Music lovers in Rochester celebrated Record Store Day on Saturday: a tradition that’s keeping vinyl culture alive.
Record Store Day is a nationwide event that celebrates independent records stores, and gives fans a chance to discover new music and take advantage of local promotions.
At Record Archive, dozens lined up before doors opened.
Jacob Joanette arrived at 6 a.m.—four hours early—to ensure he’d get his top picks.
“I got a Lil Uzi, Gunna, and Young Thug,” he said.
Joanette’s friend, Gordon David, also walked away with everything he wanted.
“I got Don Toliver and Beabadoobee,” he said.
Both began collecting records within the past two years. Despite having access to digital music, David said vinyl offers something streaming can’t.
“I’ve seen a couple songs and albums get taken down from streaming,” he said. “With this, you always get the full experience every time.”
Vinyl has seen a major resurgence in the last two decades. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, vinyl records generated more than $1.4 billion in U.S. sales last year—the highest in decades.
Other local record stores participated in the event: including Needle Drop Records and the Hi-Fi Lounge. House of Guitars in Irondequoit is also getting in on the fun.
Record Store Day returns in November. Joanette encourages fellow music fans to get involved.
“Go out there and collect them records,” he said.
Record Store Day, observed twice a year in April and November, draws collectors and fans to independent record shops across the country. In Rochester, dozens lined up outside Record Archive early Saturday morning, hoping to score exclusive releases and long-sought albums.
Jacob Joanette arrived at 6 a.m.—four hours before the store opened—to secure his picks.
“I got a Lil Uzi, Gunna, and Young Thug,” he said. “Yeah, I also got some other stuff.”
Joanette’s friend, Gordon David, also left satisfied.
“I got Don Toliver and Beabadoobee,” he said.
Both Joanette and David began collecting records less than two years ago but say their collections are steadily growing. Even though they can stream music anytime, David said there’s something more meaningful about vinyl.
“I like it better because I’ve seen a couple songs and albums get taken down from streaming,” he said. “With this, you always get the full experience every time.”
Record Store Day returns in November, typically the day after Thanksgiving. Joanette encourages others to dive into the vinyl experience.
“Go out there and collect them records,” he said.
