Bandcamp is Opening an IRL Record Store in Oakland, California

Bandcamp, one of the top online music retailers for independent musicians and signed artists alike, has announced they’ll be opening a brick-and-mortar record store in Oakland, CA on February 1st. The store will also feature a performance space that will host free, all ages shows.

While it’s surprising to hear that anyone is opening a record store in 2019, it makes sense that Bandcamp would be the ones to do it: the company already has infrastructure in place to keep its shelves stocked, and it’s positioned well — with good standing in the music community — to succeed.

While it’s unclear what metal labels’ wares might be stocked in Bandcamp’s new store (if any), here are just a few of the heavy labels currently available on the service: Metal Blade, Relapse, Prosthetic, Unique Leader, Willowtip, Blood Music and many, many more. One can hope that the company’s curators, who are usually on-point and often give metal the attention it deserves, stock the store with plenty of heaviness.

Here’s the announcement from Bandcamp, which came along with some photos showing off the snazzy new space:

“On Friday, February 1, Bandcamp will open a record shop and performance space in the great city of Oakland, California. We’ll feature a selection of records that showcase the diversity and design of the more than five million albums available on Bandcamp, and we’ll soon host free, all-ages shows as part of an upcoming video series.

“We’re thrilled to join the thriving Oakland arts community that includes artists and labels like The Seshen, Jay Stone, n5MD, and Slumberland Records, and our new neighbors the Fox Theater, The New Parish, The Paramount Theatre and Starline Social Club (to name a few). We’re also partnering with amazing local organizations like Oakland School for the Arts, Bay Area Girls Rock Camp, and Transgender Law Center (check out last year’s fundraiser) to throw music-focused community events.

“Please come visit us in Oakland at 1901 Broadway (steps away from the 19th Street BART station), and if you’re in the Bay Area on Friday, February 1st, join us starting at 7pm for our opening celebration! Bells Atlas, Sol Development, Queens D. Light, Jazz on the Sidewalk, and MJ’s Brass Boppers will perform, all ages are welcome.”