belinda Carlisle will be at hmv Oxford Street to celebrate the release of ‘Once Upon a Time in California’ with a very special album signing! Click here for more info: https://ow.ly/sUfA50W4LTX

Join Claudia Brücken on Friday 4th July at Rough Trade East for a signing event to celebrate the release of the new album, ‘Night Mirror’.

Tickets available here: https://link.dice.fm/xb2e3004b916

As today marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we have put together a commemorative playlist for anyone celebrating today, listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2EOqtE08cYbngVaBgGRhTO?si=05ab6081091149c7

If you’re new to vinyl or just looking for some top tips to keep your vinyl records in tip top condition, please read on:

• Clean your records: Vinyl records are not manufactured in a sterile environment and even new records may contain dust and other particles that could hamper your listening enjoyment. To clean vinyl records, start by brushing away loose dust with an anti-static brush, then gently wipe with a microfiber cloth and vinyl cleaning solution, focusing on the grooves and avoiding the label. Do not use harsh or abrasive chemicals or cloths – use materials specially created for vinyl records.
• Counterbalance your tonearm: To properly counterbalance a turntable tonearm for vinyl playback, you’ll need to first ensure the anti-skate is set to zero, then carefully adjust the counterweight until the tonearm balances horizontally when lifted from its rest. Once balanced, you can adjust the tracking force (downforce) and then set the anti-skate to the desired value.
• Set the correct speed: Vinyl records spin at different speeds, primarily 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, and 78 RPM, with 33 1/3 and 45 RPM being the most common today. 33 1/3 RPM is standard for 10-inch and 12-inch records, while 45 RPM is used for 7-inch records, though some 12-inch records also spin at 45 RPM. 78 RPM was the original speed for early phonograph records.
• Skipping Tracks: Avoid manually moving the stylus across the surface of the record to skip tracks, as this can cause scratching and damage to the grooves.
• Playing with a worn or misaligned stylus: Using a worn or misaligned stylus (needle) can cause excessive wear on the record grooves and affect sound quality. Regularly inspect the stylus for signs of wear and replace it when necessary to ensure optimal performance and minimize damage to the records.
• Exposing to direct sunlight: Keep vinyl records away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause warping, fading, and damage to the vinyl material. Store records in a cool, dry environment away from windows and heat sources to preserve their condition.
• Store records vertically: Store vinyl records upright in a vertical position to prevent warping and damage to the edges. Avoid stacking records horizontally, as this can lead to deformation and affect playback quality.
• Don’t touch the playing surface: Avoid touching the playing surface of vinyl records with your fingers. Oils, dirt, and debris from your hands can transfer onto the record and affect sound quality. Always handle records by the edges or the centre label to minimize the risk of contamination.

Dog Trumpet is spearheaded by brothers Peter O’Doherty and Reg Mombassa, original members of iconic Aria award winning and Hall of Fame band Mental As Anything.

Dog Trumpet have been performing and recording for over thirty years and now release their eigth album – Live Forver. Demon Music are excited to release all eight albums by Dog Trumpet on vinyl and remastered for digital.

Dog Trumpet’s eight albums are; Two Heads One Brain, Suitcase, Dog Trumpet (self titled), Antisocial Tendencies, River of Flowers, Medicated Spirits, Great South Road and their latest, Live Forever.

Watch the official music video for ‘Live Forever’ over on their YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/AnF8Vng_ssw

We are so excited to share the news that we have been shortlisted in the Catalogue Marketing Campaign category in this year’s Music Week Awards. The awards take place on the 8th May so fingers crossed!

Congratulations to Michael Neidus who has been elected as an Independent Representative on the BPI Council!

Read more here: https://www.bpi.co.uk/news-analysis/bpi-members-elect-new-independent-representatives-to-council

We’re excited to announce that Marc Bolan is among the cultural icons to receive English Heritage blue plaques in 2025!

Read more here: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/search-news/blue-plaques-2025-audrey-hepburn-and-marc-bolan/

The news is out and the titles have been announced! RSD is on the 12th April where you can purchase limited and exclusive releases on the day from your local independent record stores.

Visit the RSD website to find participating stores near you!

The sold-out ‘Still Spinnin’: The Singles Collection 1983-2021′ by Dead Or Alive is getting a limited re-press, exclusive to Lexer Music. No further box sets will be manufactured once this batch has sold-out so if you missed it, get it while you can!

https://www.lexermusic.com/dead-or-alive/dead-or-alive-still-spinnin-the-singles-collection-1983-2021

Ian Gillan is busy signing prints for the limited edition release of ‘Gillan 1978-1982’. Order your exclusively from Townsend Music. https://townsendmusic.store/product/153023

Bluey “Dance Mode” has won the 2024 ARIA award for ‘Best Children’s Album’ which is brilliant news. Many congratulations to Joff Bush and his team, Ludo, and also a shout out to the Demon and BBC Studios teams that made the album the success it was.

Haircut 100’s Nick Heyward has announced a UK tour this autumn. Visit the website to find venues near you!

The Bluetones tour kicks off today so visit the website to find venues near you:.

Check out dates

Visit the official store too for lots of Bluetones merch!

The official #rsdbf list has been announced!

We have three exclusive limited edition releases to celebrate:

Dead Or Alive gets a limited edition 7″ vinyl picture disc release of the iconic track, ‘You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)’ with ‘Misty Circles’ on Side B.

The 1973 album ‘Tanx’ by T.Rex is released as a limited edition picture disc with artwork recreated by original designer, John Kosh.

Everyone’s favourite blue heeler, Bluey, gets an exclusive 7″ picture disc single which features the the full-length version of ‘Rug Island’ with the ‘Bluey Theme Tune (Vocal Version)’ as its B-side.

Save the date and head down to your local indie record shop on Friday November 29th, 2024! Visit the Record Store Day UK website to find participating stores near you!
https://www.recordstoreday.co.uk/recordshops

“Suede’s second album is still truly extraordinary – who would dare make it today?” Alexis Petridis (The Guardian).

National Album Day is the annual celebration to praise the art of the album format, and this year the theme is Great British Groups.

National Album Day takes place on the 19th October and we have six releases to celebrate:

Pre Order Simply Red: Simplified

Pre Order T.Rex: The Slider

Pre Order Longpigs: The Sun Is Often Out

Pre Order Dodgy: Homegrown

Pre Order Suede: Dog Man Star

Pre Order Simple Minds: Big Music

Congratulations to our amazing team who took part in this year’s Music Mudder.

Music Mudder is a music-inspired endurance event that see’s teams from across the music industry take on an adrenaline pumping obstacle course to raise vital funds for Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy.

We managed to raise over £1500 for Nordoff Robbins so thank you to everyone who took part and everyone who sponsored our team. It means a great deal to us and a great deal to this wonderful charity who make such a difference to people’s lives.

An interview with our Digital Sales Manager, Paul Tucker on reaching the incredible milestone of half a billion streams on Bluey, the effects of technology on the Children’s Music genre, and how developing a Children’s Music act differs from other genres.

Read more