Initiatives like record store day are encouraging people back into stores. Exclusive releases can be purchased and live artists enjoyed.

Composer David Amram: “Record Store Day should be our new national holiday. Independent record stores, where you can absorb yourself in hearing music which many chain stores don't carry, are an oasis for all who spend time in them.”

RSD occurs annually, where stores worldwide link up and share their common interest.

Paul McCartney: “There’s nothing as glamorous to me as a record store. I’m more than happy to support Record Store Day and I hope that these kinds of stores will be there for us all for many years to come.”

I arrive on the day at London’s Rough Trade East at 8:15am. I was greeted by cue of fans and anoraks that extended around the corner and out of sight where the first person had arrived at 3:30am. Not giving up hope I joined the line, passing those with a shopping list in hand, eagerly awaiting the store to open.

Upon opening, the mad dash begins. There is security on the doors, only letting a certain number of people in at one time, though the store is in complete chaos.

RSD although great for independent shops, where some made a week and a halves takings in a day, collectors were fighting to get their hands on very exclusive records.
 
“The key for Record Store Day is to get people back into record shops, understand the cultural aspects and reattach people with the joy of getting something out of the racks and enjoy,” said Philip Harding of Black Cat record store.

What could be argued is that although a great initiative where it helps keep the independent record stores in business, the industry is only feeding those who are already obsessed with music, rather than encouraging 'new blood'.  

“This year I definitely saw more of the anoraks, it was my regulars coming in and hoovering up stuff, which I don’t think is helpful. What we need to do is back away from all these exclusive releases and focus more on being able to completely fill a rack up for a cheaper price to get new people in.”

Mike Offen: “It’s bit of fun for the collector but unfortunately they are responsible for manufacturing instant collectables, which is never a good thing because its only ever financially orientated.”