Record Store Day (RSD) is back with hundreds of stores offering music enthusiasts exclusive releases, special discounts, and (free) live performances, this Saturday.
Started in 2008 in the United States, the annual one-day event continues to this day with its mission to celebrate music and independent record stores. Since the first RSD, the event has spread throughout the globe to 23 different countries including the Netherlands.
This year 116 record stores throughout the country are participating and of course the three Northern provinces will not miss out! The Northern Times put together a list with the participating Northern record stores so you can know exactly where to spend this Saturday.
DRENTHE
CD Hal Ruinen (Ruinen) – From CDs to Vinyls, DVDs to books, this store, which calls itself “the most complete music store in the Netherlands” has something to offer for everyone. If you happen to be in the centre of Ruinen, make sure to pay them a visit.
Warenhuis Vanderveen*Live Music (Assen) – For decades now, this music store has been bringing great tunes to local music enthusiasts. With over 8,000 new vinyls, and many 2nd hand ones, as well as CDs, this record store has something to offer in almost any genre. To elevate your browsing experience, the store will have five live acts this Saturday from 10:30, with the last performance starting at 15:00.
FRIESLAND
Artistic Recordstore*Live Music (Grou) – In 2022, then 20-year-old Sophie made her dreams come true when she opened a record store in her hometown. Her self-described “old-fashioned and cosy” store offers a variety of vinyls to browse through. This Saturday, in the spirit of RSD, the store will have a live performance at every hour of the day. The first performance starts at 10:00 and the last one at 18:00.
Big Bad Wolf Records (Leeuwarden) – Since 2008, this store has been a go-to for lovers of metal, rock, punk, and even blues music. The store has various new and 2nd hand products, including vinyls, cassettes, DVDs and even books. A good spot to visit this Saturday if you’re in the area.
Discus / Universe Productions (Leeuwarden) – The centre of Leeuwarden is home to this record store which offers CDs and LPs of a variety of artists. If you like pop, rock, blues or even metal, the store will be worth a browse through.
King Kong Records (Leeuwarden) – Whether you’re in the market for something new or 2nd hand, King Kong records is ready to tempt you to add a new LP or CD to your shopping bag with the variety of genres they cover.
Mollema Music World*Live Music (Franeker) – This store is two in one: A record store and a musical instrument store combined. For this year’s RDS, in addition to selling limited vinyl records, the terrace opposite the store will also be the stage for three live acts. If you want to check out the live performances, make sure to pay a visit at 12:30, 14:00, and 15:00.
T-Rex Records (Leeuwarden) – Since it opened its doors at the end of 2019, the store has been expanding its music collection for customers. Owned by a big KISS vinyl collector and music enthusiast, T-Rex Records will welcome you with walls of vinyls and CDs, old and new, covering all genres of music, from country to rock, to jazz to even HipHop, for example.
Vintage Vinyl & Audio*Live Music (Dokkum) – In the market for new vinyl? Maybe something vintage? This is the store for you. Located in the very North of the country, the store offers an extensive selection to browse through. This Saturday, at 14:00, the store will welcome Dutch artist Timo de Jong, who will brighten your shopping experience with his live performance.
GRONINGEN
De Jongens van Hemmes*Live Music (Groningen) – Since 2003, this CD, Vinyl, and DVD store has been managed by two self-described music fanatics. Along with offering more popular titles, the store is also a go-to for more niche music genres and artists. This year, at 11:00, 14:00, and 16:30, the store will have live performances to elevate your RDS experience.
Elpee-Groningen (Groningen) – Just under a 5 minute walk from the famous music venue Vera, this independent record store is the home to a wide variety of CDs and records for lovers of all sorts of music genres. Alongside well known titles, the store also offers lesser well-known gems.
Evelyn Novacek*Live Music (Hoogezand) – This store needs no introduction for locals. In addition to its carefully selected selection of CDs and Vinyls, the store even offers miniature guitars. Looking for something specific or in need of advice to find your next favourite artists? This store promises to help. To add a special soundtrack to your Saturday, there will be 4 artists performing live, at 11:00, 12:30, 14:30, and 16:30.
Hekman Muziek (Winschoten) – Since 1925, this family-ran independent record store has been a favourite for anyone looking for a CD, DVD, vinyl, or even musical instruments and music sheets. Pay the store a visit to understand why the store has stood the test of time!
Midway Store (Veendam) – For decades, this store has been a go to for entertainment with its selection of DVDs, CDs and LPs. Regardless of your favourite genre, the store will likely have something to add a bit of music to celebrate this Saturday.
Plato*Live Music (Groningen) – Right in the centre of the city, with its wide selection of CDs, Vinyls, and DVDs, Plato is well known to any local. In true RSD fashion, Plato will host five different artists, who will bring a bit of music to customers starting at 12:00 and finishing with the last performance at 17:00.
