This year, a modified Record Store Day (generally held each April) will take place on Saturday, June 12. With the pandemic still causing adjustments to gatherings and events, the first record drop will happen on this day, with a second following on July 17.
“I think the idea is to spread them out enough to make it easier for smaller businesses like ours to be able to financially plan for the large amounts of inventory that small record stores will be purchasing,” said Kelly Jones, one of the owners at Century 21 Music and More.
According to an interview conducted via email, Century 21 will space their special releases out to prevent large crowds from forming. During the event last year, the business was unable to have customers inside the building, so they are considerably more excited for the event this year.
“We would love nothing more than to have big events like in years past, but with COVID still in the picture, our events this year will be a scaled back (but still fun!) version of our normal RSD events,” she said.
Jones noted that the majority of the event will depend on the weather on both days. They plan to host a few local artists whose items are sold in the store, most likely outside. They also plan to have live music and some small one- or two-person acts featured to entertain shoppers, and may set up a lot of their items outside as if for a sidewalk sale. They plan to also set out some of their rare items for sale.
“Like a lot of businesses, COVID hit smaller music stores like ours really hard. We are so grateful for the community support we received (and still receive) that has allowed us to stay in business. We are so happy this year that we will get to see our customers back in the store, shopping for their favorite releases,” Jones said.
Jones also said that aside from “RSD official” releases put out in June, special items that are considered independent record store exclusives are available all year, such as special colored vinyl releases only available at independent brick-and-mortar stores.
Century 21 Music and More is located at 125 Lasseter Dr.
Again, Record Store Day this year will take place on June 12, with a second drop on July 17.
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The Great Escape will open two hours early for Record Store Day festivities, which means that they will open at 10 a.m. on June 12 for the first day of Record Store Day drops. The store will close at 7 p.m. that day.
The Great Escape will feature special and limited-edition releases only available for purchase in person. Consumers can find these releases only at independent record stores, not online, by phone order or through “big-box” stores.
These exclusive releases usually sell out fast, according to The Great Escape co-owner Rob Baker, so it is recommended that shoppers arrive early. The Record Store Day releases are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Great Escape will also give away up to five free records from their $0.99 LP section on Saturday, June 12, with no purchase necessary to receive these special free records. The business will also give away free tote-bags, buttons and other giveaway items while supplies last.
At 2 p.m. at the Murfreesboro location, 810 NW Broad St., #202, The Great Escape will host a performance by the Murfreesboro’s own Jake-Leg Stompers.
Store hours and giveaways apply to The Great Escape’s other locations in Nashville, Madison, Bowling Green and Louisville, and those stores will also host some live music on June 12.
