Record Store Day - Music in SF

See The E-Mail Thread That Began Record Store Day 10 Years Ago

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Record store day is coming up on Saturday, Apr. 22, and our friends over at Stache Media sent us the original E-mail that actually started the whole hoopla.

This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the annual event dedicated to the record culture, record lovers, record makers and most of all, the amazing record stores that make it all possible.

And although throughout the years the event has been about celebrating record stores everywhere, what’s gotten the most attention are the ambassadors repping the event. They’ve included such iconic acts as Chuck D., Iggy Pop, Dave Grohl, Jack White and, of course, this year’s delegate, St. Vincent.

In honor of RSD’s 10th Anniversary, here’s a sneak peek at the e-mail that was sent from Chris Brown at independent record store Bull Moose, so you can all understand where it all began.

From: Chris Brown at Bull Moose
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2007 1:54 PM
To: Michael Kurtz
Subject: idea

Now, on to Indie Record Store Day. It needs a different name, of course. I’m just thinking as I type, but it could be a national event that drives people to indie stores. We would need all coalitions–not just the ones we usually work with, plus all the unaffiliated indies.

It might be good to do it in our slow period- Feb or March. I don’t know if we would want to give away free CDs or what. We would need some nice licensed pieces–maybe something along the lines of the upcoming Guided By Voices rarities box.

There is a huge press angle here too. Indies rule. We haven’t gone anywhere. We are better than ever and we are more important than ever before.

In-stores in every market. In Denver, both Indie and Twist get somebody good.

Video, print and online testimonials from artists would run in every market to promote the event.

Try to include movie stars and game developers.

I’m going to close because I haven’t eaten lunch yet.

– Chris

Having released albums under Digital Nations, a label founded by Steve Vai, music critic Louis Raphael has remained deeply connected to the pulse of the San Francisco music scene. Following his tenure as the San Francisco Music Examiner for Examiner.com and AXS.com, he embarked on creating Music in SF® to authentically highlight the vibrant offerings of the city's music scene.