Taylor Swift set to provide Record Store Day boost

A record store owner says he expect a busy Record Store Day thanks to a limited edition release from Taylor Swift.

Chris Kent, of Spun Out in Northampton, believes the singer's Fortnight single will tempt lapsed record-buyers back into independent stores.

The annual event has become one of the biggest in the music calendar, with independent record shops often achieving their highest sales of the year.

Mr Kent said: "Usually the queue [on Record Store Day] at 08:00 GMT is 150-200 people deep, but I'm guessing because of the Taylor Swift items [demand] will be quite strong."

The first official Record Store Day event was in 2008, and it is celebrated by thousands of record shops around the world.

Limited edition vinyl from the likes of David Bowie, Prince, Queen, Sam Fender and Charli XCX as well as Swift is among the draws this year.

"There's still lots of little indie bands represented, as well as a big spread of well-known rock stars," Mr Kent said.

The event is strictly walk-in only and run on a first-come, first-served basis.

"That's the whole principle of the day – to visit your local record store," Mr Kent added.

Fans come prepared with chairs and sleeping bags.

One of Spun Out's most committed customers is an Elvis fan who queues from 17:30 GMT the night before.

"We'll see if he's the earliest this time round – we've definitely got an Elvis release!" Mr Kent said.

This year's Record Store Day is on Saturday, 12 April.

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