Record Store Day 2026: April 18th

Reading this, you most likely have some idea of what Record Store Day is all about, but

for those who do not:

What started as a way to save both a dying business format (record stores) and

revenue stream for record companies (records as a format), has now become an

extremely popular tradition celebrated by about 1400 record stores and thousands more

fans of the ever-popular music format. Some cities, such as New York and Los Angeles,

have even declared it an official holiday.

In order to revitalize record stores, Record Store Day (RSD), as an organization, is

supported by music labels, artist services, record companies, record player

manufacturers, pressing facilities, and even a few drink companies. Labels want to see

this format thrive due to the rather small profit margins generated by streaming. The

current market heavily favors streaming, which may deliver a majority of profits today,

but doesn’t nearly rival the revenue once seen through physical media. The idea is that

if more people buy their music rather than stream it, the artists and labels will benefit. In

today’s financial climate this is a tough sell, however, by offering exclusives and special

editions, Record Store Day aims to persuade music fans that vinyl is worth the price.

There are three types of releases sold on Record Store Day: Exclusive Releases (only

available on Record Store Day at participating record stores), Limited Runs / Regional

Focus Releases (very limited pressings in number or market area), and Record Store

Day First Releases (records that will be available again in a distant time, separate from

RSD). While we may wish they were all the latter, as there are indeed some very cool

pressings, it is important to realize that it is the scarcity seen in Exclusives and Limited

Runs that makes this day such a success for stores across the country. There are

frequently Black Friday-esque lines at many record stores because of the draw this

event has on any given city. And in fact, most years do have a RSD on Black Friday.

Here in Nashville we have a good number of stores participating: Third Man Records,

Dead End Records, Swaggie Records, The Great Escape Nashville, Alison’s Record

Shop, Vinyl Tap, Analog Your Life, and of course Grimey’s. As stated on RSD’s site, not

all locations participate in the same capacity. There is a long list of RSD releases (found

below), and most stores only carry what they think their fans will be excited to buy. Be

sure to check out multiple stores on the big day, and maybe get to know a few

beforehand.

Find you city’s participating stores here: https://recordstoreday.com/Stores

Now for the much anticipated list! Here’s the full details:

https://recordstoreday.com/SpecialReleases

My personal highlights are the collector’s edition of Empire of the Sun’s Walking on a

Dream, The Night in Question: French Exit Outtakes from TV Girl, AIR Moon Safari – The Athens Concert from Air, Welcome To My Blue Sky (The Heart Charm) from Momma, and 7” singles from Pink Pantheress and Charlie XCX. There are dozens and dozens more, so do be sure to check out the full offerings, as there is sure to be at least one release for every music enjoyer, no matter the genre or style!

Record Store Day 2026 is coming to a lovely music shop near you on April 18th, 2026!