Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

Record Store Day – April 22, 2023

Record Store Day is held on one Saturday in April every year. this year it will be celebrated on April 22. The first Record Store Day took place on April 19, 2008, to celebrate the culture of independently owned record stores across the United States. As the day grew and gained more recognition — record stores from other countries began celebrating the day. Today, Record Store Day is celebrated on every continent except Antarctica. The day aims to celebrate every individual who contributes to the existence of independently owned record stores — the staff, the artists, and the customers. It is celebrated on a different day every year.

History of Record Store Day

The practice of recording sounds first saw the light of day in 1877 when Thomas Edison invented the phonograph — and thus began the acoustic era of sound recording. This era saw sound recorders physically etching analogs of sound waves onto a surface. These machines could only record a limited range within the audible sound spectrum. 1925 saw the advent of electrical recording equipment designed by “Western Electric.” A broader range of audible sounds could now be recorded, amplified, filtered, and balanced electronically. This period was referred to as the ‘Electric Era.’

The ‘Magnetic Era’ began in 1945, post the Second World War, when the allied powers were able to get their hands on the German invention of magnetic tape recording. This new technology was slowly adopted and eventually led to the invention of stereo-recording. The multi-track tape recording was eventually made possible. The present era of sound recording — the ‘Digital Era’ — has borne witness to changes and the development of technology at a never-before-seen speed. Sound waves — for the first time ever — were not recorded as analogs of sound, but small, discrete samples of sounds. Sony, in collaboration with Philips, created the very first compact disk (C.D.) to store recorded sound. The C.D. took the recording world by storm till the beginning of the 21st century. The advent of digital audio files, though, has made audio C.Ds virtually obsolete.

Today, people listen to music in a variety of ways. Some traditionalists spend a portion of their time collecting vinyl records and cassettes, while others listen to music and other audio files through music streaming apps like Spotify and Apple Music.

Record Store Day timeline

1877
The Phonograph Is Invented

Thomas Edison invents the phonograph.

1925
Digital Recording

Digital recording is made possible by “Western Electric.”

1945
‘Magnetic Era’

Magnetic tape recording is made available to allied powers.

2008
First Record Store Day

On April 19, Record Store Day is founded.

Record Store Day FAQs

What is the rarest vinyl album?

The first edition of The Beatles’ “White Album No. 000001” is the rarest vinyl album.

Can you still buy records?

You definitely can — at any record store.

Who is the #1 selling artist of all time?

The Beatles are the best-selling artists of all time.

Record Store Day Activities

  1. Visit a record store

    Find a record store, preferably independently owned, and give them your patronage. Supporting a small independent business is always a worthwhile endeavor.

  2. Find a Record Store Day celebration

    If it’s celebrated near you, find a Record Store Day celebration and join in. You’re sure to find some cool things!

  3. Have a record-listening session

    If you’d like to stay home, put on some of your favorite records and just relax. There’s nothing better than unwinding after a long day to your favorite music.

5 Interesting Facts About Music

  1. Finland bands

    Finland has the most metal bands per capita.

  2. Jingles bells

    The iconic Christmas song, ‘Jingle Bells’ was meant to be for Thanksgiving.

  3. “Earworm”

    A song that gets stuck in your head is called an “earworm.”

  4. Monaco’s army

    Monaco has more people in its military band than it does in its army.

  5. Octave

    There are eight notes in the music.

Why We Love Record Store Day

  1. It appreciates a rich subculture

    Record stores nurture a rich subculture of dedicated music lovers. We think that deserves appreciation!

  2. It promotes independently owned stores

    Independently owned stores are at the center of Record Store Day. We love any opportunity to support them.

  3. It’s an excuse to buy great music

    Whether you’re into classical masterpieces, recent pop, or anything else, Record Store Day is the perfect opportunity to start or add to your record collection! So go ahead, treat yourself!

Record Store Day dates

YearDateDay
2022April 23Saturday
2023April 22Saturday
2024April 20Saturday
2025April 19Saturday
2026April 25Saturday

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.