Music Millennium owner talks Record Store Day 2024 exclusives
Music Millennium is one of the Pacific Northwest's oldest record stores.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Hoping to expand your vinyl collection? You’re in luck. Portland’s independent music shops are now preparing for Record Store Day on Saturday.
The inaugural event was held in 2008, after record store owners pushed for a yearly celebration of all things vinyl. According to Music Millennium owner Terry Currier, major music labels sent around 50 exclusive records to stores around the world.
But this year, he estimates over 400 exclusive vinyl albums will be available for purchase.
As a newly independent band looking to support independent music stores, Paramore is the ambassador for Record Store Day 2024. The alternative rock band is offering a record with remixes of its latest album “This Is Why,” and a 12-inch record in which David Byrne and Paramore cover each other’s songs.
Music Millennium will also sell a mini record player, complete with recordings of The Beatles’ iconic performances on the Ed Sullivan show. Portland-formed band The Dandy Warhols will release a live album as well.
The Burnside record store will be open from 8 a.m. through 10 p.m., and early arrival is highly suggested.
“In the past, it's not been uncommon for the first people to get in line the day before Record Store Day,” Currier said. “Usually when I drive in and get in about five in the morning, there's 60 to 100 people in line and, when we open the doors at [8 a.m.], there's usually 250 to 300 plus in line,” Currier said.
The owner told KOIN 6 his store will offer free muffins, coffee, music, socks and custom posters to the first customers to arrive.
Founded in 1969, Music Millennium is one of the region’s oldest record stores. It’s seen vinyl albums rise and fall in popularity over the years, but more recently, some younger music enthusiasts have turned to physical media.
Currier believes customers in their late teens will fuel record sales for years to come.
“It's looking like independent record stores have a future,” he said.
Portland Record Store Day shops
Find a full list of the Portland businesses participating in Record Store Day above.