Hilltop Hoods named ambassadors for Record Store Day 2021

Hilltop Hoods have been appointed ambassadors for Record Store Day (RSD) 2021.

‘‘As a fanatical collector myself I’ve always participated in RSD, so when we were asked to become ambassadors, it was a no-brainer,” the outfit’s Suffa said.

“It’s an honour to throw our support behind the record stores, particularly the mom & pops stores who need our support more than ever.’’

In Australia, organisers are calling it RSD Lite in 2021 and spread it across two days.

“But there will be a few twists to keep us all as safe as possible,” they emphasise.

Most countries around the world are still under restrictions, therefore many indie record stores are operating online only, as Australia did last year.

With more restrictions lifted, RSD will be held on June 12 and on July 17.

June 12 will be the bigger of the two days. Around two-thirds of the limited edition records will be released for June.

There will be timed appointments to ensure stores don’t get too crowded, distanced queues, and in some stores, one way systems with marshals, according to organisers.

July 17 will be more about the limited-edition releases, with the final third of the list available on this day, and a more laid back atmosphere without the party elements.

On both dates online sales of limited edition records will be allowed from 6pm only.

RSD Australia began, as it did overseas, to spotlight how stores are a hub of music discovery.

It has been the main cause of the vinyl renaissance, with ARIA figures for 2020 showing more money was being spent on vinyl records than on CD.

Vinyl albums saw a 32% rise year-on-year and now makeup 5.4% of the Australian music market. CD wholesale figures showed a drop of 17% YOY and now 5.6% of total revenue.

In 2021, RSD will also be a celebration of how many indie stores managed to stay open throughout the first wave of covid, and a celebration of the CD and cassette formats.