Record Store Day guide

Record Store Day lands on Saturday, April 18, and this year’s official list runs to more than 350 limited titles sold through participating independent shops. (recordstoreday.com) The event began with its first edition on April 19, 2008, and the organizers now say it centers on nearly 1,400 independently owned record stores in the United States, plus thousands more internationally. (recordstoreday.com) The basic rule for shoppers is simple: Record Store Day does not sell the releases itself, and stores decide individually what to order. Organizers say there are no pre-orders through the main site, and many shops will not stock every title on the list. (recordstoreday.com) That is why guides from retailers and music outlets keep stressing limited quantities and early lines. The official list splits releases into “Exclusive,” “Record Store Day First,” and “Small Run/Regional,” with the last category covering regional titles or pressings under 1,000 copies. (recordstoreday.com) The 2026 ambassador is Bruno Mars, who said independent record stores let fans “immerse and surround” themselves with music. Record Store Day also tied that role to an exclusive Bruno Mars compilation LP, with an announced quantity of 11,000 copies. (recordstoreday.com 1) (recordstoreday.com 2) One of the highest-profile drops is Taylor Swift’s 7-inch “Elizabeth Taylor,” listed as a Record Store Day exclusive for April 18. The official product page says the single includes the album version plus a “So Glamorous Cabaret Version.” (recordstoreday.com) Another release drawing attention is the “KPop Demon Hunters” soundtrack in a HUNTR/X edition. Record Store Day lists that LP as an exclusive Republic release with a quantity of 10,000 copies, plus a fold-out poster, sticker sheet and three snapshot cards. (recordstoreday.com) The list itself ranges far beyond current pop stars. Record Store Day’s catalog includes releases tied to artists including Air, a-ha, Bryan Adams, Elton John, Black Sabbath, Bruce Springsteen and Talking Heads, alongside jazz, punk, metal and soundtrack titles. (recordstoreday.com) (yahoo.com) If shoppers miss out in person, the official guidance is to check store websites and marketplace accounts starting Sunday, April 19, after the in-store launch. The event is still built around showing up at a local counter first, then hoping your store ordered the record you want. (recordstoreday.com)