RSD 2020: Things to Consider Before the First ‘Drop’ Day

Record Store Day (RSD), like many events this year, will look very different, but it's still bringing some amazing titles that music fans have come to expect during its celebration of independent music retailers.

RSD 2020 has been split into three dates or "drops" in order to promote social distancing and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The first "drop" takes place tomorrow, August 29. The second and third "drops" will take place on September 26 and October 24.

Considering the three-day split, this also means RSD's big list of various titles will receive staggered releases. Artists with exclusive titles up for grabs tomorrow include The Black Keys, David Bowie, Gary Clark Jr., The Cure, Dio, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Jethro Tull, Judas Priest, Motorhead, Iggy Pop and The Pretenders. A variety of other releases, including regional titles and "RSD firsts," will also be available. A complete list of of all RSD titles coming out tomorrow can be found here.

Before heading out to your local record store, you should also check in with them -- whether via social media or by simply calling them directly -- to double-check on how they will navigate tomorrow's events. Some details to consider and prepare for are:

-A store's mask policy.
-Whether they will accept cash payments or will only be taking digital or debit/credit payments.
-How many customers they will allow in their store at a time.
-How each store will organize customers in line as they wait to shop.
-Each store's entrance/exit policy to help with social distancing.

To find a participating retailer near you, head over to RecordStoreDay.com.