BW&BK; has received the following press release:

On Saturday, April 19, 2008, hundreds of independently owned music stores across the country will celebrate Record Store Day.

On this day, all of these stores will simultaneously link and act as one with the purpose of celebrating the culture and unique place that they occupy both in their local communities and nationally.

Plans are underway to set up special events at all of the stores on this day, as well as provide customers with a goodie bag that promotes new formats, new releases, and exciting information on music, theatrical, and gaming releases. Working with our partners, the indies will also link to run extensive marketing campaigns both on a national level and a local level.

Music, theatrical, and gaming companies who wish to participate are encouraged to begin thinking of how they would like to work with us on their projects. This can include anything from samplers for the goodie bag, a special enter-to-win promotional offer, partnerships on marketing campaigns, a special one-day sale campaign, in-store appearances, fun events, and information/samples of new formats.

We would love to meet with you during this year’s SXSW in Austin, TX, to further discuss this event. We will be hosting an introductory party for Record Store Day on Saturday, March 15, at Waterloo Park, in conjunction with the Mess With Texas Party, a free mix of music and comedy.

Michael Kurtz, Eric Levin, Don VanCleave, Amy Dorfman, and representatives from participating stores will be on hand all day to give out VIP admissions and drinks and to talk about Record Store Day.

Artist quotes:

HENRY ROLLINS - “I have watched independent record stores evaporate all over America and Europe. That's why I go into as many as I can and buy records whenever possible. If we lose the independent record store, we lose big. Every time you buy your records at one of these places, it's a blow to the empire.”

Mike Patton - (co-owner Ipecac Recordings/PEEPING TOM/TOMAHAWK/ FANTÖMAS/FAITH NO MORE)

"I love indie record stores! My first job was working at a record store. While touring, I still always hit my favorite record stores. What is not to love about record stores? To be surrounded by millions of records, some that you know and love and others that are hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Record stores are also a great social outing. You can meet and talk to other people that share your love for the art of music. The excitement of strolling the aisles of a cool record store will always excite me. It's best to do it without knowing what you are looking for. I can spend hours in my favorite record store. Record stores are my candy shops!!!!"