Record Store Day 4/20 is COMING
A non-exhaustive list of RSD 4/20 events in Los Angeles plus your exclusive first look at Latin Gold Records' RSD Sale this Saturday
And just like that . . . another Record Store Day is upon us. (Sex and the City has been playing a lot in our home lately). It feels like only a month ago I was writing about BIPOC-owned Record Stores you should check out on RSD, but in actuality, it was five months ago. A lot has happened since then.
Many of you already know this, but I recently launched a small record business called Latin Gold Records, where I sell curated selections of used records across all genres with a specialty in Latin music. I’ve been having so much fun with it, have learned quite a few things along the way, and have met some really great people like Dawn, who posted this incredible photo of her recent purchases from me.
The joy that comes from people getting vinyl records in their hands is one of so many reasons that I love record collecting and selling. Record Store Day is another reason. In honor of this Saturday’s Record Store Day 4/20, I’m hosting an EPIC SALE on Instagram starting at 9AM PST / 12PM EST. As a subscriber of First Pressing, you get a sneak peek at what I’m selling! First, though, I want to highlight other record stores in Los Angeles that are hosting their own Record Store Day events.
, the author of one of my favorite Substacks The Vinyl Room, wrote a fantastic article this past Sunday about Record Store Day, detailing why he’s not participating, and why we should be supporting online vendors, too. I highly encourage you to read it for a different perspective. He says it best:This is why I keep saying buy from multiple sources. Big chains, indie stores, sole traders, and more. For vinyl to survive, we need them all. Demonising one or the other is toxic, counterproductive, and stupid. You are unlikely to get everything you want at the best price from one single source. Plus, this way you support the vinyl ecosystem as a whole.
“For vinyl to survive, we need them all.” Diversifying where you purchase from only enhances the experience, so wherever you get your vinyl, make sure to celebrate it and share it with the rest of us. That’s how we build community, and that’s how we thrive.
Record Store Day Events in Los Angeles & Beyond
I gravitate towards highlighting the stores that aren’t focused on the exclusives but celebrate everything that record stores provide - good music, good prices, and good people.
The good folks at Estuario are teaming up with R/D Record Cabinets (the fine people who built my record cabinet) for another great in-store celebration, music by DJ Dy & Friends, and some cold brew tea from Do Not Disturb. Expect air-conditioning and eclectic, worldly sounds.
On Maritime Records is pulling a double epic celebration for RSD 4/20 as they will not only be dropping 4,000+ Records FOR FREE but also they have teamed up with one of my favorite Instagram accounts Black Girls Love Vinyl for an insane DJ line-up of Black female DJs to perform all day. Between this, Artform Studio below, and Estuario, it’s gonna be a good day in Highland Park.
Near Alhambra? Absolutely check out Str33t Records and their upcoming Jazz drop and more surprises. It’s been great to watch them grow these past few months.
Over in Inglewood, the months-old Asteroid Vinyl is hosting their first RSD Event complete with their delicious espresso brewed in-store. They are doing it right - building community where there was a need for a third place with records.
While Spinning Plates Records finally starts rebuilding their record store, they’ll still be rocking hard selling their adjacent hallway. That’s definitely dedication to the craft.
CD Trader in Tarzana is an awesome old-school record store in the Valley with an incredibly robust selection of used vinyl of all genres. They have the ‘under bins’ that are always a treat. You feel like your in the store from Cusack’s High Fidelity.
Nivessa on the West Side is a digger’s delight. I’ve only been once and spent at least 3 hours in there digging through their vast amounts of used vinyl.
Up in Santa Cruz, Redwood Records is going big with giveaways and more! I’m personally excited to visit them during an upcoming trip in May (more on that soon!)
Esteemed reissue label Jazz Dispensary is going all-in on 4/20 part of the day with a listening session, record pop-up and some 21+ treats all day. RSVP required.
Amoeba Records LA / SF / Berkeley is one of the biggest independent stores in the U.S. You’ll be in a big line for most of the day, though so you might be better off going on a day not RSD.
Twelves in Long Beach is sticking to their tried-and-true formula of great records at affordable prices. Owner Hector Waluyo is also behind groovy dance party Funky Sole.
Record Safari knows no bounds because they truly celebrate Record Store Day every day, but they’ll be dropping around 300+ used titles with 25% off all day.
Latin Gold Records’ RSD 4/20 Sale
So. many. good. records.
Set your reminder now because the sale is happening this SATURDAY, 4/20 at 9AM PST / 12PM EST! The first two sales were such a success that I had to go even BIGGER for Record Store Day, my favorite time of year. I’ll have some PRIMO Latin records, some essential rock records for your collection, some electrifying jazz, and a few wild cards. Same deal as last time. I’ll post the record on Instagram with details, and if you want it, comment SOLD (or equivalent). I’ll send you payment and shipping instructions via DM, and then tracking number once shipped out.
That’s it for this issue of First Pressing. I’ll be back around May with some exciting news and record deep dives because, after all, what better way to explore life than through record collecting?
Happy Record Store Day, Happy 4/20, and Happy Spinning :)
Kadrian
I'm loving that 4/20 and RSD are on the same day. Well played, 2024.
Thank you for the shout out, Kadrian! Awesome that you’ll be doing something special for RSD. I’ll make sure to check it out! Best of luck 💪🏻