RSD 2020 Update
Image Credit: Record Store Day
I suppose it was only to be expected. Record Store Day 2020 that had been re-schedulled for June 2020, due to the Corona Virus, has now been cancelled and replaced with three “RSD DROPS” of limited edition vinyl records.
The records on the official Record Store Day release list will now be available on one of three RSD DROP dates. These are Saturday 29th August, Saturday 26th September and Saturday 24th October. An updated list of 2020 Record Store Day releases is to be revealed on 1st June.
Image Credit: Record Store Day
Quote from the Record Store Day Website:
“Since 2008, Record Store Day has grown into the world’s largest single-day music event, shining a light on the culture of the indie record store across the globe. In 2020, that world is different, so Record Store Day will be too. RSD is now scheduled to be celebrated with special, properly distanced release dates on Saturdays in August, September and October.
Record Store Day will look very different this year, but supporting indie record stores may be more important than ever. We don’t know what sort of rules will be in place, or what sort of gatherings people will be in the mood for this year, so we’re focusing on the music and getting the really great titles on the RSD Official List this year into the stores and into your hands, in the most financially and socially responsible way.
The titles on the RSD 2020 Official List, launched on March 5th, will be released at participating record stores on one of these three RSD Drops: August 29th, September 26th, and October 24th. The new version of The List, with newly assigned RSD Drops dates will launch on June 1 so check back here for a look at when you’ll be able to pick up the titles on your RSD 2020 wishlist at your local record store.”
Under the current circumstances and with the current outbreak still rising in some states, this is a very responsible move by the staff of RSD. Having been in several record shops on previous RSD days they can become very busy and social distancing is hardly possible, especially as many of the shops I visit are quite small. Furthermore, even if the shops opened it is highly unlikely that their patronage would be would make it worth their while.
Hopefully the change will allow us to browse on-line, buy on the stores web-site (or phone them) for either curb-side or individual in-store pickup.
This is a very difficult time for small business, and vinyl, despite its comeback, is still a very small business. Lets give those record stores some sales so they are there for the long haul.
Record Store Day Black Friday is still being planned and is scheduled for 27th November 2020, while Record Store Day 2021 will hopefully take place on 17th April next year.
For now, we will have to wait until 1st June for more information on those limited edition releases.
