Ryan Raichilson (Bright & Barrow Records)
SPB: What do you think of Record Store Day?
Raichilson: I have nothing but good things to say about Record Store Day. Although Bright & Barrow hasn't actively participated by putting out a record on RSD, I've really enjoyed it as a consumer. I know there's been some reports out there talking about how the bands don't really benefit, but just from the perspective of someone who loves going out and buying records, I've had a blast hunting down some of the exclusive releases, and it feels like a big win when I find one or two of them. I spent this past RSD at Iris Records in Jersey City, NJ and it was a lot of fun. They really turned that shop around and it was jam packed with people...it was really great to see! Everyone was in a good mood, sifting through crates of records, yelling out when they found the limited release they were looking for. There was a DJ and some other live musicians playing. All in all, I love RSD because if nothing else, it's just an excuse for record collectors - and music fans in general - to get together and celebrate the act of going out to a store and hunting down the music you want...and if you're lucky you'll also find something else you didn't even know you wanted. And of course, it's always great to go out and support your local independent record shop...doing that, everyone wins.
