Record Store Day is one of the biggest days in the vinyl calendar, and this year, it’s even more special for Exeter’s music lovers. 12 Bar Music & Social, a newly established space for music, community and great drinks, is gearing up to host its very first-ever Record Store Day, and it promises to be an event worth remembering.
We caught up with Sam, the founder of 12 Bar, who is no stranger to the music world. After a decade as a music teacher, Sam decided to bring something unique to Exeter.
Sam combines his love of music with his passion for social spaces. His vision was to create a venue where music lovers could discover records, enjoy live performances, sip a drink and truly engage in vinyl culture.
And so, 12 Bar Music & Social was born. Soon approaching it’s one-year anniversary, what better way to gear up than to celebrate the vital role of vinyl and the Exeter music community?
Team IM: What does Record Store Day mean to you as a small business?
Sam: For us, Record Store Day is about more than just vinyl. It’s about community, discovery and celebrating the culture of independent music. There’s something special about flipping through records, stumbling across an album you didn’t even know you needed, and sharing that moment with like-minded music lovers.
This year is extra special – it’s our first-ever RSD at 12 Bar Music & Social and we want it to be more than just a day of exclusive vinyl drops. We want to bring people together, celebrate the friendships, collaborations and conversations that have made this space what it is today.
12 Bar has never just been about selling records. I’d say it’s much more about the experience and the love of music in all its forms. That’s why we’re turning RSD into an all-day event, with vinyl-only DJ sets, good drinks and a late-night afterparty.
We can’t wait to mark this milestone with everyone who’s been part of the journey so far.
Can you share some of your shop's history and what makes it special to Exeter’s music scene?
12 Bar Music & Social started with a simple idea: to create the kind of place I always wished existed in Exeter. Growing up, I remember stumbling across my parents’ record player and being completely mesmerised – records like Hotter Than July by Stevie Wonder and Led Zeppelin IV felt like pure magic.
When I eventually visited my first record shop, I knew I’d found my happy place and proceeded to spend all of my pocket money and as many records as I could get my hands on.
Years later, after working in independent coffee shops and cocktail bars, I found myself at a Bon Iver album listening party at a record store. It was a long drive, but my fiancée and I made the trip. When we got there, they were serving cocktails and beers and we spent the evening just listening, laughing and soaking in great music.
It was one of those moments that stayed with me. After the event, I kept thinking, “why not create a space that brings together everything I (and many people) love?’’ Exeter had nothing like that, so I decided to make it happen.
Now, 12 Bar is a hub for music lovers. People come here to crate dig, grab a coffee, catch a gig or just hang out. But what makes us special isn’t just the records or the coffee – it’s how we contribute to Exeter’s live music scene.
We’re bringing in new artists and live music events that simply weren’t happening before, reimagining how a live venue can feel. We wanted to create an intimate, personal and exciting environment. We host smaller gigs with up-and-coming bands right through to vinyl-only DJ nights. Our aim is to make 12 Bar a space where you can discover something new and connect with the music in a fresh way. We hope that’s what makes 12 Bar a special part of Exeter’s music culture.
What can customers expect from 12 Bar Music & Social on Record Store Day this year? Any special events or promotions?
Oh, absolutely! It’s going to be massive for us! This is our first-ever Record Store Day at 12 Bar, so we’re making it one to remember.
8AM: First off, we’re opening the doors bright and early at 8 AM, and trust me, if you’re after those exclusive RSD releases, you’ll want to be here early (once they’re gone, they’re gone)!
10:30 AM – 4:30 PM We’ll be celebrating what makes independent record stores so special with the community. To do this, we’re running vinyl-only DJ sets from 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM, with each DJ challenged to spin at least one record from this year’s RSD lineup. It’s all about hearing something new, unexpected, and exciting.
7:30 PM We’ll be keeping the celebrations going; join us for our RSD Afterparty from 7:30 PM ’til late – free entry all night! Lisa will be spinning tunes, and we’re launching an exclusive DEYA x RSD beer collab, available all day. Plus, if you buy a record from us during the day, simply show your 12 Bar RSD receipt at the bar to get one free on-tap beer during the afterparty (while stocks last!).
A couple of things to keep in mind.
- We can’t take reservations or pre-orders; RSD is all about the thrill of the hunt.
- Stock is limited, so if there’s a particular record you’re after, drop us a message beforehand, and we’ll let you know how many copies we’re expecting.
It’s going to be an amazing day, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone. Whether you’re here for a rare release, a coffee and a crate dig, or just to soak up the atmosphere, we’d love to see you!
As 12 Bar celebrates its first-ever Record Store Day, they invite you to come down, experience the community spirit, and support an independent business that’s dedicated to bringing music and people together. So, if you’re hunting for rare records, enjoying a vinyl DJ set, or raising a glass at the after-party, it’s sure to be a day to remember.
