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Quotes Best Friends Biography

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My introduction to all this great music and to ‘the music business’ came from hanging around, and eventually, working at independent record stores. Nothing beats browsing in your favorite store, listening to music, finding something new or old that you’ve been searching for, all that. And without these stores, there’s just no way Wilco would still be around."

- Jeff Tweedy

"Ever since I was 12 years old, when my fascination and obsession with music started, I would get on my skateboard and ride down to the local record store. I'd find the most tattooed guy there and have him recommend me a new album once a week. Then I'd learn it and play it on my drums. With internet

and technology, there are some great platforms of discovering music, but I would HATE for kids to be deprived of the incredible experience of discovering music through their local record stores. Lets keep record stores alive and well, please."

- Josh Dun

I don't know if I'd ever have had the exposure to the roots and world music...folk, blues, classic jazz, gypsy, celtic, African, Latin, had it not been for combing the racks of the local independent record stores in the Cambridge/Boston area when I was in college and the years since. Those 'mom and pop' stores and small chains, like radio, provided the rich soil from which so much of my passion and education sprang. Having the ability to linger and talk about selections with a staff person who really knew their stuff and was able to illuminate why certain albums by a given artist were better than others or steer me to new exciting finds I never would have discovered without their help, is another reason why preserving these independent record stores is so crucial. It's the personal connection, the vastly more extensive collections, and being part of the community of like minded music fans, that makes such a difference. I loved striking up conversations or just spending hours reading notes on vinyl record covers and having the visceral experience of being surrounded by so much history and variety. Nothing like it. So much of what I love about music of all kinds and eras was hatched by just this kind of discovery and choice. The decisions about what to carry and the overall service of these stores is what has made so many of us who we are as musicians and people. Indelible, irreplaceable...and a treasure to protect.

- Bonnie Raitt

"As a band, our love of records and actual CDs has never waned. There's something spiritual about holding an album in your hands, and reading through the lyrics while you are losing yourself in the music. I will pass my collection of records down to my kids and grand kids someday so that they can experience the magic that just CAN'T be downloaded. Record Store Day is our turn to show our appreciation for the people that allow us to live our dreams through music. There is nothing more powerful than possessing a piece of art that your favorite band has worked so hard to push into the world. Lets keep these stores alive...see you on Record Store Day!"-Lzzy Hale

- Lzzy Hale

"I started working in a record store just in 1972 and my life changed. I also discovered we had the ability to change our customers lives each time they came in the door. Music is the ultimate enhancer to people's lives. Turning some one on to something they had not ever heard before that hits a nerve, can make someone's day and leave a permanent impression. It's important for music fans to support their local record stores regularly, not only to help record stores stay heathy, but for their own well being. RSD is great day to come out and celebrate what record stores have been to our lives....to celebrate vinyl, the single greatest invention ever.

- Terry Currier - Music Millennium

"Some of my fondest childhood memories are of going to a small record store in Florence AL called The Turning Point every friday or saturday afternoon. I would skip lunch at school and save my lunch money for the week and it would put me within a dollar or two of having enough for a record a week (1974 prices). It doubled as a head shop and the smell of incense burning always made me think (even in 5th grade or so) that it was covering up the smell of some illicit drug being burned in the back. (It probably was, actually). I was very attracted to that thought and just loved the whole experience.

After they shut that store down I began going to a smaller, but really well stocked store across the river. The manager there was named Jay and he turned me onto The Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen and upteen other acts. We became life long friends, in fact he road-tripped into Athens GA this weekend to see my band play here. He runs Plan 9 in Richmond which is about as good a store as any in America and he still is turning me onto great bands. When I was 14 they built a mall on my side of the river with a Record Bar in it. They were a chain, but in those days it was a pretty cool one and when I turned 16 it became my first job. I was a terrible employee, but I'm convinced they never fired me because I spent all my paycheck on records and I knew our inventory inside out.

Actually they eventually did fire me, but by then I had grown into a pretty decent employee and the company had gone all corporate so I had to go. We have a turntable on our tourbus and we go scouring for little indie record stores in every town and I still blow my whole per-diem on records. Here I am 43 with a wife and child and I'm still misappropriating my lunch money like in 5th grade. The record labels throwing the indie stores to the wolves and casting their lot with the faceless megastores is indicative the mindset that has put them in such sorry shape of late. The indie record store was the closest link between music and the consumer and there was no replacing that interaction.

It is good tho see that some of the surviving indie stores are in some cases showing growth largely due to sales of vinyl records. It IS an interesting time to watch how all of this is going to pan out. Long Live Record Stores!"

- Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers)

As a kid growing up, my life was a combination of parental pestering and bus & train trips to get to the cool record stores; Rod’s Records, Rasputin, Streetlight, and a many others, in which my young DNA was formed. To now get to work in a record store, and play a role in someone else shaping their musical DNA, is a dream come true.

- Rand Foster - Fingerprints

“Independent record stores are much more than the name suggests. They are an international community and platform where music has an outlet and an opportunity to grow over the long term, in a way that sincerely connects with community and culture. They are also a magnificent mob of highly opinionated musical bandits which I am proud to call my pals! Bill, keep that indian ring shining for me. Matt, I'LL meet you in the morning for breakfast. John, we'll always have paris. Rhino.....straight outta Claremont!”

- Ben Harper

“Do yourself a tremendous favour and go to a record store today. The relatively mild exertion of getting off your fat, computer-shackled ass and venturing out to find the object of your desire, the thrill of moving through actual space and time, through row upon row of records, and the tactile ecstasy of fondling the quested treasure—all this will augment and enrich the mental associations the music invokes in you for the rest of your life.”

- Grinderman

"My early record shopping experiences were my musical backdrop. It's not just the ability to touch, see and smell an album and the artwork...it's the fact that you are in a Real Place with Real People...and not just any people: other music-obsessed freaks like you. I discovered so many bands by just hanging out, talking to shopkeepers, getting recommendations from some random dude who was flipping through the Nick Cave bootleg box as fervently as I was. Every time I am in a different city on tour, I make a point to hit the indie retail record stores to see what they're spinning and selling, because i just LOVE being there...my own personal and sometimes anonymous church. You can't get that feeling sitting behind your computer, ever."

- Amanda Palmer (The Dresden Dolls)

"Independent record stores rule. They are the last refuge for those who are looking for music that's outside of the box or outside of this decade."

- Chris Faller (The Hush Sound)

"Independent record stores are like the best thing going for real music lovers. There's just no way you're gonna find those elusive grooves that fan fan salivates over at a chain store. Those important records that shape the industry and add so much dimension to it can be found at the indie spots. I remember going to a store named Leopold's in Berkeley CA when I was younger. Man, I used to live in that place. They were pretty much the only place I could find Hiphop. Back then, there wasn't much at the chain stores. You had to go forth and discover stuff, and the indie stores is where the discovery begins. People in the store are informed, they can actually HELP you find stuff that you're interested in or suggest things that you may be interested in. It's just a hip place to be, man."

- Del The Funky Homosapien

"The fact still remains that the record industry is constantly changing with new advances in multimedia and internet access for downloading music. With that being said,

it is imperative that independent retailers continue to thrive so that people can still walk into a record store and buy CDs. GO INDIE OR GO HOME!"

- Brent Smith (Shinedown)

"Indy record stores can offer knowledge, experience and a level of personal service that can be hard to find through other outlets. I can go into my Local indy store (the Louisiana Music Factory) and talk to the owners and get info on records that my favorite musicians have played on. Having this relationship has been super important to my musical development and the growing of my collection. You can't get that kind of service anywhere else."

- Stanton Moore (Galactic)

“Independent retail has always been the backbone of Porcupine Tree’s exposure in the US, and from the very beginning, the band was proactive in trying to associate with as many indie retail stores/chains as possible. We’ve always respected the aesthetics of the “pure” record store, and the importance of knowledgeable staff who can recommend great stuff to you because they truly love music and know what they’re talking about, and are not selling vacuum cleaners or washer/dryers in the next section over. Porcupine Tree would never have reached its level of retail exposure without the indie stores, we’ll always stand with them.”

- Steve Wilson (Porcupine Trees)

"None of us would be here if it weren't for independent record stores. It's the place you go to get inspired; to find something off the beaten path. They are a wonderful resource to discover new local talent or something you can't find anywhere else. You believe in the place because it's run by music lovers. You trust, take chances and discover new things. You leave with an armful of records feeling like you're part of a community that supports MUSIC. And you can't wait to get home and listen."

"There's nothing better than going into a record store and browsing the shelves. If it's an independent record store, that's all the more reason to support these folks who still make the music happen."

- The Bad Plus (jazz/prog band)

"When I was old enough to work, I got a job for a record store handing out flyers to promote the store. I used to walk around bored out of my mind until lunch time when I would read all the record sleeves. I would finish work for the day and blow all the money I made on CDs at the very same shop that just paid me! I can't seem to walk past a record store without going in. The more independent the better, I usually fall in love with the music that is blasting as I walk in and always leave with a few rare items I have been searching for. You can't beat the atmosphere of an indie record store, it's the best!"

- Michael Chislett (The Academy Is…)

"If it wasn't for independent record stores, I would be a San Fernando valley real estate agent."

- Fat Mike (NOFX)

"To me, there's absolutely no better place to discover new music than your local independent record store. There's nothing like being able to peruse the racks, touch and see the actual artwork, listen to whatever is featured at the listening station, find out about upcoming local shows, or talking to the people working there for recommendations and sharing new discoveries. Also, I've found that a good indie record store can actually help create a good local music scene!"

- Alex Brown Church (Sea Wolf)

"I grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which had no shortage of amazing record stores. The hours I spent wandering about one in particular -Encore Records - was all time well spent. Speaking with clerks and customers, being introduced to music I never knew existed, and sometimes just looking at record covers - I enjoyed every aspect of the record store 'shopping' experience. There's a certain indescribable feeling that I was always left with - feeling motivated and like the world was so full of possibility. I love Newbury Comics! I remember the first time I entered the flagship store in Boston - right away I was struck by the beautiful aroma - it was the smell of music, books, and the people that love them!”

- Andrew W.K.

"Ill never forget how I got into metal, it was a small indie record store in my home town. They had all the stuff the big guys were to afraid to stock."

- Ben Orum (All Shall Perish)

“Indie record stores are the hub of a town's musical community. Aside from being wise informants on new releases and keepers of the used cd pool, they also host intimate performances from artists. Where else can young fans go to see their favorite acts live? When on tour we try to play as many indie record stores as we can. These performances are usually the ones fans remember and write us about, young and old alike.”

- Greg Bartens (Film School)

“Going to the record store as a kid was always an exciting affair. Like most kids my mother dragged me along on every shopping excursion but the one saving grace was at some point I would be able to sneak off to the record store (next to Cloth World). The excitement that I felt back then is rekindled every-time I go into a real independent record store today.”

- JJ Grey

"The Independent Record Store is the reason why i STILL do music...It seems like they're the only ones that Really care about the real music lovers...we need them...they're our balance to all of the music we are FORCED to listen to...they're the only ones that may still suggest something NEW and FRESH instead of just what's popular."

- DJ Jazzy Jeff

"A proper record shop reminds us why we got into this in the first place - a place to be reminded of old friends, still in their spots on the shelves, a source of unexpected magic and lucid memories - a place that reminds us that music is more than dumb file sharing and the management of dead data by faceless sociopathic corporations, but a storehouse of dreams, both possible and impossible."

- Max Richter

"In changing times, we should all lend our support to the independent retailers. Without independent retailers, many of the biggest names in music would still be undiscovered. They break new artists and movements. We all know the industry is changing, but we can't forget where we came from."

- Gorilla Zoe

“Independent record stores keep the plate spinning. When we’re in the States, they’re our home away from home."

- Ungdomskulen

"Whenever we tour the states, we make sure to stop by several of the numerous outstanding indie Record Stores, such as Record Archives, to get our hands on hard to find records which are nearly impossible to get over here in Europe.”

- Booka Shade

"My name is Skerik. I live in Seattle. Scoo Leary says Seattle is 'The home of Rock', because Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Lee are from there amongst others, Scoo is really funny too. When I need to get some rock when I'm home, I go to one of several local record stores, they are all awesome. I can walk to Easy Street records in West Seattle, and I like to visit the owner Matt at the big Queen Anne location. Matt supports local music on a daily, year round basis. The Easy Street Queen Anne location has a stage for in=store performances, it's not half ass, it's a real stage, and he even lets my little bands play there!!!

Sonic Boom is another great store, they have three locations, they also have in store performances. The mothership of all local Seattle record stores is Wall of Sound, they have the most creative music selection. Which is important in Seattle, because if you only listened to the local radio station (KEXP 90.3) from 8am to 5pm, you would think that the only music on earth was from 23 year old kids that only play guitar, bass, drums and maybe a keyboard. Wall of Sound has music from all over the world, featuring hundreds of different instruments, composers, bands, individuals, freaks, etc. Punk rock from Burma? Done.

Anti-american terrorist songs, done. Harry Partch records? Done.... I am particularly aware of indy record stores right now, because I am writing this from New Orleans, which after the storm lost a Tower Records, and a Virgin Mega Store, and some other places, so there is almost nowhere to buy music. There are some amazing vinyl places, but not the full featured CD/Vinyl selection that we have in Seattle. One store in New Orleans is the Louisiana Music Factory that specializes in regional music, it is incredible! They also have in store performances that are a blast.

Art in America isn't really driven by Reagan's trickle down theory, it doesn't respond well to 'market factors' etc, it needs individual support and money, so go buy a record at a non-corporate store today, every dollar will stay within a few miles of the store, I promise. Really, I promise!!.....WHERE we spend our money EVERYDAY, is more important than ever, please check out resources such as http://www.betterworldshopper.com/ every damn dollar makes a difference, buy some music!! And I really hope that when this time of 'digital transition' has settled down, people will be aware and appreciate SOUND QUALITY, and stop compromising sound for convenience, such as small MP3 files, to learn more about this please check this out."

- Skerik

"Record stores are the hippest libraries. In these tired ole days of homogenized entertainment, where so much of the art of our society is culminated, dumbed-down and mass produced, there is a shining jewel in the rise of the indy record stores. Going to a record shop for me is like a little treasure hunt no one can take you on but yourself. It's fun to look around and see the other shoppers too...totally entrenched in their own adventure, anticipating the reward of heart wrenching, soul filling, joy making music that might just be a bin or a flip away."

- Elizabeth Cook

"Small record stores are the back bone of the indie music industry. A place where small bands and small labels can get their music into the hands of new listeners without the corporate filtration systems of mass distributors. Without small record stores, my band and label would've never become what they are today. I can only hope that the digital age doesn't cause a mass-extinction of these excellent and resourceful businesses run by music fans, for music fans."

- Blake/nachtmystium

"Being an "independant" artist, i feel the struggle these independent record stores are going through. Its important to support you local indy record shops across the world. Its always a treat to discover new ones while on tour. While on tour and taking a second to look at the upcoming itinerary, i look forward to planning a trip to my favorite record shops while in their respective towns. Its always feels good to support independent. With all the corporate stores(Tower, Virgin, etc...) closing or merging, i can only imaging how hard it is for the ma and pa shops to still exist. Speaking of my favorite indy record shop, "Viva Amoeba"

acquisitions from my last indy shopping spree:

Sceintist- Scientist Encounters Pac-Man Roger Miller- The Hits Jay Dee- The Official Jay Dee Instrumentals King Tubby- Dangerous Dub Morbid Angel- Altars of Madness Max Richter- Songs From Before Meshuggah- Catch 33 Mike Patton- Adult Themes for Voice Chirstian Marclay- More Encores Sigur Ros- Heima (dvd)

- Joe Tomino (Dub Trio - Drummer)

"It's sad to see some of the developments in society, where everyday, more and more things conform toward a bland, non-diverse medium or "standard" if you will - The big, monetarily strong chainstores and companies are slowly burying the smaller, diverse (read: cool) indie ones!! No matter if it's clothes, music or otherwise - this steady decline of uniqueness, diversity and "individual expression" is truly scary!!

In all honesty, how cool is it to have to go into a 100.000 Square ft, flourescent lighted warehouse, where none of the "meek, perfect skin, fuckwhat's - type employees" know the first thing about any music outside of what's on billboard's top ten - only to find that the brand new Slayer album you so desire to own, is found on the "cd-pick-o-the-week" rack, right in between the spankingly fresh releases of Ms Aguilera and Dance Mania no.987...!?!?...Honestly...

Support your local indie and underground stores! Seriously!! For the good of all!!"

- Tomas Haake (Meshuggah)

"Independent record stores have always been the only place to find great music that is off the mainstream radar. I used to love heading down to our local spot to sift through the new imports or albums from some small label I had never heard of. In the days before the internet the only way to find out about new underground bands was either a cool neighbor an older brother or the local independent record store. Luckily I had both and it lead to a record collection I am still very proud of. I still love that feeling of walking into a great independent store and having no idea what I might find. It's like a treasure hunt. hahaha"

- Brian Fair (Shadows Fall)

"The indie record shop is the nucleus of the nerd...the internet has it's temptations but physically digging for booty? there's no substitute."

- Ursula 1000 (DJ on ESL – Thievery Corporation label)

"Before all of them were shut down by itunes and downloading, my local indy record stores were perhaps the only reason life was worth living. It’s strange to think that there was a time that an album you've never heard of could be sold to you because of cool artwork and a successful listening station session. Every Tuesday, you'd walk in, say what's up to the same 3 people who are always there working, and feast your eyes upon the 'new releases' shelf. Seldom did I walk out with any money left. And I was fine with that. Now my city doesn't have any independent record stores."

- Mac Lethal

“We are drowning in a sea of Myspace, blather, and too much information. Music is everywhere and nowhere. The independent record store is the solution, a place staffed by friendly (or not) people who are actually paid to weed through this crap and help you find the good stuff.”

- Dean Wareham (Luna)

“The indie stores were the first to initially support me and gave me my first opportunities. Similar to the indie store, I, too, am an indie artist and that in part makes us the master of our own destiny. I can create my own music without a major label telling me which beats to use, what my lyrics should be, and how I can be commercial. Instead, I choose to make my own music and hope the fans dig it as much as I do. Similarly, indie stores create their own unique atmosphere within their stores giving their customers a true sense of what the music is about instead of cookie cutter stores that all look alike, carry the same product, and have the same guy who is selling me a washing machine telling me what the hottest new record is. I, personally, have major love for all the indies. Because I am an indie artist, radio has shut me out in favor of major artists who pay to get played. The indies recognized my talent and actually promoted me as an artist and exposed new people to my music. As a result, with the indies help, you have now heard of me throughout the US. They gave my music an opportunity to be heard and now with the fans support, I have become the largest truly indie rapper.”

- Tech N9ne (hip hop artist / co-owner Strange Music)

Growing up a rock and metal fan on Long Island in the 70's and 80's was very different than it is today. There were no chain stores like Virgin and Tower and of course no internet mail order services like Amazon. The only way to pick up albums were to shop at your local "mom and pop" record stores....

In the late 70s, it was always easy to find the latest releases from my favorite bands....Led Zeppelin, The Who, Kiss, Pink Floyd, Queen, etc were all readily available at any record store. But in the early 80's, as I discovered more "underground" metal bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Motorhead, Accept, Mercyful Fate, Loudness and Raven (from reading my imported copies of Kerrang), there was no place in small town Long Beach, Long Island to find the latest records from these bands I was reading about. Then I discovered Slipped Disc Records in Valley Stream, Long Island. They not only carried the albums from these bands, but also the 12" singles with bonus tracks, the t-shirts, the imported live videos and anything else that existed! When the American thrash scene was beginning to erupt around 1983, I could always count on Slipped Disc to carry anythings I was looking for from bands like Metallica, Anthrax, Slayer, Exodus, Testament, Flotsam & Jetsam, Death Angel and Nuclear Assault.

Taking the train there every Saturday was the highlight of my week! And on the day I received my drivers license, the very first place I drove to was Slipped Disc to pick up Metallica's Ride The Lightning album which was released that VERY day! (The imported version of course!) Now in 2008, the world is a very different place...the aforementioned chains and online stores have made it very difficult for the mom and pop stores to compete. In fact, my beloved Slipped Disc just announced it will be closing its doors for good. So let's hear it for people like Mike from Slipped Disc and all of the independant store owners that have helped shape the metal scene for the past 25 years. Without them, a lot of us may not have existed....(Or at least have been as metal as we are!)

- Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater)

"The indie record shop is a global institution. It's a place that reflects history, the current state, and at times, can predict the future. Identities are formed and molded at record shops when one discovers an artist, an album, a genre, that moves them to no end. It's a venue for human contact; a social HQ for all music fans and fans of all music. Music fans, record collectors, DJs, and recording artist, now have a responsibility to keep this institution alive - more than just a mere 'shop' is at risk of extinction."

- Sam Fogarino (Interpol, Magnetic Morning)

FULL SPEECH

“There would be no Elvis. There would be no Johnny Cash. There’d be no B.B King. There’d be no Roscoe Gordon. There’d be no Carl Perkins. There would be no Jerry Lee Lewis. There would be no Roy Orbison. I can just tell you. We owe all of that to the independents and the independent people that work so hard for us to have something that could be accepted through their efforts,hard work, and desire to keep a personal feeling in every record..”

- Sam Phillips (A&R/producer for Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and many others)

“I just really love anything that’s not faceless and where people know each other and work together to build, like, a community. People that work there know their stuff; they’re not coming in today to sell music and tomorrow to sell TVs and the next day to sell whatever. Somebody can come in and say, “I want somebody who plays piano music” or something, and somebody will actually tell them to listen to my record and they’ll play it in the store for them and they’ll talk about it. You can connect in some way with somebody who’s doing something that they love. And that it’s important to have something that is being done just out of true love for new music that is being welcomed into the world. People should go to their indie record store and find out what is happening.”

- Regina Spektor

”dusty violin maker shop small corner record store water holes for dreamers don't stop breathe more”

- The Record Store by Damien Rice

"Record stores keep the human social contact alive it brings people together. Without the independent record stores the community breaks down with everyone sitting in front of their computers"

- Ziggy Marley

“Indie record stores are essential to anyone seeking out rare inspiration. Digging albums with weird artwork, less obvious song titles, and music that might fall out of the pattern of whatever is at the top of the charts at this very second, is not an easy position to be in - without the existence of your favorite indie store.

Indies are set up and stocked by people who truly love music, they are the gatekeepers; separating the tasteful from the tasteless, and the 'excellently' tasteless from the really bad. They exist not for the sake of the scene or the trend, but owing to an appreciation for connections between artists, their inspired dysfunction, and the social messages therein. It's reflected in what's on their shelves, and you can't lose since whatever you choose will either be something you love or something that you'll grow to understand. Getting music this way is like having your very own music advisor gremlin, a radically cool devil on your shoulder guiding you to the stuff that'll blow your mind before dissolving like candy. It's a wonderful thing - and I much prefer real people helping me shape my musical taste than some socially networked computer program.”

- Luis Cabezas (guitar) Dollyrots

“The indie record stores are the backbone of the recorded music culture. It's where we go to network, browse around, and find new songs to love. The stores whose owners and staff live for music have spread the word about exciting new things faster and with more essence than either radio or the press. Any artist that doesn't support the wonderful ma and pa record stores across America is contributing to our own extinction.”

- Joan Jett

“My local independent record shop (Honest Jons) is a library, where you can go to listen to music, learn about it, exchange ideas about it and be inspired by it. I think independent record shops will outlive the music industry as we know it because long term their value to people is far greater, because even in our era of file-sharing and blogs, you cant replace the actual look on someone’s face when they are playing something they really rate and think you should listen to it too. It’s special.”

- Damon Albarn (Blur, The Gorillaz, etc.)

“If it weren't for Best Buy, I would have never discovered the New Release Aisle. And if it weren't for the New Release Aisle, I would have never discovered Panic! At the Disco. And if it weren't for Panic! At the Disco, I would have never starting wearing mascara with my top hat, which is what I was wearing when I beat my 12-year old neighbor to death with a set of cast-iron log tongs. If it weren't for my dead 12-year old neighbor, I would have never gone to prison. But if it weren't for my fireplace, I would have never discovered my cast- iron log tongs. So who truly is to blame for the death of my stupid neighbor? I blame independent record stores.”

- Meatwad (Aqua Teen Hunger’s mostly peaceful, childishly simple-minded mass of compressed meat - not approved for human consumption.)

"Buy real records in real shops, or I'll come round your house and scream at your mother.”

- Ian Gillan (Deep Purple)

"I enjoy how there is more variety to choose from ... It’s not just your everyday selection. Independent music recieves more of a push in places like these rather than just the mainstream."

- Onry (Grayskul)

"The one constant in this ever changing music business is the heartfelt and “ear to the ground” Indie Record Stores that avid music fans and artists alike know they can count on to keep music thriving locally. I tour all over the world, and it’s these Indie Record Stores that many times make or break a market. People will always want an “album” to hold, not just have downloaded, and Indies fill that need and then some."

- Dale Watson

"I've always loved independent music stores because the staff is usually there because of a genuine love and appreciation for music. They're more in-tune with the customers and I'm willing to pay the extra dollar or two for the service they provide. Some of my greatest music discoveries have come from picking up an album at an indy store and the cat behind the register saying "You like this man? Have you heard of so-and-so?" I prefer to shop where people understand me and the music- the music i like."

- Brother Ali

"The concept of an indie record store brings me back to the days when there were no bloggers, no myspace, no cell phones. Going to Ear X-Tacy (the main Louisville record store that thankfully still exists) and Ground Zero (a bit INDIER with much more vinyl and obscure 7 inches, etc) was a communal thing for my friends and I. It was a place to go and hang out before we could get into bars. It was a place to go and thumb through ‘zines and read reviews and interviews with musicians and artists that were underground. Ground Zero had a basement that hosted shows every now and then for local indie or arty post-rock bands.

Communication was stronger between the record buyer and the indie store owner/clerk. Many times I would just go to chat with someone about new records I should check out or shows happening around town. Sometimes just walking into the store and hearing what they were playing on the stereo would get me interested in new things.

I definitely prefer those days as opposed to the online blurb of "Those who bought THIS record also bought THAT record..." and so on. Despite the turbulent times the record industry is going through, these stores still exist and are taking the punches that everyone involved in music is taking. So cheers to them."

- Mark Palgy (VHS OR BETA)

“Independent record stores are where kids like me learned about the music that made them the musicians they are today. Independent record stores are about the love of records not the love of money!”

- G. Love

"I grew up in independent record stores. As a teenager, I would hang out in them, looking at records, learning about records. Eventually I spent my twentysomethings working behind the counters of two of the more prominent indie stores in my city. Graduated from that to co-owning one. So I'm sort of biased, I guess. If I were to make a list of the traits that make the indie store a vital part of the music industries movement, this blurb would be too long. So I will stick to two basic points:

1. breaking new bands. 2. Great place to meet awesome women.

Don't need to go any further than that. In fact, looking back, I can't really come up with anything negative to say about indie stores. Well, except that the indie store is what made me a music snob. And honestly, I'm even thankful for that.

- Sean aka Slug (Atmosphere)

"If you're looking for the last Whiskeytown record or some elusive import, you won't have to look any further than your local indie record store. Plus, in the same trip you'll probably discover about ten more albums that you love. As an artist, the indie experience is the way you envision people finding your music. As a fan, they're the only way to go."

- Bear Rinehart (Need to Breathe)

"Independent record stores are like a casino where you put down your money and you always win. How amazing to discover gems you didn't know about, to meet someone more passionate than you are, and to feel at home in a place you may never have been to before. I'm convinced they will never lose their place - Long may they rule."

- kt Tunstall

"I spent my years in high school, every chance I could, walking down the street to two local indie record stores. I’d go to the dollar bins and pull out as many records as I could afford that day. If I liked the album cover, who was playing on it, their clothes, whatever drew me in. I might like all that I picked up or only one or two or none, it didn’t matter - it was exiting to find new music for me. No mater how old the music actually was, it was brand new to me. Sometimes even listening to music that I didn’t like helped me define what I did. I couldn’t do the same if I was walking into the major chains, it wouldn’t be as fun trying to search thru the American Idol discs."

- Jason Hill (Louis XIV)

“The idea of, ‘The journey is the destination’ is put into action by browsing in an indie record store. Besides, a human being is a much better guide than a ‘More Like This’ link on the internet.”

- Patton Oswalt

"We always hunt for Indie stores while we're on the road! You can find the best in every genre and many obscure albums you never knew existed! Besides the constant smell of Nag Champa, you can't beat the hospitality nor the selection of a good ole Independant shop!"

- Ben Wells (Black Stone Cherry)

"Music is an important part of our culture and record stores play a vital part in keeping the power of music alive"

- Chuck Berry

If you care at all about music and art? If you want to know what is happening culturally? RUN, don't walk to your local, real RECORD STORE and absorb the heart and soul and the vibe of a community. The music scene of any town will revolve around the RECORD STORE as the center of the universe. Go find some treasures!

- Jon Berger (owner, Broadtime)

Growing up in Rhode Island, not really the center of the rock world, Independent record stores were like a community meeting place for kids who looked beyond the Top 40 charts and were open to hearing something other than what the big record companies told you should like. Any of the significant musicians of the past thirty years, I first heard and heard about through independent record stores from the music playing in the store, the true music fans/staff, and the independent magazines and music sold there. Independent stores are the only places where the history of music can still be found along with the next great music not just a few titles from a select few. Thanks to long missed stores like Sam's, Tom's Tracks, Moffat's, and Two Guys to "Still Doing It" Luke's and Newbury Comics. Support the little guy!!!

- William Chalko

I just realized about a half hour ago, and much to my amazement, that as of this year, I've been collecting music for THIRTY YEARS. I started with the Beatles' 1967-1970, bought at a local record store in Keene, NH when I was only 7 years old, and I'm sure I've spent way too much since then. And I've gone to all kinds of record stores, big and small, chain, used and otherwise, and I always feel at home in them. It's not uncommon for me spend a few hours there, to sweep through the entire store and browse. I even worked as the sole shipper/receiver for an HMV store outside of Boston MA for four years and to this day I still consider it one of my most favorite jobs.

I could tell you countless stories about record stores that are burned into my memory...from spending hours with high school friends listening to the new Depeche Mode and Cure albums at Main Street Records in Northampton MA...to knowing exactly where all the best used record stores in the Boston area were at one time...to meeting (and being able to assist) one of my childhood heroes, George Harrison, at the HMV I worked at...but I don't want to use all your bandwith. All I'll say is that music has inspired and affected my world in so many ways, both good and bad, and I have record stores to thank for it. I have no idea where I'd be without them.

- Jon Chaisson, Writer, San Francisco

“When I moved out of Portland to Gray, it was because I could afford a house there, not because I actually wanted to leave the only decent city in Maine. I had resigned myself to living in the middle of nowhere, a half-hour ride from civilization, and slowly losing my mind. Then I discovered Bull Moose in North Windham. And it was open until 11 p.m.! It's pathetic, I realize, but sometimes, when the sounds of mooing cows and hunting season start getting to me, I drive five minutes over to Bull Moose and just wander around the store, soaking in the atmosphere created by people who actually listen to, and enjoy, music.”

- Sam Pfeifle, music writer, Portland Phoenix

I have been buying vinyl records since I was 8 years old. Every Saturday afternnoon I would ride into to town meet my friends and we would go along to the local record store and listen to all the latest releases or "new" arrivals from the States. First it was the Beatles and the Stones some Mowtown and Stax and then THE REAL THING we went back to the artists who influenced these young Wannabes- Blind Lemon, Sonny Boy Williamson, Son House and the rest. A whole new old world opened up and we were hooked. We were led by the guru of the turntables, the expert who led us into music we could only hear by going into his world. And so it has stayed a passion for 50 years. Every town or city I visit, I search out the Vinyl stores. From Almaty to New York, Stockholm to LA I have deserted my familly my wife for hours to stand over the familar racks, lifting Album covers looking at the sleeve notes, checking for surface marks, listening as the diamond drops in the groove Ah the rustle sound that first contact suddenly bursting into an intro that annouces the artist. More important, I have found a copy of some obscure deleted treasure from the past or been introduced to new, yet to be discovered sound, that I can keep secret for a short time. And what is happening. They are going losing out to the no face, no character, download and streaming connections with a computer world. Keep them alive keep that Guru there help us find the old and the new and share those golden moments of discovery that only the record store can give