Record Store Day 2013

Limited releases, live performances and the love of music saw the people of Glasgow come out on en masse to support Record Store Day on Saturday. 

I started early and was queueing at Monorail Music by 8am, where the line was suitably long and ever-increasing as we neared opening time. I heard from a friend as they joined the line 15 minutes or so later that the line at LoveMusic was already 150 deep and both stores would have queues throughout the day as music lovers looked to score their vinyl.

Mono kept all updated with the releases that they had sold out of via Twitter and blackboard in store, very useful for those in line or thinking of joining. I was lucky enough to pick up all three Frightened Rabbit related releases that came out on the day, whilst friends picked up Biffy Clyro, Chvrches and more. The staff at the stores deserve all the respect and praise for providing impeccable service and keeping cool heads on such a crazy day.

Having battered my wallet with the vinyl purchases in the morning I spent my afternoon in the very cozy confines of LoveMusic watching a few performances. When I arrived just after half 2 there was still a queue for buying RSD releases, as well as a packed out store watching the opening act Young Aviators. I couldn't hear or see enough to provide you a review but they were certainly popular.

Hoping to get myself in the store for a few performances I was aiming to catch afterwards meant that I got to witness the performance of Viking Galaxy. I must admit that I was completely unaware of what I was about to see and hear but was pleasantly surprised and awed by their rock 'n' roll theatre. This was definitely more a performance as opposed to a live set and the crowd was eating it up. If you're looking for keytar solos and some heavy, happy power metal then you should certainly give these guys a listen. I, for one, am glad I arrived early and the sets were running late because I didn't know I needed viking power metal in my life until that day.

Following the theatre of the Vikings was 2/5ths of bloggers favourites French Wives, who spent a good deal of set joking about how they used to be relevant. Happily they did note that they have been recording a new album and we were treated to some new tracks so we'll be seeing much more of them again soon. And they ended their set on their hit single, Halloween, which is 5 and a half minutes of perfect indie pop for everyone. I look forward to their return to the scene.

Having already played Dundee and Edinburgh on the day Fake Major packed out LoveMusic as the hype around them continues to build. Having already given their debut EP 'Have Plenty of Fun' a glowing review, I was very excited to see them live and they did not disappoint. My press pack with the EP notes how the truest form of the band is somewhere in between on record and live and I can see why as the live performance is something quite special in itself, and the music comes to life around the delicate blending of the dual vocals. We were also treated some non-EP tracks that showed great depth and excited me for their future. The band's debut EP is now available in all good record stores and I'd suggest you purchase it, as well as making sure you see them in live format to experience all they have to offer.

The cozy confines of LoveMusic got considerably cosier as Woodenbox took to the 'stage' bringing an infusion of Americana to an already warm day. With their new album available for the day only in store, the band performed a set that gave us all a tease of what to expect, which from the sounds of it will be a beautifully layered piece with melodical quirks and intricacies. An always energetic live band they got the already-rowdy crowd going and made an impact on the day.

I didn't stick around for the later performances of Three Blind Wolves, Washington Irving and Glasvegas but going by the quality of the day I don't doubt they were brilliant and that the store was ever anything but full.

Remember music fans, whilst Record Store Day is always fun and exciting and special, your local independent record store days are there on all other days too so please continue to support them throughout the year and keep the music alive.

UPCOMING EVENTS/PREVIEW - Record Store Day 2013 in Glasgow

Always an important day on a music fan's calendar, Record Store Day 2013 is upon us. This Saturday will see the release of many limited edition records, cassettes and CDs from bands from all over the world, including some special Scottish releases. Watch out for Frightened Rabbit and Lau's collaboration 'Norland Wind' on 7", The Twilight Sad Vs Aidan Moffat & Bill Wells on a split 7",  and Fake Major's debut EP 'Have Plenty of Fun' amongst others.

At Love Music on Dundas Street, you'll be able to catch performances from Glasvegas, Woodenbox, French Wives, Three Blind Wolves, Washington Irving, Fake Major, Viking Galaxy and Young Aviators.

At Monorail Music/Mono Cafe Bar, you'll get sets from Vic Godard & The Sexual Objects, World Peace and Ela Orleans as well as homebaking and DJs throughout the day.

Oxfam Music Glasgow on Byres Road plays host to a TYCI Record Store Day Special that will see Jo Mango, Siobhan Wilson and Kitty the Lion perform, as well as spoken word from Kristin Innes.

Be sure to get down and support your local record store.

Retail vs Digital: Physical music in a new age

This blog is to primarily focus on Scottish music, and I will make special mention of Scottish independent record stores here, but this is a UK-wide story and it's well worth talking about.

Today, HMV has gone into administration, putting 4,000 jobs at risk and the strong possibility that the UK will be left without a high street record store. HMV is responsible for 38% of all physical music sales (via The Guardian) and there are towns and cities where HMV is the only place for people to buy physical CDs and records, and to lose that it really will mark a change in the sales of physical music in this country. 

The market has been changing drastically in recent years, there's been a massive boost in digital sales and streaming. Applications like Spotify, which it is well documented does not provide artists with a decent payback for all their plays, and digital downloads via sites like Amazon and Bandcamp have all expanded and changed the way we buy and listen to music. HMV was stubborn to these changes and did price itself out of the market, I am guilty of browsing CDs in their stores then going online to purchase purely because it is cheaper to do so. 

It is also important to mention the dominance of HMV, coupled with the boost in digital sales, has meant for independent record stores. One Up Records in Aberdeen has followed Avalanche Records in Edinburgh by announcing its closure at the end of the month. Avalanche has turned to online sales and are still hosting in-stores but the store itself is gone. These stores have felt the strain and are having to succumb to the new market. We, as music fans, should support and celebrate these stores whilst they are here. You'll still be able to find yourself an independent or two in Glasgow (Love Music and Mono), and there's Groucho's in Dundee. Don't just go on Record Store Day, go more often and get your physical fix from them than from a major. Perhaps if HMV disappears the towns with independents left might see a little boost in sales. We can but hope. 

I also want to mention the fact that bands use sites like Bandcamp and Big Cartel to sell their physical CDs to fans directly. The physical format is still important and bands are still using it, despite the digital age. Chances are if you want a CD from an unsigned band you'll find it by going directly to them at shows or their website. The independent labels continue to support the physical format as well as most releases can be found in the physical format (limited run or not). It is through these people that the format should continue to thrive in the new age. As long as it's available to the fans and fans know where to purchase it then we should definitely have less to worry about. It is not a forgotten format, people who love music also want physical music and they'll find it wherever it's being sold.

It is the major labels and their continuance with the physical format that is most affected by the possible closure of HMV. They may react by cutting out the middle man or they may react by completely changing the formats they sell music by. It is hard to tell at this point. But HMV dipping into administration will have an impact on physical sales and as a music fan I will definitely be watching how the industry reacts at all levels. We are in a new digital age but the physical format remains important, long may it continue.