I started participating in Record Store Day my senior year of high school. Since then, it’s a day that I look forward to all year. While the album releases are exciting (especially the David Bowie picture discs that have been coming out the past several years), what keeps me going to Luna Music at 7:00 a.m. is the community aspect. Hearing people in line excitedly talk about the releases being put out by their favorite bands, seeing local groups play their hearts out on the makeshift stage behind the shop, and getting my fill of local food makes me leave Luna feeling more connected with my community.
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a pretty proud Hoosier. I don’t agree with state politics, and I’m really sick of this damn weather, but I love the people and the culture we have here in Indianapolis. In high school-like many of my peers-I hated living in Indiana. I didn’t think there was anything to do in the city, and I couldn’t pinpoint any specific culture that Indianapolis could claim as its own. Turns out, I wasn’t looking hard enough, or looking at all for that matter.
After experiencing my first Record Store Day in Broad Ripple, I started venturing out to places like Fountain Square. Every First Friday, watching sets at Joyful Noise, I was blown away by the talent and the passion that was harbored in my own backyard. Seeing people my age, who balanced school and work with making albums and visual art was not only inspiring, but it made me fall in love with our city.
Of course, I’ll be in Broad Ripple early Saturday morning. I’ll be in line waiting for the Led Zeppelin release--not that Jimmy Page needs any more of my money--and the Phantom Thread score. But what I’ll really be looking forward to is hearing live music, and now that I’m 21, supporting our local breweries.
As far as records go, I’m not a collector in the true definition of the word. I don’t hunt for original pressings, nor do I have the bank account to support a habit that extreme. What I do appreciate, however, are the stories that records tell. Shopping at second-hand stores and finding “The Beatles” album, (“The White Album”) with ink sketches drawn on by previous owners or folk albums that relay stories of the times in which they were written give me a greater appreciation for the music I listen to. Out of the records in my collection, the ones in heaviest rotation are Little Steven's"Voice of America,” George Harrison’s “Brainwashed” and a Hank Williams compilation albums that I found in San Francisco. All of these albums, at least for me, share stories and ideas that-even if I don’t relate to-give me a greater understanding of the world and people around me.
With Record Store Day 2018 just hours away, I hope that you enjoy the best holiday of the year as much as I do.
The "invisible orientation": Ace identity, culture and misconceptions
By Jackie Bozinovski | April 10International Asexuality Day took place April 6, and for all asexuals (aces), it’s a day to celebrate ourselves, our experience and the community as a whole. As an asexual myself, I’ve read a plethora of asexual content that gave answers to all my questions and a voice to affirm that my identity is valid and my experience matters. As such, I’ve decided to clear up three common misconceptions about the asexual community and shed some light on the invisible orientation.
Hinge released their dating report, here’s what IUPUI students think
By Milo Anderson | March 29From fears of meeting new people to a pandemic to getting into the landscape of online dating, there are plenty of reasons to feel awkward about dating as a young adult. Gen Z has been forced into the middle of one of the most turbulent times to meet new people, and for some, it can be too much.
Herron School of Art and Design annual wearable art show to take place March 28
By Hanne Brandgard | March 27Since 2004, Herron School of Art and Design has put on the Wearable Art Show. This event gives interested students a chance to test their creativity and transform their art from a stationary work to a piece of clothing. This year’s 20th anniversary show will take place on March 28 at the EFAC building.
