Record Store Day 2025: Special Vinyl Releases and Hackney Events
Vinyl enthusiasts now have their moment. The upcoming Record Store Day 2025 takes place on April 12th and brings 400 exclusive vinyl records to independent stores across the planet. Vinyl enthusiasts of all experience levels receive this annual festival which grants them access to limited edition records as well as original recordings and pure analogue recordings.
The official UK ambassador for this year's event is Sam Fender and Hackney residents in London find themselves in the perfect location to enjoy the action. Here's your complete guide for maximizing RSD 2025.
Sam Fender Headlines Record Store Day 2025
(Sam Fender by Richard Nicholson)
RSD UK chose Sam Fender as its official ambassador this year by releasing an exclusive 6-track EP titled Me and the Dog. Two never-before-heard songs and four live recordings of previously unreleased material are part of the package. Fender expresses his devotion to vinyl through this release which can only be obtained at participating independent record stores.
Must-Have Record Store Day Releases
The following records have created significant buzz among fans and collectors during this year.
Oasis – Time Flies… 1994–2009
This legendary collection of hits makes its first vinyl appearance after thorough remastering and special packaging. This deluxe take presents a Britpop experience.
Taylor Swift – Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)
The first 7" white vinyl version of Swift's record-breaking single appears during this period. Expect queues.
Charli XCX – Number 1 Angel + "Guess" ft. Billie Eilish
The long-awaited standalone vinyl release of Charli's cult-classic mixtape arrives to the public. And if that wasn’t enough? She’s dropping a Billie Eilish collab too.
Fred again.. – Actual Life Piano Live Sessions
Fred keeps it basic through his emotive piano ballads. Soulful, stripped-down, and seriously limited.
It's Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (Soundtrack )
This emerges on a 10-inch egg-shaped vinyl with eight tracks distributed randomly across five colours as part of the Peanuts 75th-anniversary celebration. Collector’s gold.
Hackney’s Hottest Record Shops (And What They’re Planning for Record Store Day 2025)
The vinyl scene in Hackney continues to expand while local record shops prepare their best offerings for Record Store Day. The following locations offer the best opportunities for crate digging.
Rough Trade East
📍 Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Ln, E1 6QL
East London's premier vinyl destination sits close to Hackney. This RSD event will feature extended lines combined with a complete RSD product selection and continuous live music performances from:
Fiona-Lee at 1 PM
Gewalt at 2 PM
The Nightingales at 3 PM
Panchiko at 5 PM
Sam Akpro at 8 PM
DJ sets and special giveaways can be found at the RSD Pop-Up located in Ely’s Yard.
Flashback Records
📍 131 Bethnal Green Road, E2 7DG
The vast selection of fresh and pre-owned records at Flashback Records makes it a must-visit destination for all East London record collectors. Get there early because they will have RSD exclusives available.
Love Vinyl
📍 5 Pearson Street, E2 8JD
The Love Vinyl store specializes in house and disco and dance music and occasionally hosts small-scale RSD DJ performances. Great vibe, great staff.
Eldica Records
📍 8 Bradbury Street, N16 8JN
Crate diggers who know the value of rare soul and funk and reggae music make Eldica Records their go-to destination. Store visitors should check for unexpected rare finds during the day.
How to Crush RSD Like a Pro
✅ Check the Official RSD 2025 List : which is now available online and note down your essential records along with their store availability.
🌅 Get Up Early: The best stuff goes fast. We’re talking sunrise queues at some locations.
💳 Bring Backup Payment: Pressure may force certain shops to reject credit cards so it is best to carry cash.
🧵 Pack a Tote Bag: The eco-friendly tote bag serves as protection for your freshly purchased vinyl records.
🗣️ Chat With Staff: Retail employees together with store owners provide valuable information or reveal secret items hidden throughout the shop.
Bonus: Pair Your RSD Finds With A2D2 Stream
A2D2 Stream provides vinyl listeners with digital speaker benefits because it allows Bluetooth connectivity for analogue formats including vinyl and cassette playback. Your vinyl and cassette recordings remain analogue because this device allows Bluetooth and smart speaker connection without converting your collection into digital format. Enjoy your fresh RSD purchase through Sonos or Echo speakers as you continue playing it on your cherished turntable.
No rips. No fuss. Just pure playback.
Final Thoughts on RSD 2025
Record Store Day 2025 stands as the ultimate vinyl celebration that will attract all types of music enthusiasts from Taylor Swift fans to jazz collectors to local store visitors.
Residents of Hackney have numerous options to choose from for their shopping needs. You should grab a cup of coffee before getting in line because we want to make this Record Store Day one to remember.
Find out more about vinyl culture alongside gear and event news by following our blog or subscribing to our newsletter for analogue news.
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