For smaller releases, including LPs from midsize indie labels (Drag City, Kranky, Superior Viaduct), check out Midheaven Mailorder. This site is run by the San Francisco distributor Revolver USA, which sells to record stores around the US but also sells direct to consumers. Here you’ll find a ton of independent music, including choice reissues from bigger names like Devo, Sonic Youth, and The Fall.
Another great independent record store is Amoeba Music, made famous for its amazing selection at numerous California stores, and its What’s in Your Bag YouTube series. If you want to support a good brick-and-mortar record store and know what you want, we always recommend buying from Amoeba instead of Amazon.
Independent Labels
Screenshot courtesy of Parker Hall
Record labels like Stones Throw, Sub Pop, Secretly Group, Fat Possum, Rough Trade, Daptone, Blue Note, International Anthem, and hundreds more all have websites and sell records directly. If you notice that there is an artist you like signed to a given smaller label, there is a good chance that other artists on the label have a similar vibe.
Start by checking out the liner notes on the back of all your albums to see who made them, then chase down those labels on the web. You’ll likely find some cool new tunes on vinyl along the way.
Directly From the Artists
We’ve saved the best for last. Pay the artists for their work by putting cash—or a Venmo transaction—directly in their hands. Buying a record at the merch table when an artist plays in your town is not only convenient for you (there’s no shipping, and you typically won’t be charged tax), but it’s one of the biggest income streams for bands that tour. You can often find special editions, special colored vinyl variants, and even records that haven’t yet been released just by stopping at the merch table. And if you’re lucky enough to meet the artist at the venue, they will usually sign the record jacket for you.
If you don’t get out much (we know, concerts are expensive), just find their website, social media page, or record label and place an order. I have at least a few records with personal thank-yous and signatures from small artists, which feels really special every time I listen to them!
