JASON SETNYK
Cornwall’s vinyl community turned out in force for Record Store Day, with an early-morning lineup stretching outside Bud’s Records and Kook Things. Doors opened at 8 a.m., but the first customer arrived the evening before, setting the tone for a day defined by anticipation, exclusives, and shared passion for music.
Ryan Theoret, first in line, said he arrived the night before to secure his spot. “I got here at six last night,” he said. “It’s almost like a Christmas feel. It’s like getting presents. I just can’t wait to add new exclusives to my collection.”
For Theoret, one of the most anticipated releases was Look Outside Your Window, a long-rumoured project connected to members of Slipknot. He said the limited availability added to the urgency of lining up early. “There’s only 2,300 pressed, according to the website,” he said, noting that rare, small-batch releases are a major draw for collectors on Record Store Day.
By sunrise, more than 30 people had gathered, with the crowd steadily growing through the early morning hours. “I’d say the line really started to build around 3 a.m., then again around 5, and by 6 it was getting much longer,” Theoret said. “By 7, it’s the usual crowd.”
The warm spring weather, along with balloons, coffee, donuts, and entertainment from Juggling DiMarcko, added to the festive atmosphere. Later in the day, a live performance by Parliament Of Owls continued the celebration.
Inside the store, owners Jason Lavoie and Emily Restoule described Record Store Day as both a business boost and a cultural highlight. “Regardless of not getting all the titles that we ask for, it’s always a great day. The lineup speaks for itself,” Lavoie said. “Generally, it’ll be good sales all around.”
Restoule pointed to the sense of connection that builds among those waiting in line. “The lineup is honestly pretty cool. People create bonds,” she said. “Some folks are out here all night long, sharing stories and talking about music. Everyone’s relating on all of these vibes.”
The draw for many is the limited-edition vinyl released specifically for the event. Lavoie noted there were “hundreds of titles” available, including releases from artists such as Taylor Swift, Pink Floyd, and the Grateful Dead, alongside reissues and rare pressings.
For collectors like Theoret, the experience goes beyond the records themselves, with the lineup becoming a space for connection among fans. “Talking music with those that show up too, it’s always a great time,” he said, describing how conversations about artists, genres, and rare finds help pass the time and build a sense of community among those waiting for the doors to open.
While Record Store Day has expanded into a global event since launching in 2008, the turnout in Cornwall showed its impact remains rooted at the local level, where early lineups, limited releases, and face-to-face conversations still define the experience.
L’article “It’s almost like Christmas:” Vinyl fans line up overnight for Record Day est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
