by Electric Fetus fans gather for all-day activities, exclusive releases and a chance to meet a funk legend.
Record Store Day is an annual celebration started in 2008 that promotes the preservation of physical music formats and the unique culture of independent record stores.
The Electric Fetus, which had been spinning tunes since 1968, was a hub of activity this year. Fans lined up early to snag exclusive vinyls, CDs and Cassettes.
The independent record store has seen a particular resurgence in popularity among young shoppers like 19-year-old Zane.
“I have cassette players, I like cassettes and you can get a bunch of stuff for really cheap. They can last a lot longer and they’re just cool. I like them,” Zane said.
Since its inception in 2008, Record Store Day has evolved from a grassroots initiative to save independent record stores to a global celebration that unites music fans across genres. Record Store Day has become a major event in Minnesota, with stores across the state participating in the festivities.
The celebration attracts musicians to stores nationwide, and this year, Electric Fetus hosted funk icon Bootsy Collins who is a legendary funk bassist and singer known for his influential work with James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic.
Along with his contribution to the funk genre, and his successful solo career, he is also defined by his striking fashion sense, including his signature star-shaped glasses and top hat.
“I’ve known Bootsy for at least 50 years. I played drums on the Lifetime CD with Lucky Peterson when [Bootsy] produced it. When I heard he was coming, I had to get down and see my old friend,” Ben Irving said.
For some, the Electric Fetus is a lifelong destination. “I started coming to the Electric Fetus when I was about 14 years old. I am now 70.” Debra Demmings said. “I would only wear clothes that came from electric fetus, and I remember when it was just a small building,” she added. If you’re looking for something you can’t find anywhere, come to the Electric Fetus.”
Before the activities concluded, Bootsy offered words of wisdom to both musicians and music shops alike.
“Don’t get discouraged when somebody rejects what you do. If that’s what you like and that’s what you feel and you pursue that no matter what anybody says.”
-Bootsy Collins
