April 19 has been set aside as Record Store Day. Tons of independent record stores plan to celebrate the day with goodie bags, discounts, music performances, and what not. Fat Beats is even handing out 10% discounts on everything.

The official Record Store Day website has some great quotes from various artists, including hip-hoppers like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Slug, Del tha Funky Homosapien, and others on the essence of record stores. Jazzy Jeff says the indy record store is the only reason he still makes music; Slug says it’s a great place to meet awesome women.

Brother Ali:

“I’ve always loved independent music stores because the staff is usually there because of a genuine love and appreciation for music. They’re more in-tune with the customers and I’m willing to pay the extra dollar or two for the service they provide. Some of my greatest music discoveries have come from picking up an album at an indy store and the cat behind the register saying “You like this man? Have you heard of so-and-so?” I prefer to shop where people understand me and the music- the music i like.”

Slug (Atmosphere):

“I grew up in independent record stores. As a teenager, I would hang out in them, looking at records, learning about records. Eventually I spent my twentysomethings working behind the counters of two of the more prominent indie stores in my city. Graduated from that to co-owning one. So I’m sort of biased, I guess. If I were to make a list of the traits that make the indie store a vital part of the music industries movement, this blurb would be too long. So I will stick to two basic points:
1. breaking new bands. 2. Great place to meet awesome women.

Gorilla Zoe:

“In changing times, we should all lend our support to the independent retailers. Without independent retailers, many of the biggest names in music would still be undiscovered. They break new artists and movements. We all know the industry is changing, but we can’t forget where we came from.”

DJ Jazzy Jeff:

“The Independent Record Store is the reason why i STILL do music…It seems like they’re the only ones that Really care about the real music lovers…we need them…they’re our balance to all of the music we are FORCED to listen to…they’re the only ones that may still suggest something NEW and FRESH instead of just what’s popular.”

Raheem DeVaughn

“I love indie record stores, man. I love anything that’s about independence and preserving the brand of good music.”

This post was first published on February 14, 2008. Don’t ask.