Your Guide to Record Store Day 2016 in Auckland

Independent Record Store Day is back once again to remind us of the passionate souls that sell us physical music formats through their independently owned record stores. Now in its ninth year, the initiative was launched after a bunch of music retailers in middle America had a very successful brainstorming session. It has since evolved into something of a corporate machine prompting novelty releases, a Justin Bieber single on "piss yellow vinyl" and its own beer for some reason. Celebrated on the third Saturday in April every year on every single continent (except Antarctica), Record Store Day is really about helping out the little guys in their attempt to avoid extinction. Here's what's happening across Auckland this Record Store Day, April 16, 2016.

Marbecks

Auckland's oldest record store (est. 1934) will mark this year's RSD with live in store performances from indie-rock band Dictaphone Blues, bedroom producer Roy Irwin, as well as DJ sets by Matthew Crawley, Charlotte Ryan, Lio & Pete, Gin and the mysterious cdogg420. Pull up the van, there will be 20% off all vinyl and CDs.

Queens Arcade, CBD

Real Groovy Records

Record Store Day 2016 will be the first for quarter-acre vinyl paradise Real Groovy in their new home at 369 Queen Street. New Zealand's largest music retailer will put its emphasis on re-taking control of the event with a huge drop of fresh second hand vinyl, live bands, DJs, food vendors, and the simple joy of being part of a likeminded, musical community. Owner Chris Hart further explains, "When it comes down to it, every day at Real Groovy is Record Store Day.'' The band and DJ lineup and timetable is set to be revealed in the coming days.

369 Queen Street

Southbound Records

Southbound will open their doors at 9am with 250 special RSD releases up for grabs. As an added bonus, crate digging sustenance will be provide in the form of free coffee and baking until midday. The afternoon will see live performances from Tami Neilson, The Leers and Delaney Davidson, who is set to come armed with both a special limited vinyl release and a documentary, both titled Devil In The Parlour. Created by Ruffle Productions, the doco delves into Davidson's songwriting process and his 13-year-stint on the road.

132 Symonds St, Eden Terrace

Flying Out

Flying Out opened its doors on Record Store Day last year so this Saturday also happens to mark the store's first birthday. To celebrate, Peter Jefferies of the post-punk band Nocturnal Projections will be standing by in the basement for a very rare performance. Joining him for the early evening appearance will be alt-songwriter Jed Town. Across the afternoon Herriot Row will take the stage to celebrating the release of their first 7" single. The store will also have a sale of selected vinyl including a new shipment of second hand vinyl from the U.S. More info on artists, DJs and the mandatory birthday cake is yet to come.

Rebel Soul Records

Specialising in new and pre-loved vinyl, Rebel Soul is Auckland's newest independent record store. They also stock collectibles, pop culture, retro furniture, art prints, tiki modern and a free vinyl clean and repair station. For their first Record Store Day the store will have $5 off all vinyl over $20 and sale bin finds at two for $5. Their DJ lineup will kick off from 10am through to 5pm featuring: Apera, Chillin, Dubhead, Parallel DJs and DJ Lise.

Samoa House Arcade, 283 Karangahape Rd