Record Store Day 2017: Liverpool events guide
Probe and 3B are taking part as usual, but here we take a look at the newer outlets and additional events as we welcome RSD 2017 to Merseyside
Record Store Day returns for another celebration of the unique culture of the independent music outlet, and we've put together this handy round-up of events in Liverpool. Think we've missed something? Hit up will@theskinny.co.uk with the details...
Jacaranda Records
Slater Street, Liverpool city centre, from 9am
Taking part for the second time, Jacaranda Records are celebrating RSD 2017 in even grander fashion than their maiden year: promising twice as many of the official releases, they've also got a full day of live performances scheduled across two floors, with the shop itself open from 9am.
A Positive Vibration DJ set from Rory Taylor kicks off the entertainment on the ground floor at 11am, before sets from Nick Ellis, Seafoam Green and The Jesse Janes take us through the afternoon. Then from 6pm, there are sets from Jon Coley, Cal Ruddy, Astles, Rain, Indigo Tree, Amique and the Ecstasy, Sub Blue and Tommy Tenderloin & The Peppercorn Kids, with the Jacaranda's own DJs taking over at 1am right through til 6am. A busy day, then.
81 Renshaw
Renshaw Street, Liverpool city centre, from 8am
Whassat? You didn't know 81 Renshaw is now also a record shop? Oh yes indeed; situated in the basement of everyone's favourite arts cafe and live music/comedy venue is Liverpool's newest addition to the oft-talked-up vinyl revival. Selling both new and used vinyl, and even offering a record cleaning service, it's well worth a sift through as you sip a coffee from the ground floor cafe.
This being the shops' first year of existence, it's also their first year taking part in RSD, and they'll have the official releases ("Strictly first come first served and one of each release per customer," they say, which seems fair enough), with live performances booked in from Lucy Styles and Dan Wilson. The cafe itself is open with its usual hours of 10am-5pm, but tea and coffee will be available from 8am, with the back room bar open from midday. Nice.
Defend Vinyl & Craft Taproom
Smithdown Road, Wavertree, from 7pm
Although they're not officailly listed as taking part in the RSD shenanigans, Defend Vinyl recognise that there are still plenty of reasons to celebrate the humble record shop on 22 April. As well as selling (and playing) some of the official limited releases, they're also taking over the newly opened Craft Taproom for a DJ night of their own devising – but with a twist.
At the Bring Your Own event, you're the DJs. With decks provided, all you need to do is bring down a couple of 7" singles – regardless of genre – and live out your dreams of being the selecta. There's also live gypsy jazz from Manière des Bohémiens, described as "the most debauched, ecstatic and downright amazing live band you will have seen for a long while." Yet more reasons to support your local record shop – and your local alehouse, for that matter.
Parkinsons Books
Lord Street, Southport, from 12pm
A bookshop? Celebrating Record Store Day? Don't be fooled; Parkinsons have been selling records for more than three decades, so they've decided to join in the party with some old friends of the shop. Expect DJ sets from Ghetto Child's Ed Gray, Reason 2 Funk's Jon Hart, Macooza/ENRG's Jay Murt, Martyn Day, Paul Elder, Duncan Peetom and Liam McDonnell & Andy Parkinson, with everything from house and techno to reggae and hip-hop explored throughout the day.
Official participating record shops on Merseyside
Probe Records, School Lane, Liverpool city centre
3B Records, Slater Street, Liverpool city centre
Quicksilver Music, Market Street, Southport
Kaleidoscope Records, Westfield Street, St Helens
Read our guide to the best record shops in Liverpool here