Prepping for Black Friday’s Record Store Day Releases
With Black Friday falling rather late this year–November 28–there’s more time for everyone to gear up for this annual post-American Thanksgiving shopping orgy. That includes record labels and the folks behind Record Store Day. What sorts of vinyl goodies will be available this year?
Not that just because Black Friday is mainly an American thing doesn’t mean that Canada isn’t involved. A lot of Canadian labels are preparing just the same.
We’ve heard dribs and drabs, but a full list of official releases will be available this coming Saturday at the Record Store Day website. Until then, familiarize yourself with what’s going on:
THE BLACK FRIDAY FAQ
THE BLACK FRIDAY FAQ
Q: Why are the organizers of Record Store Day celebrating Black Friday?
A: In the past Black Friday was an American event created by large corporate retailers as a shopping day that promoted mass produced items at super low prices in hopes of driving customers into their stores. RSD’s Black Friday subverts the model and creates pieces of art in the form of limited special editions, often numbered, from a diverse list of beloved artists. RSD’s version of Black Friday is an excuse to celebrate both the pieces themselves and the special indie record stores who carry them. Cheap, mass-produced frenzy is not the goal.
Q: When is Record Store Day’s Black Friday?
A: It’s the same day as the other one—always the day after Thanksgiving. This year Black Friday takes place on Friday, November 28th.
Q: Who is on board to be part of RSD’s Black Friday?
A: For better or worse, Black Friday is a North American thing—the US and Canadian record stores will be participating by stocking special releases (although some of the releases may be different in the US and Canada). Some stores in the UK and Europe may have special releases as well, but they most likely won’t be using the term “Black Friday”. It will be more about a kick-off to the holiday shopping season.
