VB On The Radio: What's Happening to Independent Record Stores?

With so much music being accessed online, independent record stores are facing the same harsh realities that drove Tower Records out of business. However, some have found ways to stay relevant to music fans in their community and beyond, by adding digital storefronts or offering things that can't be had online.

Earlier today, I spoke Kojo Nnamdi of American University Radio, a Washington D.C.-based NPR station about the possible decline of the record store, as Record Store Day approaches to make us all feel guilty of freeloading on the internet. Other guests included Bob Boilen, the host of All Songs Considered and three Washington, D.C. record store owners:

The segment is online in two formats:

Windows Media | Real

The Decline of the Record Store?

The local record store usedto be a cultural hub of the music industry, a place where fans coulddiscover, debate and buy new music. But new technology is changing theway we listen to music. And many small businesses are struggling tokeep up, as business migrates to the Web. We examine changes in the waywe discover music, and the future of independent record stores.

Guests

Bob Boilen, Host, NPR's All Songs Considered
Eliot Van Buskirk, Editor, Listening Post (Wired.com's music blog)
Jack Menase, Owner, Melody Record Shop (Washington, DC)
Neal Becton, Owner, Som Records (Washington, DC)
Matt Joyner, record store guy, Crooked Beat Records