Ladies and gentlemen! Get ready for the long-awaited celebration in April. You know what we are talking about right? *record scratch* Wait, you don’t know Record Store Day? Let’s restart the track and tell you everything that you need to know about RSD!
Record Store Day (RSD) is a bi-annual event that celebrates and promotes independently owned record stores selling special-release CDs, Vinyls, and LPs for the community. From selling ‘RSD first’ CDs to small-run Vinyls, RSD’s special-release physical media are exclusively available for the first time on Record Store Day. These exclusive releases, limited-runs, and regional focus releases of various physical media are only sold physically at your local record store and won’t be available for online pre-orders. If you want to own a limited copy of Charli XCX’s ‘RSD Exclusive’ vinyl release and/or an ‘RSD First’ release of beabadoobee’s LP, you’ll need to pause your playlist and learn how to prepare for Record Store Day on April 12th, 2025.
How does it work?
Once an independently owned record store releases its exclusive physical media catalog, you can sign up for their emails and/or look out for instructions on their social media. You will have the chance to sign up for an RSD appointment or directions on what time to wait in line at any participating indie record store on opening day. Each indie record store will have its own procedure to ensure your experience will run smoothly and gather your desired physical media ready for purchase.
Which indie record store is participating in RSD?
A participating independent record store will be a brick-and-mortar retailer that focuses on music retail at a physical store rather than online retailers. In addition, you can also check RSD’s site for their list of participating record stores near you. If you are unsure if your local record store is participating, you can check their social media and/or website to read about their announcement and exclusive catalog for RSD.
What will be available at Record Store Day?
After you line up for your appointment time slot or wait patiently outside the store, you will be given a menu to select any special release physical media you would like to purchase on RSD. The indie record store staff will strive to grab every listed physical media you’ve picked. The earlier you line up or luckily obtain an early time slot the better your chances of purchasing your preferred exclusive physical media. Let’s check out a preview of what will be available at Record Store Day.
- Charli XCX’s Guess featuring Billie Eilish (7” Vinyl)
- Fleetwood Mac’s Fleetwood Mac (LP Picture Disc)
- Gorillaz’s Demon Days Live from the Apollo Theater (2 x LP)
- Laufey’s A Night At The Symphony: Hollywood Bowl (2 x LP)
- Post Malone’s Post Malone Tribute to Nirvana (LP)
- Taylor Swift’s Fortnight (7” Vinyl)
- Various Artists – Wicked: The Soundtrack (2 x LP)
- Wallow’s More (EP & CD)
Don’t see your favorite album or an artist that you love? Check out their RSD exclusive catalog to see if you would be lining up early for that special release.
What does each RSD release type mean?
On their exclusive catalog, you will notice three different release types: RSD Exclusive, ‘RSD First,’ and RSD Limited-Run/Regional Focus. Sounds a bit confusing if it’s your first time, let’s break it down for you:
- RSD Exclusive: Exclusive CDs, Vinyls, and LPs will be physically available only at indie record stores on Record Store Day.
- ‘RSD First:’ These physical media will be released first at participating record stores and possibly be available online for purchase in the future (not always guaranteed).
- RSD Limited-Run/Regional Focus: Small runs of under a thousand pressings that are only available in certain regions.
Now that you know the difference, you can see why owning either RSD release-type copy can be challenging. If you want a game plan for Record Store Day, you can download RSD’s pdf to view their catalog quickly and know the physical media’s release type easily on the go.
From how to check if an indie record store is participating in RSD to learning the difference between each release type, you now know everything you need to know about the big day. Don’t wait any longer. Book your RSD appointment and/or plan your visit to your local record store on April 12th!