International Record Store Day!
Trick question: what is the best holiday ever?
If you answered “Christmas”, “Easter” or “my birthday”, you fail. Of course the only logical answer is International Record Store Day!
Taking place on Saturday, April 18th, Record Store Day can only mean two things – lots of free music and even more fantastic sales. And in in-store fashion, all shows are 100% all-ages and free – deal or what! It’s a recession, people – I say you jump at these opportunities. This year, stores such as Sonic Boom, Criminal Records, Soundscapes and Sunrise will be celebrating. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s going down and where you need to be!
Criminal Records (493 Queen Street West)
This year, the kind folks at Criminal Records will be offering “lots of sales, free stuff, and Record Day exclusives”. And of course at Criminal, it wouldn’t be a celebration without live music! At 6:00 pm, Chris Eaton of Rock Plaza Central (who will be releasing their new album on June 16th via their new label Paper Bag Records) will play a solo set. Afterwards, the fantastic Great Bloomers will take the stage at 7:00 pm.
Sonic Boom (512 Bloor Street West)
Most of the Singing Lamb staff partaking in Record Store Day will be stationed at Sonic Boom. Starting at 4:00 pm (going till 9:00 pm), it’ll be a jam-packed night of free music from some of the best bands in town, includingSlim Twig, Lullabye Arkestra, SunParlour Players, Gentleman Reg, Green Go, Hooded Fang, Steamboat, Little Girls and DJ sets from DJ Shit La Merde. Also offered at Sonic Boom will be giveaways and limited edition Record Store Day exclusives. If you decide to attend Sonic Boom’s festivities, it is recommended that you make a kind donation of a non-perishable food item though. That’s the least you can do for 8 kick-ass bands for free after all!
Sunrise Records (336 Yonge Street)
For the more hardcore music lovers, Sunrise will be your destination next week. Children of Bodom will be there for an autograph session on Thursday April 16th at 2:00 pm, as will Lamb of God at 5:00 pm. Yes, Sunrise is so excited about Record Store Day that they had to start the party early with Lamb of God. Also, expect performances on April 18th from Emma Lee, The Artist Life, One Second 2 Late, Honeymoon Suite, Thriving Ivory, Blackie Jackett Jr. (Finger Eleven side project), Josh Reichmann and KO. I especially recommend Emma Lee and Josh Reichmann. No set times are announced yet but festivities will start relatively early – around 1:00 pm or 2:00 pm. In addition, Sunrise promises “free giveaways, goodie bags filled with new formats, new releases, band swag and much more…”
Soundscapes (572 College Street)
Though no in-stores will take place at Soundscapes, the store will still be holding a sale! 10% will be taken off of all CDs, vinyl, DVDs and books! And with a selection like Soundscapes’, I would take advantage of this sale! Also a non-Record Store Day reminder: DD/MM/YYYY will be playing a free in-store on April 14th at 7:00 pm. Be there!
No information was found regarding Penguin Music (256A Queen St. W), but they are taking part in Record Store Day so if you have the time, pop in and check out their sales!
For more on Record Store Day, go here!
Happy listening and have a great Record Store Day!
Musically,
Melody
