It's been a crazy winter, and it's supposedly spring. However, it's definitely April and the days are counting down to the coolest day of the year on April 21st--Record Store Day! It is the day that celebrates independent record stores. It only happens once a year, and it's a day you won't want to pass over.

It all started in 2007, and the first Record Store Day was celebrated in 2008. Every year, there are vinyl exclusives and there's always a special ambassador each year. It's specifically directed at independently owned record stores, which goes hand in hand with the shop small theory. The event started out quite small when there were only ten releases on the first Record Store Day, and this year's will be the tenth celebration, and there are over 300 releases! It's come a long way, but the releases aren't the only reason to be hyped.

There's something about the atmosphere of Record Store Day where you get to see all your record store friends, and you get to see and feel everyone loving vinyl and music together. No downloads or cell phones, just walking around the record store, people of all ages showing the younger generation the idea of physical media. Music you can hold in your hands. There's nothing like it.

I can't forget that there's always live music too. So, yes, you get to see exclusive vinyl, other vinyl lovers, live music, and good vibes. I mean, what else do you want? There are also samplers and freebies, so that box is checked too.

Record Store Day. April 21. Save the date. It's worth the wait.