MUMBAI: NARM, the music business association, will present its prestigious Independent Spirit Award to Record Store Day, which celebrated its fifth anniversary in 2012. The Award will be presented on Wednesday, May 8 at the Opening Session of Music Biz 2013, the annual convention of NARM and digitalmusic.org, the home of NARM’s digital initiatives. Music Biz will take place at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.
“Record Store Day is a big part of the reason why physical formats are still a significant segment o the music business,” said Jim Donio, President of NARM. “This Award recognizes those whose innovative thinking, entrepreneurship, and success in their business dealings have helped grow and enhance the business of independent music for both retailers and content providers. Record Store Day’s efforts on behalf of independent record stores, particularly its annual Record Store Day event, personify the independent spirit and have been enthusiastically embraced by artists and fans alike, leading to increased awareness and sales for these important but often overlooked physical institutions.”
Record Store Day was conceived and founded in 2007 to celebrate and raise awareness of independent record stores in the U.S. and throughout the world. Over the past five years, more than 700 U.S. stores and hundreds of international stores have signed up to participate in the organization’s annual Record Store Day event, which features exclusive vinyl and CD releases available on that day only and in-store performances from top artists such as Metallica, fun., Josh Groban, Dierks Bentley, The Smashing Pumpkins, Wiz Khalifa, Regina Spektor, and more. In 2012, the event was responsible for explosive sales gains at indie retailers, with units sold up 26.6% from 417,000 the week before the event to 528,000 the week of the event. Capitalizing on this success, the organization held its first Back to Black Friday event in 2010. Held each year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, the event provides a second round of exclusive releases and performances for record store aficionados.
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Representatives from the three founding organizations – the Department of Record Stores (formerly Music Monitor Network), the Coalition of Independent Music Stores (CIMS), and the Alliance Of Independent Media Stores (AIMS) — will be on hand to accept the Award.
“We are thrilled to receive this Award on behalf of Record Store Day,” said Michael Kurtz, head of the Department of Record Stores. “This event has had a profound impact on independent record stores and artists all around the world, providing a much-needed sales lift that has helped to keep many participants afloat through tough times. We are happy to see that effort rewarded.”
“It’s becoming evident that more and more music fans are seeking an authentic listening experience, and the independent record store is their place of discovery. Indie stores are operated by passionate, educated people who believe in the power of music and fight daily to keep the culture alive and provide a physical sense of community within their city’s music scene. These are the true believers,” said Michael Bunnell of CIMS. “In a world that is enamored with any new technology, it is still important that we support the people who embrace the art of music, no matter the delivery system.”
“Record Store Day has served as a template for other grass-roots celebrations of independent businesses. To have been a small spark in a growing global phenomenon has been very humbling,” said Eric Levin of AIMS. “To have our accomplishments recognized by NARM is another great pleasure.”
Past recipients of the Independent Spirit Award include Brett Gurewitz, Epitaph Records Founder and Bad Religion singer/guitarist; Rachelle and Joe Friedman, founders of J&R Music & Computer World in New York; Tom Silverman, Founder and CEO of Tommy Boy Entertainment; and Don Van Cleave, formerly the President of CIMS.
Music Biz 2013 is one of the most important events on the industry’s calendar, giving the music content and commerce segments a place to meet with trading partners, network with new companies, and learn about new trends and products impacting the music business. Registration is now open, and rates are discounted through March 8. Prices vary based on level of membership. For more information, visit www.narm.com/events/musicbiz2013.
