While most of Brussels' record stores will sit out of the 2025 edition of Record Store Day, record sellers remain resilient in the capital, thanks in part to a vinyl revival and a younger generation ready to switch off from the digital world.
Record Store Day (RSD) began in the United States in 2008, with the aim of celebrating independent record shops. The annual event sees the release of exclusive and limited edition records at participating stores, RSD merchandise, and special performances. A participation fee of €100 per year is needed for stores to participate in the RSD and RSD Black Friday events.
Over a decade since its conception, RSD has expanded to over 3,000 record stores in 23 countries worldwide, including Belgium, where the event has grown over the years, according to the Belgian Recorded Music Association (BRMA) General Manager, Olivier Vandeputte. "It's now a celebration that strengthens connections between artists, stores and fans," he said.
Caroline Music. Credit: The Brussels Times
However, despite the rich record store culture in Brussels, only Caroline Music is taking part in RSD on Saturday. The store has participated in the annual event "at least ten times", according to Massimo, who has been selling records at the shop for about 20 years. "It was something special at first," he said. "The idea was to bring people back into the stores which was interesting [...] but now I think the main point is to sell records."
Massimo explained that it has become more business-focused and lost some of the original appeal. "Records are very expensive on that day [...] and the RSD organisation is asking for money for participation, for stores to be on their website, for stickers and bags," he said, adding that the fee likely deters smaller record stores in the capital from participating.
Hors Série. Credit: The Brussels Times
A few streets away from Caroline Music is Hors Série, one of the record shops not participating in RSD. Part of the reason is the size of the business, explained Jean, who has been selling records in the capital for 25 years. "It's very difficult to organise and manage," he said. "We have many customers and [RSD] is too big for us; we already have a high stock of records."
For Niels, who has been at Veals & Geeks for around three years, the event focuses too much on special releases for only a single day. "We love music and we don't like the fact that people come in [on RSD] just to get something more 'rare' or 'special'; it's a bit commercialised."
Veals & Geeks record shop. Credit: The Brussels Times
Despite the rise in streaming and a drop in vinyl sales last year, the record store community is still alive and kicking. "When I started buying records, it was an 'appointment' with every friend: 'See you at the record shop,'" said Massimo. "That has returned a bit. You'll now see friends walking around and talking about records," he added.
Veals & Geeks focuses on fostering the revival of "record store culture" through its "no phone" in-store policy. "Back in the days people didn't have smartphones: they would instinctually go through the store and reach for a sleeve that interests them," explained Niels.
The Veals & Geeks record seller adds that the rule facilitates communication with clients, which in turn helps the record shop grow. "They can recommend music to us, we can recommend music to them and in that way [the store] keeps evolving."
No phone sign outside Veals & Geeks. Credit: The Brussels Times
While customers at Veals & Geeks remain diverse, some other stores have noted a rise in interest from younger generations. "In the early 2010s, I saw many students buying records. It had been a long time since I'd seen this kind of interest in records from young people," said Olivier from Arlequin, who has been in the business for over 25 years.
The trend has been observed not only by the stores The Brussels Times visited, but also the RSD organisation and BRMA. RSD notes how vinyl releases of albums by modern artists, such as Taylor Swift, have piqued the interest of younger generations.
Additionally, the film industry has also driven customers into record stores, according to Hors Série's Jean. Since the release of the 2024 Bob Dylan biopic, 'A Complete Unknown', he has noted more interest in the classic records by the American singer-songwriter.
Outside Arlequin. Credit: The Brussels Times
Olivier added that in addition to the revival of record shops for the younger generation, the increasing number of record shops in Brussels over the years is a testament to the interest in the market.
While the concentration of shops can foster competition, Niels believes it can also be an asset. "There's enough interest [from customers] to keep the record stores going. It's more of an advantage that they are all close together. People who are into records come to Brussels because they can come to 12 shops in a 200-metre radius."
Vinyl to the rescue
While the future of physical music sales is uncertain, BRMA's Vandeputte is optimistic about certain formats, particularly vinyl. "We're seeing younger demographics increasingly discovering the unique audio experience and tangible connection that vinyl offers," he said. "Vinyl records continue to show remarkable resilience."
Part of the renewed interest among young people could be due to a "hype" around records and the aesthetics of vinyl, according to Caroline Music's Massimo. However, Massimo, as well as Olivier, point to a potential interest in being able to touch music.
Records in Caroline Music. Credit: The Brussels Times
"The sound is also better," added Massimo. However, he warns that quality equipment is a must for the best experience. "Most young people have very cheap record players, but if you have a good record player, good amplifier, and good speakers, it's the best sound ever," he added.
And what are the best records to listen to with the right equipment? Massimo eventually settled on one. "'What's Going On' by Marvin Gaye is one of my favourites. I think it's one of the best records ever made from start to finish," he said. However, he insisted that – for the record – he cannot just have one favourite. "I think I have 10,000 records at home."
