Spinning Around

Every April since 2008, Record Store Day has celebrated the unique culture of independent record shops through in-store events around the globe. On the Emerald Coast, stores such as Central Square Records and Revolver Records offer locals a place to dig into the tactile side of music and honor the holiday by supporting local businesses. 

Tom King and his wife, Jenny, own Central Square Records in Seaside, Florida. The store opened in 2003 when King began selling CDs and added vinyl from his personal collection. Now, Central Square Records has grown to include a mix of new and used records and CDs, original concert posters, band merch, musical equipment, and accessories such as amps, and more.

“Even if records aren’t your thing, we try to make sure there’s something here for you,” King says.

Central Square Records began participating in Record Store Day in 2009.

Photo by Shelly Swanger Photography

“Record Store Day has become quite a phenomenon, featuring hundreds of exclusive releases and bringing together music lovers and record enthusiasts to celebrate independent record stores and their role in the community,” says King.

A list of the 2026 Record Store Day exclusive release—hundreds of titles by artists from Charli xcx to Steely Dan—became available in February and can be found at recordstoreday.com/SpecialReleases.

“Because these exclusive releases are only available at independent record stores—not online or at big-box chains—folks will begin lining up hours before our 8 a.m. opening,” King adds.

Artist ambassadors are another staple of Record Store Day. An artist or group is selected each year to meet fans and put on performances in stores. Past ambassadors include Ozzy Osbourne, Iggy Pop, Pearl Jam, and Metallica.

“In 2023, we were lucky enough to be selected as one of the stores to host an ambassador performance, welcoming Jason Isbell for a free half-hour set on Record Store Day,” says King.

Central Square Records continues to host events year-round, such as live performances and special listening events.

King believes that shopping local and supporting independent businesses is important for many reasons. “When you shop local, you receive personalized service and a unique, curated selection of goods and services you won’t find anywhere else. We love getting to know our local customers as well as our repeat visitors from out of town.”

Photo courtesy of Central Square Records

Both King and owner of Revolver Records, Eric Jones, emphasize how shopping locally helps keep money in
the community.

“Jeff Bezos doesn’t appreciate you nearly as much as we do,” Jones jokes.

Jones describes Revolver Records, located in Pensacola, as “nothing fancy, just your neighborhood record shop.” The store turns 16 this year.

“I started in the business working for a mom ‘n’ pop record store in 1987,” says Jones. “I guess you could say I’m the Obi-Wan Kenobi of record nerds.”

Jones describes Revolver’s plans for Record Store Day as “the same as always: Open super early, have a ton of exclusive products available when the doors open, and keep everything sanely priced.”