‘It’s a magic for people’: Vinyl collectors camp out overnight ahead of annual record sale

Blackbyrd Myoozik's Record Store Day Sale is a chance for collectors to find limited edition new releases once a year. (Galen McDougall/CTV News Edmonton)

Vinyl lovers lined up down the block on Whyte Avenue Saturday for Blackbyrd Myoozik’s Record Store Day Sale.

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Owner Arthur Fafard said it’s the store’s most important event, drawing big crowds of collectors looking to get their hands on rare records.

“It’s bigger than Christmas. It’s the time to come,” Fafard said. “There’s a ton of new releases that are out, just limited releases only for today.”

He said the store will get five or six copies of a record with only 200 or 2,000 copies in the world, some of which are only available at independent record stores.

Those, he added, sell out fast – prompting music lovers to line up early in the hopes of snagging one.

“People were lined up at 9 p.m. last night. It’s crazy,” he added.

Zoe and Carter didn’t camp out. They knew they might be too late to get everything they wanted, but didn’t mind waiting in line to find out.

“I’m looking for a lot of things,” Zoe said. “I saw there was some Fleetwood Mac, so I would like that. I also saw that there was the Wallows … also, Taylor Swift, but I know they sold out, so I don’t think I’m getting that.”

Radio host Scott McCord from the 100.3 The Bear said he tries to come every year – if there’s room in the budget.

“Your wallet is calling the shots on that,” McCord said. “Some days you’ve just got to stay home, because you know it’s going to be an expensive morning.”

He was feeling more confident than Zoe that his time spent in line would pay off.

“I want to get Lou Reed’s Metal Machine Music‚" he McCord said. “I think a lot of the kids here are trying to buy Harry Potter records, so I think I’m OK.”

Fafard said it’s great to see people still willing to spend the night outside for a record or two.

“Especially in this day and age. I mean, everybody can stream music and it’s easy, it’s everywhere,” he said.

“But people still like to own something … the whole ritual, putting on a record and listening to a whole, full record, I think it’s a magic for people.”

The sale will continue Sunday in store and online, with 20 per cent off on items excluding special releases.