Bandcamp IRL - First Physical Record Store to Open in Oakland, CA

[Joyrex]

Bandcamp is opening a physical store in Oakland, California on 1 February!

 

https://daily.bandcamp.com/2019/01/17/bandcamp-oakland-record-store-opening-in-february/

[Kidrodi]

Great, Bandcamp is awesome. I do hope it's not just a waste of money and it actually helps them grow as a legitimate platform for (mainstream) artists. 

[Braintree]

That's really easy to get to. I look forward to checking it out!

 

I wonder if I get anything for being a member for 10 years.

[Lada Laika]

Good idea and I like that they have a setup for in-store performances, but I'm not convinced about that shelving...

[Rubin Farr]

[ignatius]

awesome. they have a large platform to promote it so i'm sure it'll be a destination for people visiting oakland

[Boxus]

damn i wish i still lived in oakland. definitely want to the check this out. i love bandcamp so much <3

[whosebrian]

I'm looking forward to checking this out, but it will be hard to compete with Redeye for me.

[goDel]

The internet is leaking!

 

Guys, if you're going to shop there, keep an eye out for Rick Astley. And if my connections are accurate, a Guy Fawkes mask will give you an extra discount. But only if you pay in bitcoin. Dressing up as the nya nya cat might get you a pop-tart. Or killed. Or both.

[Joyrex]

Good idea and I like that they have a setup for in-store performances, but I'm not convinced about that shelving...

They're only stocking around 80 releases maximum in the store, according to the article...

[Rubin Farr]

They could also try what Norman Records does, order online and then pick up in the shop.

[Joyrex]

They could also try what Norman Records does, order online and then pick up in the shop.

That seems to be growing in popularity with shops (not just record stores) - order online, pickup for free in stores, and hope they might walk away with more than just their online order...

[eh Speedy]

They already had their soft opening (which I missed cause I had no idea this was happening). I’ll be attending on 2/1, but I’m betting its going to be packed! Walked by the other day and its super close to 19tn St BART.

[Candiru]

I’ve always wondered what a tangible, physical mp3 would look like and now you Californians get to find out

[Lane Visitor]

Good idea and I like that they have a setup for in-store performances, but I'm not convinced about that shelving...

Are those photos of Bandcamp headquarters or one of their record stores? Hopefully they hold more than 15 records lol

 

This is really cool though either way

 

Ah just saw joyrexs post. 80 records.

 

So it's like the tiny vinyl section at a Best Buy, only much better selections. Hmm

[eh Speedy]

Those are pics inside the record store and performance space. They will stock 99 different digital vinyls.

[Braintree]

I should get some physical merch together and ask them to carry it...

[Rubin Farr]

In store pictures from the last mail out:

[Hugh Mughnus]

I think this whole idea is ridiculous.

[Joyrex]

How so? If it gets more vinyls in the hands of fans...

[Hugh Mughnus]

13 minutes ago, Joyrex said:

How so? If it gets more vinyls in the hands of fans...

It's like if Netflix started a cable TV channel or something lol. It's just the complete opposite of their entire model.

I'm not sure how the physical store will help any sales tbh, especially if they're only stocking >100 records. The online algorithm (IE "other artists/releases you may like" features) will likely do a much better job of linking you to music you'll enjoy (and purchase).

I mean... what are the chances you're going to like even one out of the 80 albums they have in store? For me it would be a pretty low chance.

 

[Lada Laika]

What would be cool if this actually succeeds (which, lol) is if you could order records on Bandcamp for in-store pickup and waive some of the bonkers shipping fees that occasionally happening when getting stuff through BC from labels abroad. That being said, it’s doubtful that Bandcamp would eat that cost and it would probably lead to pricier records and lesser artist cuts, so it’s probably a total shit idea. 

[Hugh Mughnus]

2 minutes ago, Lada Laika said:

What would be cool if this actually succeeds (which, lol) is if you could order records on Bandcamp for in-store pickup and waive some of the bonkers shipping fees that occasionally happening when getting stuff through BC from labels abroad. That being said, it’s doubtful that Bandcamp would eat that cost and it would probably lead to pricier records and lesser artist cuts, so it’s probably a total shit idea. 

lol yo flying to Oakland to pickup my records is more expensive than shipping though. 

[Lada Laika]

Just now, StephenG said:

lol yo flying to Oakland to pickup my records is more expensive than shipping though. 

Right, by “succeeds” I meant they open more locations globally. Should’ve been more specific.

[Joyrex]

3 hours ago, StephenG said:

It's like if Netflix started a cable TV channel or something lol. It's just the complete opposite of their entire model.

I'm not sure how the physical store will help any sales tbh, especially if they're only stocking >100 records. The online algorithm (IE "other artists/releases you may like" features) will likely do a much better job of linking you to music you'll enjoy (and purchase).

I mean... what are the chances you're going to like even one out of the 80 albums they have in store? For me it would be a pretty low chance.

 

I think the goal here was to curate a more collector's experience, where you can pick up limited quantities of select artists (which I would assume is the point) in an interesting environment, giving customers that "old skool" record store shopping experience.