Dr. Disc puts its own spin on independent Record Store Day celebration
It might be more convenient than ever to listen to music online — but downtown Windsor's Dr. Disc Records continues to serve those who'd rather enjoy music with something tangible.
On Saturday, the city's longest-running music retail store will celebrate international independent Record Store Day.
“I think Windsor is just a music-loving city,” said store manager Aimee Charette. “We've had a dedicated customer base through thick and thin.
“Over the last 10 years or so, we've enjoyed a resurgence of the popularity of vinyl. But there are certain people who never stopped collecting. The love of our customers keeps us going.”
Once a southwestern Ontario franchise, the Dr. Disc brand began in the 1980s.
Liam O'donnell took ownership of the Windsor location in the early 2000s and he's kept local turntables turning since.
The mainstay of Dr. Disc's wares continues to be vinyl LPS, along with new and used CDS, new and used movies on Blu-ray and DVD, and a variety of music merchandise.
“I think Liam is the master of not giving up on things,” Charette joked. “He's hanging in there and not giving up on physical media.”
As for why there's still an audience for records despite online listening platforms such as Spotify, Youtube, Apple Music and many more, Charette believes there's no debate — vinyl just sounds better.
Over the last 10 years or so, we've enjoyed a resurgence of the popularity of vinyl.”
“It's such a visual thing, to have that album cover in your hands. It's like an art object.”
From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, customers can check out exclusive releases and take advantage of in-store giveaways.
Charette said giveaway items will include limited numbers of gift certificates and specially made tote bags, as well as copies of the original promotional poster for Record Store Day at Dr. Disc.
Created by Greg Maxwell of theuglyvision.com, the poster features a drawing of singer and actress Olivia Rodrigo wearing the iconic makeup of Gene Simmons from the rock band KISS.
Charette said she and other store staff were surprised when Simmons shared the poster on social media earlier this month.
“That caught us off-guard,” Charette said. “Our jaws kind of dropped.”
And while Simmons recently declared that “rock is dead,” Charette believes Dr. Disc Records will endure.
“To everyone's amazement, it persists over time — with the support of the community,” Charette said. “We've even noticed a transformation in our client base. It's really cool to see the influx of fresh customers — a lot of young people.”
Dr. Disc Records is located at 471 Ouellette Ave. Regular weekly hours are noon to 6 p.m., closed Mondays. Check out more at www. drdiscrecords.com.