The queue for Spun Out stretched halfway down Gold Street at 8am on Saturday for Record Store Day as vinyl enthusiasts were eager to get their hands on limited edition releases.
Record Store Day, launched in 2008, is a global celebration of independent record shops, bringing together music fans, artists, and retailers. Held twice a year—in April and on Black Friday—it features exclusive vinyl releases available only at participating stores, many of which host live music and special events.
Owner of Spun Out, Chris Kent and his team hosted three live bands alongside the sales of exclusive releases which were up for grabs on a first come first serve basis. Taylor Swift’s special edition pressing alongside other exclusive drops, Chris said he had anticipated a busy turnout – and he wasn’t wrong.
By 8am, the queue stretched halfway down Gold Street.
I headed down to chat with some of the collectors, casual listeners, and industry insiders to find out what it is about vinyl that continues to hold such appeal in a digital world.
Spun Out Owner: Chris Kent
Today’s been amazing. The rise of reinterest in records seems to go hand in had with the rise in interest in Record Store Day. It’s raised people’s awareness and intrigue into vinyl and there’s been a buzz which has made people go … ooh that’s interesting!
Chris Kent
For a lot of our customers it’s their favourite day of the year – they really love it.
NM: What records have been most requested?
Chris: Taylor Swift was definitely one of the big ones — that sold out by about 10:30am. It was one of the most popular titles of the day along with Charli XCX. Because a lot of our customers are into rock, we also had loads of requests for indie rock. Surprisingly, there was a lot of demand for Status Quo. Blur and Oasis were popular too — proper crowd-pleasers.
NM: Does vinyl attract a younger audience as well as more mature music lovers?
Chris: Absolutely. Vinyl feels more luxurious than any other music format. In the age of digital, it’s something you can actually hold in your hands and cherish for life. Everything else is just on your phone — disposable. But a record? That’s permanent. If you’re really into an artist, having a catalogue of their rarities on vinyl makes you feel so much closer to them.
Vinyl feels a bit more luxurious and its something that you can hold in your hands and cherish for life. Everything else is on your phone and throw-a-way.
NM: Is vinyl just a passing trend?
Chris: There seems to be no stopping it at the moment — even though prices have definitely gone up since lockdown. People still want the experience.
NM: Do you stock music across all genres?
Absolutely — right across the board. We get new releases every week. If any of my regulars ask for something, I’ll do my best to get it in. It’s a mix of curating my own stock and responding to what people are asking for. We’re really lucky — we’ve got a great crew that supports our shop.
And it’s not just the older crowd keeping the scene alive.
A lot of the kids want to go around town on a Saturday afternoon — what else is there to do but come down to Spun Out and buy some records?
Even local bands are getting in on the act.
Chris: One of the bands playing today, The Barratts, have pressed their own records. You might’ve noticed that ‘60s vibe in their sound — it suits the format perfectly.
James Faulkner frontman of local indie band The Barratts
James Faulkner, frontman of local band Barratts, had played an in-store set earlier in the day. When I caught up with him later, he was cheekily pretending to steal one of his own records — a playful nod to the fact that upcoming bands are still embracing the vinyl format.
NM: Why do you still choose to release music on vinyl. Do you stream as well?
Jamie: Yeah, we stream our music too — and as a listener, streaming’s great. But from an artist’s point of view, it’s pretty rough. I’ve always been the kind of person who, when I really connect with an album, wants to own it — and for me, that means vinyl. Ironically, when I first got into music, vinyl was at its absolute lowest point.
That passion has come full circle — the band now has their own EP out on vinyl.
I imagined our album would end up nestled next to The Beatles on my shelf but it turns out I’m actually between Courtney Barnett and Syd Barrett. Which, honestly, I’m OK with.”
The Vinyl Collectors
Jason Smith, Northampton
NM: What brought you to Spun Out today?
Jason: I generally collect hip hop but not exclusively; I also like soul funk. I’ve collected vinyl since I was a kid – its a nostalgia from the 80s. I love vinyl; the appeal is having that physical record in your hand. I have many albums on display in my front room – I’ve been collecting since the 80’s. I believe there are people out there with bigger collections than mine, but mine is all killer and no filler.
Emily Tarbuck, Northampton
NM: Are you after any particular special releases today?
Emily: I’m after Taylor Swift and Griff live from Alexander Palace. I got here at 6am this morning. I’ve requested Taylor Swift; we’ve been told it’s gone but I’m hoping they’ve put aside some copies. Fingers crossed.
Local alternative grunge band Headswitcher played instore with The Barratts and Ratatouille’s Revenge to celebrate Record Store Day.
The Vinyl Record Producer
Paul Faulkner from Eight Limbs Entertainment, a Northampton collective, originally started out by putting on local gigs and events before evolving into a small independent record label.
“We’ve got bands on vinyl including The Barratts and Rolling Thunder,” said Paul. “Our mission is simple – to showcase some of the county’s emerging talent and help bands release music on vinyl.”
NM: What is the appeal of vinyl?
Paul: All my music is on vinyl. I’ve always DJ’d using vinyl decks – I wouldn’t be able to replicate my record collection through downloads. And people like to see a DJ using vinyl. Young people seem to be getting into collecting records too. It just feels more special – it’s nicer than a download.
We’ll work with bands to produce a set number of records, and then we do our best to distribute and promote them.
The label tends to focus on indie, goth, and guitar-driven acts – genres that, according to Paul are particularly well suited to the warmth and authenticity of vinyl.
Vinyl Underground – inside Watts The Furnishers, Abington Street
Leaving Spun Out and heading up Abington Street, I paid a visit to Vinyl Underground — a record store conversely three stories above ground, perched above Watts the Furnishers. While there, I had the chance to speak with DJ, producer and store manager, Joe Moan.
NM: What have been your top selling records today?
Joe: Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, The Cure, and Bowie — it’s been a really good day.
NM: How long has Vinyl Underground been above Watts?
Joe: We’ve been here since 1997. The owner actually started the business from his bedroom in 1993, and now we sell records all over the world — France, Germany, and Australia are some of our biggest markets.
We specialise in dance music — house, Detroit, and techno — but we also carry a wide range, from Afrobeat and jazz to reggae. Our website handles global mail orders. Our full warehouse is out the back with all our online stock, but having the shop is great — it keeps things social.
NM: How is vinyl selling compared to ten years ago?
Joe: When I started in 2014, that’s when the spike began. Since then, it’s leveled out nicely, and we’ve stayed busy. We’re still selling globally — France, Germany, Australia. People can buy online from our website where you can find a Discogs page too.
For further details of both record stores contact:
https://spunout.website/shop and https://vinylunderground.co.uk/