By Michael Luce
In a digital-focused world, Spencer Colby has found his groove (literally) among physical media. Spencer runs the record store Provo’s Vintage Groove. The shop has a variety of genres — jazz, pop, rock, disco — and carries cassettes and CDs too. It might not have everything, but he hopes people can find what they come for. “It’s fun to provide people with what they want,” he said.
Spencer hopes his shop can become a place where music lovers can feel comfortable. He already has plans to add an area for live performances and mentioned he was looking forward to bringing back giveaways in the upcoming weeks and months. He also invites local artists with music on vinyl, CD, or other physical formats to bring a few copies by so he can spotlight them in the shop.
He’s found that for many music fans, owning physical media is similar to an autograph. A piece of paper with a name scribbled on it doesn’t really carry any intrinsic value, nor does a vinyl disc when music is available for much cheaper (and easier) online. However, it builds a sense of identity for the listener and allows them to feel more connected to both the music and the artist. Owning the music deepens that feeling, and owning something special, like a Record Store Day release, takes it to the next level.
Record Store Day (RSD) is a unique day of the year where certain pressings of records are made available for the first time exclusively at physical stores. These special releases often include B-sides, deluxe editions, long-awaited rereleases, live albums, box sets, and even unreleased music. Each of these items is only available in participating record stores, and stores are not allowed to sell these special items online until the day is over. Stores are also not allowed to hold items for customers, so if there’s a particular album you want, it might be worth waiting in line before the store opens up.
That said, Spencer seemed confident that people wouldn’t need to panic or fight for the big-ticket releases at Provo’s Vintage Groove. After a few RSDs under his belt, he’s figured out a few systems to help things run smoothly. For example, instead of ordering one of everything, Provo’s Vintage Groove will have a large number of the most popular items, such as the special release from Olivia Rodrigo and Noah Kahan, and very few of the more niche titles. He’s also planning to open the store at 8am (earlier than most other shops in the area), so shoppers will have plenty of time after to run to other shops for those titles he won’t be carrying. If any collectors are worried about certain titles or how early they should arrive, Spencer encouraged them to reach out in the days leading up to RSD so he can help everyone get what they’re looking for.
Record Store Day 2024 is this Saturday, April 20! The full list of this year’s exclusives and special editions can be found at the RSD site here.
Be sure to follow Provo’s Vintage Groove on Instagram for updates on store hours and inventory. You can check out DURRY, who have a special release in this year’s RSD drop, below!