To mark Record Store Day (RSD) 2024, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite record shops from the cities we call home.
RSD has been created to champion independent retailers while offering music fans access to a number of special and limited vinyl releases.
This year the event takes place on Saturday 20th April and will see celebrations occur across the country.
To mark the day, we’ve done some digging into some of the best spots. Check out some of the best indie record shops below…
Glasgow | Rubadub
The store’s unique selection of vinyl records, tapes, equipment, and the staff’s knowledge and passion for electronic music make every visit enjoyable. There is a welcoming atmosphere and tight knit community surrounding the shop that keeps punters coming back. Plus, the store often hosts live electronic music, DJs, and product demos. If you’re looking for a piece of electronic music, then you will find it here…
Glasgow | Monorail music
Monorail Music is an independent record shop opened in 2002 by Dep Downie and Stephen McRobbie (formerly of the Pastels).
The space is informed by its sense of community and was opened by the pair as they had a desire to fill what they saw as a void in terms of the record shops Glasgow then offered. Monorail prides itself on its close relationships with local artists and creatives including Optimo, Chemikal Underground, Teenage Fanclub, Belle & Sebastian, Mogwai and many others.
Glasgow | Mixed Up Records
Mixed Up Records has been in business in Glasgow’s West End since 1997, offering visitors an extensive collection of secondhand and sought after releases. Their racks offer a treasure trove of hard to find gems and niche records.
As part of their Record Store Day celebrations, the retailer will be offering up DJ sets and freebies for those turning up this weekend.
Liverpool | Jacaranda
Jacaranda is fast becoming one of the most recognised music businesses in Liverpool, offering a venue, record label (including our very own recently launched Campus Label) and a pair of record shops.
The Slater Street outlet will be opening extra early for vinyl hunters this weekend with an array of artists performing, including Michael Aldag, Ruby J, and The Kairos. Michael Aldag will also be signing copies of his debut album, Sorry for Everything.
A Record Store Night party will also be held at Jacaranda Baltic in the Baltic Triangle featuring a headline set from Kyle Falconer, a solo artist and previously of indie heroes, The View.
Liverpool | Dig Vinyl
Located on Bold Street in a thoroughfare of indie retailers, bars and restaurants, Dig Vinyl is one of the best spots in the city for those looking to go deep and add something unusual or hard-to-find to their music collections.
This shop opened its doors back in 2014 and has been a key attraction for music lovers in the city ever since, even expanding to a second destination over the Mersey on the Wirral in West Kirby.
Liverpool | Rough Trade
Rough Trade has been known as a bastion of all things music for many years, having been set up by Geoff Travis in 1976 in West London.
The business now includes a label and distribution arm with a diverse roster including everyone from the Libertines to Dean Blunt and beyond. It now features numerous outlets scattered all over the UK.
Liverpool is the latest city to be blessed by its presence – stay tuned for the latest releases and exclusive instores that the shop is so revered for.
Liverpool | Probe
Probe Records is a Liverpool institution, one with a rich musical history going back to the seventies and the post-punk scene that the city was so known for.
Many of the most prominent characters and artists – Julian Cope, Pete Wylie and Paul Rutherford from Frankie Goes to Hollywood – cut their musical teeth in the shop. Despite the sad death of owner Geoff Davies in September 2023, the shop continues to be a must-visit for vinyl addicts across the north-west.
London | Sounds of the Universe
It’s not easy to pick a favourite in Soho but one of the best is Sounds of the Universe in Soho. The whole of Berwick Street is stacked to the brim with purveyors of vinyl – Sister Ray and Phonica to name just two nearby retailers – but Sounds of the Universe is also home to their label, Soul Jazz.
The imprint is responsible for many brilliant releases and compilations, covering sounds from legendary reggae studio Studio One to rare funk and disco.
London | Banquet Records
Located to the south of the capital in Kingston, Banquet Records is a much-loved indie outlet, lorded over by one-time local councillor Jon Tolley.
The current iteration of Banquet started life in 2004 when Jon took it over from the ashes of the Beggars Banquet chain of shops.
As well as being a record shop, Banquet is a concert and club promoter, putting on 200+ events a year in and around Kingston. These range from intimate in-store gigs to a dozen people, to hosting international touring bands too.
London | Honest Jon’s
Located on Portobello Road (and with a new outlet in King’s Cross), Honest Jon’s has been operating since 1974, providing fans of blues, reggae, funk, soul and more plenty of great vinyl to their teeth into.
The retail arm has spilled out into releasing compilations, including its London Is The Place For Me series, unearthing the music of young Black London.
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