THUNDER BAY – A decade ago it took work and searching to get a new record release.
Now, after a resurgence in the industry, getting the hottest and newest releases on vinyl might be easier than ever.
“They were in a lot smaller numbers and you really had to track them down,” said William Rutledge, the owner of New Day Records.
“There are more stores everywhere and it’s more accessible. You’re seeing a lot more major releases on vinyl and a lot of stuff is recorded, mixed and mastered specifically for vinyl.”
A significant boost to the return of vinyl is Record Store Day, which was celebrated across North America on Saturday in independently owned record stores.
In Thunder Bay that meant a steady stream of traffic at New Day.
There is a certain nostalgia and specialness to collecting records, Rutledge said.
“People who listen to records have a strong attachment to it. A day celebrating this medium that has its intimacy attracts everyone immediately,” he said.
Leigh Schmidt was one of many people who visited New Day to pick up a couple of new albums.
He has been collecting records for about eight years and said they have benefits compared to digital music, which has been a major shift for the industry.
“I’ve gone through losing my hard drive and losing all my songs so having a physical copy is great,” he said. “Usually the sound quality is a lot more deep and rich."
The day has become an annual tradition for music lovers, who flock to the small brick and mortar shops to pick up records released exclusively for Record Store Day.
Those exclusives, which were released this year by artists such as David Bowie, Bob Dylan, The Doors and U2, give customers a specific reason to visit the stores and check out selections.
“Independent record stores really kept records alive and it allows us to be able to continue to thrive as the record industry continues to grow unprecedentedly since its demise and opportunities are opening for larger chain stores,” Rutledge said.
A number of local musicians performed throughout the day.
