Ready to get groovy, Seattle? Record Store Day (RSD) is just around the corner on Sat., April 23 and it’s turning the tables on how you listen to music.
Record Store Day is a nationwide celebration of the culture that is the independent music store + its vinyl beauty. Each year, hundreds of special edition RSD albums are released and sold in participating, local record stores on this day only. Plus, a lot of shops really spin up the fun with live music performances and food + drink vendors.
So, unplug the aux cord and dust off your dad’s old record player. We’ve rounded up five vibrant + homey record stores that are well-stocked and totally in tune with your musical needs along with some Record Store Day celebrations.
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💿 Royal Records, 2 W. Roy St.
While this Queen Anne shop always has a neat collection of vinyl, staff will bring out extra crates of collectable albums and lots of the Record Store Day exclusives for Saturday’s celebration. The shop opens at 9 a.m., with DJs providing live entertainment all day.
💿 Sonic Boom Records, 2209 NW Market St.
This 25-year-old Ballard shop has a constant stream of new releases and will pepper in some updates on its Record Store Day stock throughout the weeke. Keep an eye on its Instagram page for more.
💿 Fat Cat Records, 4515 Meridian Ave. N.
Just about every music genre can be found on vinyl in this family-owned store that even sells its own record cleaning solution called “Fat Cat Juice.” Celebrate Record Store Day by stopping in to check out its selection of RSD titles — just be sure to arrive early since doors open at 10 a.m. with lines that tend to form each year two hours prior.
💿 Easy Street Records, 4559 California Ave. SW
We can’t leave out this classic. Easy Street Records, a West Seattle staple, was listed as one of the best record stores in America by Rolling Stone magazine. The cafe that’s attached to the shop is also a welcome addition after cruising titles for a few hours. Easy Street will open up on Record Store Day at 9 a.m.
💿 Silver Platters, 2930 1st Ave. S.
With three locations around the greater Seattle area, this indie store boasts a large collection of rare + vintage titles along with hot new releases. Keep your ears peeled as it announces listening parties each month with a chance to win limited edition posters and more.
For a larger list of independent record stores in your neighborhood participating in the Record Store Day celebration with promotions and RSD titles, use this map to search your zip code.
