Record Store Day at Zia Records
Last month, on 4/20, Zia Records hosted its yearly celebration of Record Store Day at its two Las Vegas locations. The festivities invited people to enter Zia Records, where many customers walked out with records, admiring them in the light and showing them off to friends. The proud feeling of making a purchase or buying something they really care about radiated off their faces. With more and more cars piling into the plaza searching for parking, the celebration was clear to see. The excitement was electric, to say the least.
Balloons with the letters ‘R-S-D’ greeted people upon entering. Under the balloons, a framed Zia poster of Record Store Day was there to signify the celebration. The logo, a vinyl record waving, welcomed customers with its presence, along with Zia’s own exclusive memorabilia for RSD. Mugs, buttons, water bottles, cups, turntable covers, hot dog plushies, stickers, hats, and other items. Signs spread out all over the store saying, “Buy 3, get the 4th free for pre-owned items.” Taking advantage of the sale, some people carried a varied amount of vinyl records, movies, books, and CDs in their arms. The store was filled with many trying to get their RSD exclusives from their favorite artists.
With Zia’s aisles of rock, pop, soul, R&B, punk, and other genres, there’s a record for any music lover. Some people phoned others to ask if they wanted in on the special deals, sharing about the festivities by word of mouth. The section with RSD exclusives was almost bare early in the day from the high demand.
The Experience of Being There For RSD
Everyone waited patiently in the long lines of the store, admiring the soon-to-be purchases and sharing their excitement with others in line as well. People complimented others’ choices of certain vinyls they held and even developed newfound friendships in the store as people shared records that no one knew about.
People expressed their excitement in various ways, like the speed of their fingers sorting through records, pulling one out, and marveling at its front and back covers, or smiling upon discovering something by surprise. Friends shared excitement over showing each other something they knew the other would like. Some loudly exclaimed, “Yes!” when they finally found the exact thing they were looking for.
Shopping in a record store creates these feelings, including the enjoyment of finding and appreciating a record, movie, book, or collectible. The journey to getting it, the story, and perhaps stumbling upon something new, forgotten, or remembered contribute to the everlasting effect of the experience. These moments become memories whenever the said items are played or admired.
Some would say being with other music lovers is what RSD means to them. Others would say record exclusives, in-store performances, or promotional events are what draws them in. But in the end, the core of it is the place that contains the records. The record store is at the core of the day.
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Record Store Day Celebrates the Importance of Music, Independent Record Stores, and Surrounding Culture
Record Store Day celebrations commenced all across the country and the world on April 20, 2024. Conceived in 2007, this celebration of independent record stores and music celebrated its first day on April 19, 2008.
Every year, Record Store Day continues to provide music lovers with a list of records from their favorite artists that have either been out of print, never released, or exclusives for just that day. Exclusive releases, limited runs, and first releases bring excitement and provide artists and fans another way of connecting. The chance of getting material from a band or artist that hasn’t been heard or released before can only contribute to the uniqueness and the experience of listening to it.
Why Record Stores?
Many fans gather in record stores to buy these limited press records to add to their collections and to support the record store itself. Many independent record stores rely on customers just like any other business. RSD isn’t just a celebration; it’s a reminder to keep these stores alive and running. They help spread music and art recommendations and provide a social community for some seeking people who love music as much as they do. Local bands have a place to sell their physical copies of music and put up gig flyers.
The record store provides an atmosphere that enhances music appreciation. With vinyl seeing a resurgence in recent years, the culture is holding strong and even getting stronger. According to The Recording Industry Association of America, the sales volume of the LP/EP format in 2023 equaled 43.2 million (an increase of 6.6% from the prior year) and made up 17.4 % of the total sales volume of 249 million units for all selected formats that year.
The culture and community around these record stores are becoming more prominent than before and helping form bonds with their record stores and other music fans. RSD is just as much for the day in bringing music lovers into one place as the exclusives on sale.
With many artists contributing to this year’s RSD exclusive list, there was definitely something to catch every music lover’s eye. Artists ranged from The 1975, Wallows, and The Hives to Daft Punk, Frank Zappa, and Captain Beefheart. The list included all exclusives, limited runs, and first releases.
#GetinMotion with Zia Records and Record Store Day
Even though Record Store Day is over, one can still support and visit their own local record stores.
Visit Zia Records at 1216 South Rainbow Boulevard and 7380 South Eastern Avenue to get new music and more! Check out their website, and follow their Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on special events like RSD.
Zia Records also contributes to the community by supporting local nonprofits. Its Tokens for Charity Bag Program gives customers the option to skip the bag and donate the bag’s cost to one of Zia’s supported charities. Zia values wellness, art, and education, and its goal is to partner with like-minded organizations and help individuals nurture their creative spirit.
Record Store Day also has a website with more information about independent record stores, labels, merch, and other music-related topics.
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