Independent labels now account for 75% of Record Store Day (RSD) sales, a significant shift from the event’s early days when these labels were hesitant to press vinyl. Michael Kurtz, co-founder of Record Store Day, shared this news along with the 2026 release list. The event has grown from just 25 artists at its debut in 2008 to over 350 artists in 2026. This year, Record Store Day will be held on April 18, with Bruno Mars as the ambassador.
Kurtz noted that independent labels were initially unsure about pressing vinyl because they didn’t know if it would sell. Now, their dominance in RSD sales shows how much things have changed. Major labels started to take notice after Taylor Swift became the first Global Ambassador in 2022. Her release, Folklore: The Long Pond Sessions, sold 115,000 copies in 2023, making it the largest pressing in RSD history. This success demonstrated the marketing power of the event.
Vinyl shops now represent 40% of all physical vinyl album sales, with Record Store Day being the biggest contributor. These stores have outperformed major retailers like Walmart and Target in vinyl sales. Bruno Mars will release The Collaborations in 2026, featuring duets with Lady Gaga and Rosé, along with an unreleased gospel track. He met with Atlantic Records at the Chelsea Hotel to discuss his involvement.
Other exciting releases include a live recording from Pink Floyd in 1975, David Bowie’s Excerpts from Outside, and Brandi Carlile Live at Easy Street Records Vol. II. Robert Plant has recorded four new tracks for his Saving Grace album, and Ziggy Marley will include personal notes in each copy of his release.
Kurtz chose not to profit from album sales, keeping the organization a non-profit supported by sponsors like Monster and Tito’s Vodka. RSD now includes a second date on Black Friday and has expanded internationally, with a Japanese plant handling many pressings. A special RSD Summer Camp conference will bring 300 record store owners to New Orleans in July.
