Small, independent music stores around the metroplex celebrated 2023 Record Store Day on Saturday.
The annual event promotes vinyl records, supports local record stores, and celebrates “the unique culture of a record store and the special role they play in their communities,” according to the RSD website.
At least 16 stores in North Texas participated in the RSD event on April 22, including four in Dallas: Josey Records & Music, Spinster Records, The Spin Coffee and Vinyl, and Good Records.
Each year, record labels release limited-edition vinyl records on Record Store Day that “include artists and labels both large and small, in every genre and price point,” according to the website.
This year, Taylor Swift released the vinyl album folklore: the long pond studio sessions for the event. Additionally, The 1975 released a vinyl Live With The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, and Dolly Parton’s album, The Monument Singles Collection 1964-1968, was also released. You can view the complete list of the more than 300 vinyl albums that were released here.
Some of the releases were exclusive to the stores participating in RSD, some were limited-run releases, and others were offered first at the RSD event before becoming available at other outlets afterward.
The RSD organizers work with “both independent and major labels throughout the year to create contests, special releases and promotions in order to spotlight the benefits of supporting these independent, locally owned stores with music purchases throughout the year,” according to its website.
Vinyl records have been making a comeback in the past decade. Record sales increased by 20% in 2022 compared to the previous year, with a total of $1.2 billion in vinyl record sales in 2022, according to The Conversation.
While one might assume that the resurgence in popularity of vinyl records is driven by nostalgic Baby Boomers, this is not the case, The Conversation reported. According to record industry data, the top-selling vinyl albums now are by contemporary artists, and the consumer most likely to buy a vinyl record is a Gen Z-er.
Retailers like Urban Outfitters are selling record players and records marketed toward teens and young adults.