RECORD Store Day (this Saturday April 13) celebrates independent record shops all across Ireland and worldwide. Special vinyl releases are made exclusively for the day and many shops and cities host artist performances and events to mark the occasion.
Limerick’s Steamboat Music has loads going on for RSD and beyond. Record Store Day 2019 boasts over 500 special very limited vinyl releases from acts like Bowie, Prince, U2, Queen and rising star Dermot Kennedy.
With 100s of one-off record releases coming into stockrooms on the day, vinyl and memorabilia junkies have already got their orders in over the last few months.
Of particular Limerick interest is the LP ‘Lost Alternatives’ compiled by acclaimed BBC 6 Music radio DJ and former NME journalist, Steve Lamacq. On the vinyl cut along with Suede, Mogwai, Slowdive, Elastica and Ash is Limerick punk rockers The Hitchers with 1997 cult hit ‘Strachan’.
Steamboat Music is using the day to not only offer 100’s of new records but to also give a stage to some of Limerick’s finest creatives.
We chatted with owner Mark Carey this week.
“This is our fourth RSD at Steamboat. This year will be our biggest yet. We will have over 225 exclusive titles from RSD on our shelves.”
The music shop has had a huge restock of titles from all suppliers and some really nice recent additions to the ever growing second hand section is promised.
“We have a killer live instore line up with Post Punk Podge, Fox Jaw, Hez, Jenní, Hazey and Jenny McMahon.”
And there will be free donuts to sugarcoat the vinyl over indulgence for the avid collectors.
“It’s always a fantastic day for all lovers of music, add Mark.
“We pride ourselves on being deeply rooted in the local music scene and it’s a honour for us to once again, have one of the best lineups of performances in the country, a truly amazing day of live music.”
Record Store Day happens from 9:30am at Steamboat Music this Saturday April 13.
Also watch out for a Cranberries final album release special on Thursday April 25 with a world first listen, signed band merchandise and a panel of experts to chat about the band.