The Magic of Music: Celebrating National Record Store Day
Do you ever feel like the world is becoming a little too digital these days? Between Zoom meetings, eBooks, digital music, and other things to do on our devices, we’re doing fewer things in person with physical items. It’s convenient to have so many things available digitally, but there’s something special about holding a physical treasure in your hands.
Music has been proven to improve emotional health. But instead of just downloading music, how about grabbing some vinyl at a record store? National Record Store Day is a fun holiday that has a special significance for me – keep reading to find out why.
The emotional and physical effects of music
Studies have shown over and over that there are a variety of benefits from listening to music. Healthline points out that music’s benefits are universal: “Study participants vary widely in terms of age, gender, and background, but they report strikingly similar reasons. One of the most common uses of music? It helps people regulate their emotions.” The article goes on to mention that music can help heal physical pain as well, not just emotional.
According to Psychology Today, our internal rhythms like heart rate and breathing sometimes sync to music we listen to, which is why we feel good physically when listening to music. An AARP study found that music decreased feelings of depression and anxiety. People get the most benefit through “active listening,” meaning fully concentrating on the music without doing other tasks.
What Record Store Day means to me
Music activates something deep in my soul, and that’s especially true when it comes to records. When I was a kid I absolutely fell in love with this record store by us called The Exclusive Company. Walking into the shop, my jaw dropped with the variety of music they offered. My mom had a huge record collection and one day she told me to pick a record out so we could all listen to it together. Honestly, I was so overwhelmed and didn't know what to choose. In part, I think it was because I didn't have a clear idea of the music I enjoyed.
What I loved about my mom's collection is that she had a story and a reason for why she had every album. It was important that when I had my own I would do the same. Fast forward to 20 years later, I've collected artists and bands that really resonate with me. Those records are part of my DNA and I look forward to sharing my favorite music with future generations.
Unfortunately, The Exclusive Company closed all their stores. Many record stores are going out of business due to companies like Amazon taking over. Although they have created a cool concept of getting a new vinyl monthly, I encourage all of you to support a local store and start your own collection. Seeing the albums in person is much more special.
Where to shop for records
Sure, you could order records online. But there’s nothing like actually stepping into a record store. Try searching for record stores in your area, and buy from them so you can support those stores. Be sure to tell your friends and family so they can support the stores as well. Maybe going record shopping will stir up nostalgic feelings for yourself and your loved ones!
Rolling Stone compiled a list of the 10 best record stores in America, and Mental Floss put together a list of 13. While all of these stores are special, there were a few that made it onto both lists: Reckless Records in Chicago, Amoeba in Hollywood, Electric Fetus in Minneapolis, and Easy Street Records in Seattle.
So don’t forget to show a record store some love on Record Store Day. It helps the store stay in business, but when you consider all the benefits of music… it helps you, too!
