18 April 18-24, 2024 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com New Times | music | cafe | culture | Night+Day | News | letters | coNteNts | Hear Them Out! Record Store Day returns to remind you to shop local. BY JOSE D. DURAN A ccording to music data-track- ing firm Luminate, 2023 marked the third consecutive year in which vinyl records outsold CDs and the 18th con- secutive year that vinyl album sales grew in the U.S. For all albums sold across digital and physical options in 2023, vinyl albums made up 47.1 percent — and when counting physi- cal sales alone, vinyl makes up 57 percent. This is all to say that vinyl records are pop- ular again, and independent record stores have played a big part in their resurrection. Audiophiles will argue that vinyl records are the best way to listen to music, but beyond that, in the current digital landscape, there is something to be said about the tangible and tactical experience records provide. While you can buy records at Target, Urban Outfitters, and, yes, Amazon, independent re- cord stores continue to be the ideal places where you want to purchase your favorite albums. Beyond sup- porting small busi- nesses, these record stores provide a vital link to their commu- nities, acting as a gath- ering space for music fans. They host in-store appearances and lis- tening parties and occasionally organize con- certs around town. When was the last time Jeff Bezos did that? On Saturday, April 20, Record Store Day (RSD) returns, reminding you to support your local record store. On this day, you can shop for exclusive RSD releases that are only avail- able to purchase in person at participating stores. Highly coveted releases will include the Beatles’ three-inch record package, a lim- ited vinyl release of David Bowie’s Waiting in the Sky (Before the Starman Came to Earth), an LP picture disc of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors, the long-awaited physical release of Para- more’s remix album Re: This is Why, and the Weeknd’s live album Live at SoFi Stadium. For a full list of releases, visit recordstoreday. com. Also, due to the limited amount of copies, stores will not carry every release. It’s best to call ahead and confirm if they will be stocking it. Lucky Records 143 NW 23rd St., Miami 833-735-5929 luckyrecordsmiami.com Attached to 1-800-Lucky in Wynwood, Lucky Records will be open starting at 10 a.m. It will feature a dollar-bin blowout sale — its largest to date — along with Ace Flea hosting a vin- tage market on the patio and 4/20 giveaways. There will also be DJ sets by Ahamed, Angel- ica Rose, Carozilla, DJ Pack-A-Day, DJ Ynot, Heisenlo, DJ Lucha, and Louiedeology. Radio-Active Records 5975 N. Federal Hwy., Ste. 130, Fort Lauderdale 954-762-9488 radio-active-records.com Fort Lauderdale record store Radio-Active moved to its current location in late 2022 but remains one of the best places to shop for vi- nyl in South Florida. During RSD, the store will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. DJs Love- blendz, Well Fed Boy, Just Dimy, Florida Boy, and Muchamanifesta will be spinning throughout the day along with live art and vintage clothing from Thrift Sh!t. Radio-Ac- tive will also celebrate a special collaboration, which you’ll find out about if you attend. The Record Rack 207 S. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach 954-783-5004 instagram.com/therecordrackflorida Located in northern Broward County, the Re- cord Rack will kick off its RSD activations at 8 a.m. There will be 50-cent bins for you to browse through, as well as a ten percent dis- count on all new vinyl from 8 a.m. to noon and discounts on leftover RSD and Black Fri- day releases from previous years. Expect T- shirt and sticker giveaways as well. Sweat Records 5505 NE Second Ave., Miami 786-693-9309 sweatrecordsmiami.com Sweat Records in Little Haiti has RSD down to a science. As always, those hoping to score any highly prized RSD released can start making the line at 9 a.m., with the store offi- cially opening at 10. The store is open until 7 p.m. Enjoy DJ sets from Ale Campos, Got Now, Monica McGivern, Tony Pizzicato, and Lula Rios. There will also be frozen treats by Kimberly’s, free empanadas from Milly’s, and free Estrella Damm beer. Technique Records 880 NE 79th St., Miami 786-717-6622 techniquerecords.com If you’re smart, you’ll stop by both Technique and Sweat on the same day since they are rela- tively close. The 79th Street shop will be host- ing its usual sidewalk sale and stocking up on new arrivals of used vinyl. You can also enjoy an open bar and DJ sets by Angelica Rose, Arri Purri, Gabo Wabo, Hiltronix, Rat Bastard, Ro- mulo del Castillo, and Rum & Coke. Of course, that’s not all. Battles drummer John Stanier and legendary producer Arthur Baker will also take turns behind the decks. We Got the Beats 840 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Ste. 118, Oakland Park 954-671-9482 4588 N. University Dr., Lauderhill 954-395-6520 wegotthebeatsrecordstore.com Both the Oakland Park and Lauderhill loca- tions will participate in RSD. The stores started distributing RSD wristbands on April 8, with the perk of enjoying exclusive deals ahead of April 20, including a ten percent dis- count on all new vinyl when you spend $50 or more. The wristband also allows you to enter the stores starting at 8 a.m., with the rest of the general public allowed to start entering at 11 a.m. (All We Got the Beats’ RSD logistics are clearly laid out on the store’s website.) VP Records 6022 SW 21st St., Miramar 954-966-4744 vpreggae.com VP Records sells more than just reggae, and on RSD, the store will have plenty of releases in stock. Its website includes several coveted ones that you might want to stop by and take home. The store will be open starting at 9:30 a.m. Yesterday & Today Records 9274 Bird Rd., Miami 305-554-1020 vintagerecords.com Miami’s oldest record store will celebrate RSD starting at 9 a.m. Owner Evan Chern says you can expect boxes and boxes of dis- counted records, vinyl giveaways, and com- plimentary beverages. [email protected] On Saturday, April 20, record stores across Miami and Fort Lauderdale will celebrate Record Store Day. Photo by Deyson Rodriguez AUDIOPHILES WILL ARGUE THAT VINYL RECORDS ARE THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO MUSIC. | CROSSFADE | t Music
