Behind the Counter’ is a brand new video series that tells the engaging stories behind the weird and wonderful world of the independent record shop presented by Bowers & Wilkins, Record Store Day UK and Classic Album Sundays. The series presents a weekly video featuring one of the UK’s most intriguing record stores that will be shared on the companies’ websites, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest platforms. 

‘Behind the Counter’ will culminate in a Classic Album Sundays event hosted by each of the featured record shops previewing exclusive Record Store Day UK releases on hi-fis featuring Bowers & Wilkins loudspeakers on Sunday, 7^th April.

The indie record shop has seen a turnaround over the last ten years with new record shops opening all over the UK after a depressing number of independent stores were forced to close in the early part of this century. And of course, there are a few shops that have managed to hang in there and are now enjoying a rejuvenated sense of purpose with a wider, more varied and younger clientele. ‘Behind the Counter’ spotlights this diverse array of record shops and their distinct stories.

“We are delighted to be teaming up with Bowers & Wilkins and Classic Album Sundays to shine a light on the ‘behind the counter’ heroes that make up the UK’s independent record shops. This brand new series spotlights some of the most loved UK indie record shops as well as introducing some of the newest music retailers on the block. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate their individuality, culture and diversity and enjoy the wonderful stories that have made them who they are.” – Megan Page, Record Store Day UK.

“Having worked in four record shops in my life, I know from first hand experience the importance of the record store in the discovery of new music. It is the people behind the counter that keep music alive and inspire and convert new fans.”  – Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy, Classic Album Sundays.

“Bowers & Wilkins is proud to support the Behind The Counter series in the run up to Record Store Day in 2019. Behind The Counter is a fascinating glimpse in to what makes the UK record industry so interesting; people who love music given the opportunity to bring their passion at a local level in a way that only they can. Working with Classic Album Sundays and Record Store Day UK to bring the Behind The Counter series to life highlights our shared passion for music, authenticity  and ultimately helping bring vinyl alive for music and Hi-Fi fans across the country.” – Peter May, General Manager, Bowers & Wilkins UK.

Record Store Day is a celebration of independent record shops. It is the one day of the year when over 240 record shops come together to celebrate their unique culture and the art of vinyl. Many shops and cities host events, performances and parties to mark the occasion and hundreds of labels celebrate by releasing exclusive, limited edition vinyl product for the participating stores. Most importantly, Record Store Day is about championing their originality, independence and the unsung heroes behind the counter who work hard to keep their doors open every day of the year.

Classic Album Sundays tells the stories behind the albums that have shaped our culture and in some cases, our lives. They are the world’s most popular and respected classic album listening event with satellites in four continents and their events allow fans to dynamically engage with our favourite albums contextually, communally, and in the best sonic detail possible. Their website and social media channels are a treasure trove for the music fan and include filmed interviews with some of our favourite musicians, podcasts, album features, playlists, hi-fi articles and more.