Record Store Day have detailed the game plan for their events in 2020, addressing the need for disciplined physical distancing practice while attending the number of ‘drops’ slated for later this year.
The organisers of the beloved vinyl fest have shared a statement describing the nature of this year’s events, which have been rescheduled twice since the spread of COVID-19.
Record Store Day organisers have confirmed they’ll be going ahead with the newly minted ‘RSD Drops’ concept on Saturday August 29, Saturday September 26 and Saturday October 24, giving buyers the chance to experience three limited release days. Each date will feature a limited number of exclusive releases, with the full catalogue expected to drop sometime this month.
“As we work our way through Virus World, we have all had to adapt to survive and Record Store Day is no different, a statement from RSD organisers said. “So we had originally planned for our usual third Saturday in April, we moved to June and now we’re saying .. here’s a new plan … and we’re going social distancing.”
Organisers have also confirmed that these regulations will be properly enforced at all events, saying that “They will not be a Record Store Day like we have known it. No live music, no beer, no queuing from 4am …. none of the hanging with like-minded music fans. Sorry. And yes we are devastated at this too. Heavy hearts amongst the team here.”
Like much of Australia’s retail sector, COVID-19 proved to be severely damaging to independent Australian record stores, with the cancellation of Record Store Day only adding to their woes. We’ve got our fingers crossed that these three dates go ahead and help out our hallowed institutions when they need it the most.
Visit Record Store Day for more details, and keep your eyes peeled for the release list to arrive soon.
Written by Will Brewster via Mixdown Magazine.
