Record Store Day Returns to Monster and More
Independently run record stores are gradually becoming a scarce resource these days. The Charleston area is fortunate to still have a handful of shops carrying a variety of CDs, vinyl, and other formats.
On Saturday, April 19, international Record Store Day will draw enthusiastic music fans to several participating stores, including Monster Music & Movies in West Ashley (946 Orleans Rd.), Cat’s Music in Summerville (1305-A N. Main St.), Soundwave Records in Summerville (2139-B North Main St.), and Loco Records in North Charleston (4060 Rivers Ave.).
The annual Record Store Day first began as a string of sales and special events at a few small stores around the U.S. Within a few years, stores around the world began participating with the support of indie labels, recording artists, and visual artists.
West Ashley’s Monster Music & Movies, Charleston’s biggest and most bustling record shop, will host what will likely be the most massive sale and in-store music concert in town on this Saturday’s Record Store Day. Local and visiting record collectors will be there in full force, searching for discounted new releases, vintage and rare vinyl, imports, used CDs, cassettes, DVDs, and other collectables.
(photo by Ballard Lesemann)
According to Monster, national artists releasing new collections include the Flaming Lips, Drive-By Truckers, Notorious B.I.G., Devo, Green Day, Neil Young, Nirvana, Nick Cave, and more. Local releases will be on the shelves as well.
“Record Store Day is more than just a day for retail sales,” Monster Music manager Galen Hudson states in a recent release. “It’s a day to showcase record stores’ relevance to their local communities.”
At Monster’s sister store, Cat’s Music in Summerville, a solid roster of heavy rock, metal, and punk bands will perform in-stores sets. Mt. Vulture, Cepheus, Nimblefox, Lizard on the Window, and Senam Palmer complete the bill.
In West Ashley, Monster will host an impressive lineup of indie acts as well, including singer/songwriter Jordan Igoe (with guests), groove-based rock quintet the Dead 27s (featuring guitarist Wallace Mullinax), roots-rock combo Dunder Chiefs, Americana/soul-rock band Guilt-Ridden Troubadour, pop/rock songsmith Tyler Boone, and songwriter Logan Venderlic. They’ll each set up and play on the stage situated in the middle of the store.
The folks from Pet Helpers will be at Monster with a pack of pets looking to be adopted. Attendees are encourages to donate canned good for a food drive benefitting both Pet Helpers and the Lowcountry Food Bank.
Food-wise, the Auto Banh Food Truck, Cast Iron Food Truck, Lowcountry Creole trucks, and King of Pops wagon will participate in a small “food truck rodeo” in the Monster parking lot at the West Ashley Shoppes, across from the Citadel Mall. Parking and admission will be free and open to the public.
“Record stores are a lot of fun,” Hudson adds. “We encourage anyone halfway interested to come out and see what it’s all about. It’s a community-wide party and everyone’s invited.”
Record Store Day at Monster Music & Movies kicks off at 8 a.m. on Sat. April 19. The Live music begins at 1 p.m. Visit monstermusicsc.com or call the store at (843) 571-4657 for updates. See recordstoreday.com for more and a full list of RSD exclusive releases.
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About the Author
Ballard Lesemann is a musician and writer. Born and raised in Charleston, S.C., he spent years playing in bands and working for Flagpole Magazine in the bustling music town of Athens, Ga. He returned to his hometown and served more than seven years as the Charleston City Paper's music editor. He's better at drumming than he is at playing guitar.
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