Music
16 Apr 14

Record Story Day fever grips Ireland

With International Record Store Day this Saturday (April 19) there is an array of events happening around the country to appeal to both the general music fan and the avid record collector.

International Record Store Day is a global celebration of the independent stores that are still fighting the good fight in an industry dominated by downloading and multinational chains. Be sure to stop by your local music dispensary and take part in the festivities.

In Dublin there is a veritable glut of record store parties afoot. If anything, the issue will be finding the time to attend them all:

Tower Record's new Dawson Street location will be hosting a slew of live performances all day including the likes of Lisa Hannigan and David Gegharty's new Join Me in The Pines project. TXFM will also be broadcasting on site and there is the promise of tasty nibbles on offer from an array of food stalls.

The Record Spot on Fade Street also promise to be slashing prices and featuring an array of local acts performing on the day. If the impromptu street party that happened outside The Record Spot last year is anything to go by, it's a dead certainty it'll be an afternoon to remember.

What is perhaps going to be the highlight of this year's celebrations also comes paired with a note of sadness as April 19 will be the last day of operations for Elastic Witch on Abbey Street. Don't expect a funereal atmosphere though as top acts will be saying farewell to beloved record shop throughout the day. With live sets from the likes of Jape, I Am The Cosmos and Squarehead as well as D.J sets from the Forza Italo lads and David Kitt amongst many more it promises to be a fitting send off.

Elsewhere, Cork has an abundance of Record Store Day events planned with The Shaker Hymn, Paddy Hanna and The Great Ballon Race all playing in TDC and Twin Lights, Nativizm and Keep on Jumpin' all taking to the stage in Gulpd.

Belfast also has no shortage of Record Store Day action on the horizon with Sick Records on North Street being only one of the points of interest. Celebrations in sick kick off at 12.30pm and throughout the day Little Matador , Robyn G Shiels , UNKNWN and Penny Dreadfuls will all be plying their wares.

This is, of course, only a smattering of the events that will be taking place nationwide. Be sure to pop down to your local Record Shop this Saturday and see what's going on.