CITY RECORD STORE DAY IN SUPPORT OF OUR LOCAL, INDEPENDENT MUSIC SHOPS Red Cat Records has been voted one of the top independent record stores in Canada. HOLLIE MCGOWAN For music lovers, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of buying music that has been pressed onto vinyl. This <strong>April</strong> 21, independent record stores all over Vancouver will once again be bustling with vinyl aficionados chasing the excitement. Before the hustle begins, we caught up with some of the city’s main hot spots for record shopping to talk about surviving in the digital era, this year’s special releases, and the advent of the 11th annual Record Store Day. RED CAT RECORDS Voted one of the top 10 independent record stores in Canada and now with two locations, one on Main Street and the other in Hastings- Sunrise, Red Cat has plenty for the vinyl seeker’s soul. What does it take for a record store to survive today? Dave Gowans, Red Cat Records: Being open to carrying every type of music. What is the first record you sold at the shop? If I can remember correctly, the first CD we sold would have been a Junior Wells CD. Recommendations on what to buy on record store day? Spacemen 3 re-issues, A Wire 7-inch box set, and there’s some rare David Bowie stuff that looks interesting. NEPTOON RECORDS Vancouver’s oldest record store, Neptoon is a staple within the city. There’s also plenty of CDs, concert posters, and memorabilia in addition to all their new and used records. 6 What does it take for a record store to survive today? Ben Firth, Neptoon Records: It would be very tough to start a store now. I think all the stores in Vancouver are known well enough that we’re all pretty established and people will come to us. What is the first record you sold at the shop? I can’t remember. I’ve been working here since I was a little kid. My dad opened the store in ’81, and I was born in ’87. Recommendations on what to buy on record store day? I’m really excited about the deluxe version of the Baby Huey record. It’s an amazing ’70s soul funk record. AUDIOPILE RECORDS Audiopile is one of the main spots to hit up when out hunting for new and/or used records, cassettes, and CDs on Commercial Drive. Established in 2001, Audiopile has a wide selection for everyone. What does it take for a record store to survive today? Mark Richardson, Audiopile Records: I think a knowledgeable, approachable staff is key. A lot of people come into physical stores for the interaction, which you just can’t get when you’re buying records online. What is the first record you sold at the shop? This is what the owner [Geoff Barton] passed on to me: “New Bomb Turks, At Rope’s End. It was before I even opened the doors. A delivery guy heard me playing it, asked about it, and I sold it to him.” Recommendations on what to buy on record store day? Shiho Yabuki, The Body Is A Message of the Universe. DANDELION RECORDS AND EMPORIUM Dandelion Records and Emporium is a unique little store located on Main Street, just north of Broadway. In addition to rare and special finds on vinyl, Dandelion also sells handcrafted items such as greeting cards and kitchenware. What does it take for a record store to survive today? Jeff Knowlton and Laura Frederick, Dandelion Records and Emporium: I think being flexible and having a store with records as well as gifts works well for us. We also have a great community and a lot of support from our customers so that really helps too. HIGHLIFE RECORDS Highlife is another important focal point for music shopping on Commercial Drive. Not only is there plenty of music to purchase on both vinyl and CD, they also sell DVDs, concert tickets, books, and musical instruments. What does it take for a record store to survive today? Kevin Finseth, Highlife Records: For Highlife, survival required a strong belief in the value of what we do, showing up for work, creating a strongly curated selection, [and] paying attention to the folks who come in the store. What is the first record you sold at the shop? Muddy Waters, The Real Folk Blues. BEAT STREET RECORDS What was once a shop dedicated to selling items such as skateboards and clothing eventually became dominated by records. With now over 50,000 new and used records in stock, it still maintains the sale of urban lifestyle goods on the side such as graffiti art supplies, DJ equipment, and more. What does it take for a record store to survive today? Avi Shack, Beat Street Records: Being a part of the community that supports us. Great customer support. Bringing in records that make people happy. What is the first record you sold at the shop? I wish I knew. 22 years is a long time ago. I still have the first $2 bill that was spent here though. Recommendations on what to buy on record store day? So many releases to choose from. Demon Fuzz, Czarface, and Too Short are some of our favourites. Record Store Day is on <strong>April</strong> 21. VANCOUVER TATTOO AND CULTURE SHOW FRESH INK, FUN TIMES HOGAN SHORT The Vancouver Tattoo and Culture Show is back at the Vancouver Convention Centre, starting on <strong>April</strong> 20 and running through the weekend. “If you’re new to tattooing, this gives you an opportunity to see the entire gamut of styles, as well as the individual style of each artist,” says event organizer Tim Lajambe. “If you are an avid tattoo collector, it gives you an opportunity to be tattooed from artists all around the world.” So why go to a convention over simply walking into a shop and booking an appointment? “To see, meet, and support local artists!” enthuses Moorea Hum-Spensley, who tattoos out of a private studio in Vancouver. “It’s a great opportunity to buy prints or other artwork. You can also get tattooed by artists who are usually booked up months in advance.” With over 200 artists and their portfolios present, it’s easy to find a style that suits your vision. Local artist Kyle Hoffarth has some tips for anyone worried they might be overwhelmed or underprepared. “Number one: bring cash,” he says. “Tattooers aren’t typically tech-savvy business people, so we deal with cash only. Also, the convention is a great place to get some really unique artwork. Many artists will have oneoff drawings and flash to choose from. Take advantage of the convention to get something truly unique and original.” Even if you’re not sure you want a tattoo, Lajambe says there are plenty of other things to enjoy at the show. “We have tattoo contests, aerial performers, taiko drummers, lion dancers, and the list goes on. This year specifically we are trying to incorporate more culture from the different countries of the origins of tattooing.” So why not get a fresh tattoo this 4/20? Whatever your hopes or hesitations, expect a fun and inclusive environment that is, at the very least, a unique way to spend your weekend. Vancouver Tattoo and Culture Show runs from <strong>April</strong> 20-22 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. <strong>April</strong> <strong>2018</strong>
THE KILLERS • FLORENCE + THE MACHINE IN COLLABORATION WITH