies, to great deals, and even live performances! Though it does vary depending on the specific store one has in mind, which is why it is best to contact that store beforehand to see what’s happening.
“This seems like a bit much—why should I bother?”
Most music streaming services rely on more than one might think to provide a good listening experience. Those factors can include phone and headphone type, current access to a proper Wi-Fi network or hotspot, paid subscriptions, and many more unmentioned details. These can become tedious and especially costly over time, unlike the easy replayability of a cased CD or vinyl record. Not to mention the social benefits that come along with it—this is not only a hobby, but one that can expand across borders and connect people in search of the right releases. Hopefully, the information provided is enough for me—or anyone else reading this article—to take a breath of fresh air and maybe see each other out sometime.
For more questions that unfortunately couldn’t be covered, one can take a sneak peek at the official RSD website here.
