12.375 inches squared or 31.4cm squared, sometimes 10.227” (26cm) and at other times 7.08” (18cm) depending on length...
The shiny wax record finds its home in the crates, displays and on the walls of a record store, ready for hungry music enthusiasts to finger their spines, flipping through in search of their collection pièce de résistance. At the counter stands a band-tee wearing music encyclopaedia, helping customers navigate their path of sonic discovery through curated recommendations.
The humble record store is more than a music retail space. It’s a haven for music fanatics, a place of curiosity for new listeners, a symbol of unity amongst the music community and a vehicle of transportation for the sonic traveller.
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Celebrating this culture is the global annual record store appreciation day, Record Store Day, which sees a return on Saturday 20 April 2024 with a newly independent Paramore leading the charge as the official ambassadors.
Their statement, posted to their social media, poetically details the vitality of the record store, reading, “The discovery of music was always meant to be romantic. Indie record shops are some of the only spaces we’ve got that offer a tangible, tactile experience of music discovery.
“In this world that feels more disconnected and hostile than ever, it feels important to remain in touch (literally) with what inspires us, empowers us, or simply brings us joy. Thankfully, for all our sakes, there still survives among the chaos, the purity and radical simplicity of a great record store.”
Gearing up for the biggest day of the year is Mont Albert North store and online retailer, Discrepancy Records.
“We are really excited for this year’s Record Store Day,” says store representative, Caleb Williamson.
“The list is really strong across all genres and generations of music lovers. For the day itself, however, this year we will have some special items to commemorate the day and make it our best Record Store Day yet!”
As the largest retailer of new and used vinyl, box sets and CDs with a stock of over 800,000 pieces and 200,000 distinct titles, Discrepancy Records is Disneyland for the record collector.
With the anticipation high for 2024, the Discrepancy team are ordering in stock early to meet demand, particularly with the announcement of confirmed titles Montaigne’s Glorious Heights, Ian Moss Live at Enmore, and Sons of the East Palomar Parade.
Every Record Store Day, the team aims to bring in a wide range of titles and to stock as many of the popular titles as they can.
“The big hitters this year are The 1975 live album, Sabrina Carpenter 7”, Olivia Rodrigo/Noah Kahan 7”, Pearl Jam, 100 Gecs, Paramore, Eric Carr, Emma Bunton; I could go on and on. This year’s releases are very decent across all age ranges and musical tastes. For fans of any era or genre, there are 4 to 6 albums worth getting: great jazz, great hip-hop, great soundtracks. For me personally, my wishlist is 16 items deep,” Williamson says.
To ensure everyone leaves with their dream additions, Discrepancy Records recommends that customers add items to their online account wishlist. It not only assists the store in their stock inventory but doubles as a shopping list to guide the on-day crate digging (although not every request can be guaranteed).
This year, they’ve already got 50 per cent more wishlist feedback than last year, making their selection better than ever. So far, they’re planning to bring in a whopping 700 Record Store Day titles and counting – Australian releases are expected to be announced next week, so stay tuned for updates!
In previous years the store has seen kilometre lines of over 1000 people around the corner to take advantage of the specials and new releases restricted to in-store.
As usual, it’s first in, best dressed, so head down early to make sure you get your hands on what you’re looking for (wishlist selections don’t mean they’ll keep the record on hold for you). Plus, word on the street is the store is planning some fun and exciting surprises for the early birds.
Customers are encouraged not to be deterred by the line – there are five points of sale moving things along and restricted in-store numbers for ease of browsing – and instead to embrace the true spirit of the day by bonding with their fellow music lovers.
Williamson explains, “Connecting with people is what it’s all about. The weeks leading up to the day are best spent chatting with customers about what albums they are excited to get on the day. Also, the excitement from people when they find one of their favourite albums is finally getting reissued, or a soundtrack they never thought would get pressed is released, it’s contagious. It’s also just a great way to spend a day with people who are also into vinyl, and more broadly music, as much as you are.”
Leftover Record Store Day deals will be added to the Discrepancy Records website from 9AM, Monday 22 April for those that can’t attend in person but there are no promises on stock availability.
Don’t risk it, head to Discrepancy Records at 2A / 2B Milne Road, Mont Albert North, from 8AM, Saturday 20 April 2024.
This article was made in partnership with Discrepancy Records.
