You can buy a laptop for a couple hundred dollars and a hard drive loaded with more music than you can listen to in your whole life for a couple hundred more. There are plenty of working party DJs making it happen with that setup. It works, but it doesn't have the romance of a crate full of records and two turntables.
This romance of physical media is what Record Store Day celebrates each year, and Riverside's independent record stores are gearing up for the 2025 edition on Saturday, April 12.
A Short History of Record Store Day
Record Store Day was conceived in 2007 at a gathering of independent record store owners and employees seeking to celebrate the unique culture surrounding indie record shops. The inaugural event took place on April 19, 2008, and has since grown into an international phenomenon celebrated at brick-and-mortar record stores worldwide.
What began as a small list of exclusive releases has expanded to include contributions from artists and labels both large and small across every genre. Past Record Store Day ambassadors include music legends such as Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Iggy Pop, Jack White, Chuck D, Dave Grohl, St. Vincent, Pearl Jam, and Taylor Swift.
Throughout its history, Record Store Day has received official holiday status in cities across the United States, and its co-founder Michael Kurtz was honored in France for the event's cultural contributions. The organization has expanded to include RSD Black Friday, RSD Summer Camp (a conference for record store owners), and partnerships that promote vinyl culture year-round.
After adapting to the challenges of the global pandemic in 2020 with "RSD Drops" dates, Record Store Day has continued to evolve while maintaining its core mission: celebrating the special role independent record stores play in their communities.
Record Store Day 2025 will be held on Saturday, April 12.Riverside's Record Store Guide
Rat Hole/Rat City
Location: 10015 Magnolia Avenue, with a second location opening at the Farm House Collective
What to Expect: Rat Hole carries current releases, used vinyl, T-shirts, and stickers
RSD Special: They'll be rolling out exclusive RSD releases throughout the day
Best For: Shoppers looking for the classic record store experience reminiscent of old mall shops
Penrose Record Room
Location: 3485 University, basement entrance on Lemon
What to Expect: Penrose Record Room is the only dedicated record shop in downtown and home to Penrose Records
RSD Special: New stock and Record Store Day specials will be available all day, with Penrose DJs spinning records. Spin the wheel for prizes!
Don't Miss: Exclusive Penrose Records T-shirts that have become popular with local music enthusiasts
Elements Hip Hop Shop (4/13 celebration)
Location: 6704 Magnolia
What to Expect: Elements is more than just records - a complete hip-hop lifestyle shop in Midtown. Make Be sure to check out DJs all day and a special appearance by Egyptian Lover on Sunday.
Best For: Hip-hop fans of all ages looking for records and related merchandise
Noriega Records
Phone: 909-261-0348 Noriega Records
What to Expect: Noriega Records is a DJ's paradise specializing in vintage and repressed 45s
Note: This store operates by appointment only - contact them directly to arrange a visit.
Best For: Serious collectors and DJs looking for rare and vintage 45 RPM records
Record Store Day Shopping Tips
- Arrive Early: The most sought-after exclusives often sell out quickly
- Do Your Research: Check the official Record Store Day website (https://recordstoreday.com/SpecialReleases) to see what exclusive releases are coming and make a wishlist
- Be Realistic: Record collecting is a treasure hunt with no guarantees - shops often don't know exactly which RSD releases they'll receive
- Support Your Local Shops: Even if you don't score the exclusive release you wanted, consider purchasing something else to support these local businesses.
- Enjoy the Experience: Beyond the exclusive vinyl, RSD is about celebrating music culture and community
Why Record Store Day Matters
I’ve said it before, and you’ll see it again: the antidote to the big box economy is a shop-local mindset. This is as true for records as it is for anything else. When you give money to someone from your community operating a business in your community, much more of that money stays in that community. It doesn’t work for everything, but if we prioritize localism in our spending, we can make a big difference.
