Record Store Day 2024 - What to expect and exclusive releases

Record Store Day (RSD) is taking place on Saturday, April 20, at over 270 independent record stores around the UK and beyond.

The day takes place to highlight the importance of independent record stores, increase footfall, and ultimately recognise everyone involved in record stores - whether it be the staff, customers, artists or labels.

Record Display - Image by Natasha Judge

A perk of RSD is the exclusive pressings that are made uniquely for the indie shops, and are only available on the day itself - or until sold out.

Stores cannot hold or reserve releases, and products are sold on a first come first serve basis - as means of getting people into physical stores.

Exclusive RSD made products will only be available in person, with any remaining products made available online from Monday, April 22, at 8pm.

You can locate your nearest store taking part using the interactive map here.

This year sees many exclusive releases, including rare presses of Bloc Party, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Celeste, The Charlatans, David Bowie, The Cure, George Harrison, The Hives, The Japanese House, La Roux, OMD, and Paramore.

Notably, there are also a number of live performances on vinyl up for grabs for RSD. These include:

• The 1975 - live at Manchester’s Gorilla venue

• The Dandy Warhols - live at Levitation

• Def Leppard - live at Sheffield’s Leadmill

• English Teacher - live at Brudenell Social Club

• Fleet Foxes - live on Boston Harbour

• Talking Heads - Live on tour

• Nat King Cole - live at The Blue Note, in Chicago

Also, if you are looking for a more eye-catching release - there are a number of zoetrope pressings. Currently, the zoetrope album listings include Blur - Parklife, Fatboy Slim - Everybody Loves A Remix and Lily Allen - It’s Not Me, It’s You.

The full exclusive RSD releases list can be found here, with a downloadable list available here.

Record playing (Viola Beach) - Image by Natasha Judge

The first RSD took place in April 2008 and has been annually taking place since with thousands celebrating each year.

It is recommended you check ahead of time for record listings and timings of your local store if you plan to attend. Although be warned - queuing can start early at several stores!

Further information on Record Store Day can be found on their website here.