The second annual Record Store Day was filled with crowded stores, beelines of shoppers hoping to acquire exclusive releases and an omnipresent sense of excitement in the air. Exponentially larger than its inaugural year and supported by a full-on media blitz, Record Store Day did not succeed in saving the Independents, but that doesn't mean it came and went without relevance. A look at the bigger picture reveals a day of shared experiences that shed light on an industry in flux and the independent retailers who refuse to relinquish their positions as cornerstones of Chicago's music community. more ›

By now you've probably heard the buzz that is Record Store Day. Born as a concept in 2007, Record Store Day, held the third Saturday of April, celebrates its second year of bringing together independent retailers and musicians tomorrow in cities worldwide. The current economic climate coupled with the shift to digital formats and purchasing make this an especially important year to band together and champion the cause of the Independents. more ›