London’s YAM Records shuns Record Store Day exclusives in favour of local labels

“It's that one day of the year supposedly all about buying records, except the shops are too busy and the ‘special releases’ are astronomically priced,” explain YAM on their Every Day is Record Store Day event page. “Instead we’re focusing on the wealth of home-grown talent available in the area and will be digging deep to pull out as much of our local labels’ back catalogue as we can.”

The shop’s decision follows a wave of criticism suggesting Record Store Day is hurting small labels, and that much of the exclusives are major label reissues clogging up pressing plants worldwide.

There’s no doubt about vinyl’s revival (vinyl album sales are up 70% this year), an official weekly chart dedicated to the format, counting down the best selling singles and albums started on Monday, and Record Store Day has certainly had a lot to do with this newfound popularity. But like progressive fashion brands and restaurants, record stores have to keep an eye on sustainability, and the best way to do this is to keep things local.

In a show of community spirit, YAM have also joined forces with neighbouring record stores Rye Wax and Do!! You!!! to throw an ‘anti-RSD’ party on Saturday evening. Check out the Facebook page for more info.