‘Behind The Counter’ video series to spotlight the UK’s independent record shops in special series re-launch

The 12-part video series will launch on the 27th April in the run up to this year’s Record Store Day Drops

‘Behind The Counter’ is presented by Record Store Day and Classic Album Sundays in association with Bowers & Wilkins

Record Store Day and Classic Album Sundays are pleased to announce the return of ‘Behind The Counter’ - a 12-part video series bringing to life the stories from behind the scenes of some of the UK’s most unique and renowned independent record shops.

The series is presented in partnership with renowned audio brand Bowers & Wilkins and will roll out in the run up to this year’s Record Store Day Drops on 12th June and 17th July.

Behind The Counter shines a spotlight on the hard-working and music loving record shop owners who play a vital role in bringing music fans together in their local communities. Each episode celebrates the unique personality and history of 12 shops from all corners of the UK.

Independent record shops, like much of the UK high street, have had to close their doors for much of the last year. However, they have risen to the COVID-19 challenge by adapting to a new way of life and connecting with music fans through brand new online mail order options, coordinating safe click & collect services and even jumping on a bike to offer same day local delivery options.

This series gives an insight into how they have stayed busy throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and what life in a record shop really entails.

This year, Bowers & Wilkins returns as our Official Partner and joins us in celebrating the instrumental role British record stores play in bringing recorded music to fans across the country. Built on a passion for music, Bowers & Wilkins has been on a relentless pursuit of the highest possible sound quality for 55 years.

Giles Pocock, Vice-President of Brand Marketing for Bowers & Wilkins, said: “All of us are passionate music lovers first and foremost. We deeply value the creativity and craftsmanship that goes into making a record, and the unique role that independent record stores play in bringing those records to music fans.”

Series 2 delves into the following record stores:
Bear Tree Records, Sheffield
Diverse Vinyl, Newport
Elsewhere, Margate
Empire Records, St Albans
Flashback Records, London
Jumbo Records, Leeds
Le Freak Records, Dundee
Love Vinyl, London
Reflex, Newcastle
Tallbird Records, Chesterfield
Wilderness, Manchester
X Records, Bolton

The stories are told through individual episodes which will go live every Tuesday at 10am on our social channels and websites. The official trailer is available to view here. Accompanying videos exploring the importance of high-quality sound to the record store listening experience are available from Bowers & Wilkins.