2020 Blog
Music community launches ‘Love Record Stores’ initiative to support independent record shops
Music is an essential item.
These days we’ve seen the music community coming together to support each other in many different ways. The amount of initiatives put in place is incredible and together, we are succeeding in powering up a support system for all music realities without leaving anyone behind, this warms our hearts.
The latest initiative, launching today, it's called #LoveRecordStores. It's led by Jason Rackham, Managing Director of [PIAS] and it’s all about supporting our beloved independent record shops, which are an extremely important link in the chain that makes our industry.
“I started life in a record store. Record stores are incubators for great music, and for musicians. In these incredible times they can still serve up what you need so please “visit” them online, patronise them, support them and help them survive. We’ll need them on the other side.” Martin Mills, Beggars Group Founder and Chairman.
Musicians, artists, actors and celebrity music fans around the world are filming short video clips of themselves talking about what independent record stores mean to them, where their favourite store is, what records and artists those stores have helped them discover and most importantly, we encourage their fans to continue to shop online with their favourite stores wherever possible.
“I’d be lost without my favourite record shops; Rough Trade, Sounds of the Universe, Honest Jon’s and all the other independents. Let’s all keep them all going in this very strange time. Music will lift our spirits and soothe our souls. Love to everyone.” Paul Weller
All music lovers are invited to participate. All you need to do is share a post on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #LoveRecordStores and say what independent record stores have meant to you. Check out the guidelines for the video here.
We are living in challenging times but we at Key are up for a challenge as always and we are definitely accepting this one knowing that right now, it’s the most important of all. Please show your love for record shops through this initiative, your voice matters and will make the difference.
“Independent record stores have played a key role in supporting and developing artists and their music for decades, so now it is time for music companies and the artists they represent to step up and give something back.” Jason Rackham, Managing Director of [PIAS]
In yesterday’s interview with Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 6, Rackham reminded us that these stores are anchoring the start of careers and are hugely influential, “we need to feel good, we need music” he said.
Laura Kennedy co-owner of Piccadilly Records in Manchester (UK) said, “Our website and mail order department are going to keep going as normal while the shop is closed and there are still plenty of records being released. We’ve all got difficult times ahead but if we all stick together I’m sure we’ll get through. Be kind to each other and stay healthy.”