Dive Brief:
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Music stores selling CDs, vinyl records, and other such goods should set themselves up as places for consumers to experience music, as performance spaces, and even as radio stations, says hip-hop artist and music producer Carlton Douglas Ridenhour, better known as Chuck D, this year’s Record Store Day ambassador.
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The famous musician has thought through many details, saying, for example, that a record store serving as a radio station could be waived the usual broadcasting fees because they are promoting the music, noting that the idea is actually from the 1940s and 50s.
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His notions about revamping brick-and-mortar music stores could be adapted for other areas in retail, and fit with many experts' thoughts that physical stores have an opportunity to transform themselves into places that customers want to be in and come back to.
Dive Insight:
"Put your hands in the air!" Chuck D has long been known as a visionary artist with a keen interest in American culture, civil rights, and art, including, of course, music. Now as this year's chosen ambassador for Record Store Day in April, where independent record stores celebrate and promote themselves, the famous rapper and music producer also has some ideas about saving brick-and-mortar retail that could be expanded into many areas. He believes that record stores should become culturally relevant and important spaces in their communities, where people can gather, learn, and, yes, buy music.