The Wee Gig Lowdown: A Record Store Day 2026 special
Here’s where you’ll be able to catch some live music while you empty your wallet on precious vinyl
For this month’s Wee Gig Lowdown, we’re highlighting a few of the record stores going big with free performances and artist showcases on Record Store Day, which takes place on Saturday 18 April. There’s every chance that plans will change after publication of this article, so double check with your local record store before you finalise your schedule.
Edinburgh
VoxBox Music
Stockbridge’s boutique record store of choice has always gone all-out on RSD with an all-day line-up of Scottish acts that reflect the values of the shop, and this year’s no different. Performances will take place at St Vincent’s Chapel, featuring (deep breath) Best Boy Electric, Both Hands, Broken Chanter, Étáin, Grant McPhee (who’s launching his new book), Kai Reesu, Meursault, Rue Marie, Waverley, and none other than Kathryn Joseph (and exhale).
21 St Stephen Street.
Good Vibes Leith
The friendly neighbourhood record shop in Leith is hosting a full day of live music curated by record label Lost Map and DIY gig promoters Play Nice. On the bill so far is Acolyte, Isa Gordon, Tony Morris, Buffet Lunch and an extra-special guest. The daytime session will be followed by an after party at Leith Cricket Club, featuring a performance from Comfort, as well as DJ sets from Louise Mason, Plant City, and a selection of DJs from the vinyl-loving Supper Club.
151 & 153 Constitution Street.
Underground Solution
Cockburn Street’s audiophile haven has curated a line-up of international and grassroots DJing talent, including a special performance from Detroit’s DJ 3000. Also on the bill is Eclair Fifi, Lord Of The Isles, Euan Fryer, Hobbes, GK Machine and LWS. And you can expect live performances from Edinburgh three-piece Sanna and local lad Daniel McGeever.
9 Cockburn Street.
Thorne Records
The distinctive yellow interior of Thorne Records will be packed to the gunnels from 8am–8pm. Its offering includes performances from singer-songwriter Rosie H Sullivan, free beer, pizza from Civerinos and good music all-day long.
125 Bruntsfield Place.
Also participating in Edinburgh’s Record Store Day… Assai Records, Slow Progress Records, Avalanche Records.
Glasgow
Monorail
The team at Monorail are boasting big hitters all day, including the gripping emotion of Kathryn Joseph, the brat-rock of Bis, and the indie fun of Supersun. You can also expect DJ sets from Life Without Buildings, World Of Twist and Glasgow legend Karen Dunbar.
97 Kings Court.
Some Great Reward
The record store and coffee joint boasts DJ sets from Bis’ Sci-Fi Steve, 2-4-1, Mao Mao and Isobel McKenna. On the live performance front, there’ll be gigs from funk and soul act The Scottish Parliament, singer-songwriter Jude Norton Smith, and lounge-rocker Starsky-Rae. Plus, there’ll be free beer (while stocks last) and a special offer on RSD purchases; buy ten and get one free (be still our dwindling bank accounts).
Unit 2, The Cooperage, 674 Pollokshaws Road.
Mixed Up Records
The Mixed Up crew are promising a raft of DJ sets to accompany their selection of in-store discounts on non-RSD vinyl, as well as freebies for early risers at the front of the queue.
16-22 Otago Lane.
Also participating in Glasgow’s Record Store Day… Blitzkrieg, Assai Records, Love Music, Second Line Records, Music From Big Blue, Strip Joint Records, Mostly Vinyl Mickey, Chameleon @ Glasgow Audio.