Sifting through the vinyl, CDs and local music, I picked up a few Motown records and some local releases from New Granada. Speaking of which, I got the chance to speak with Keith Ulrey, owner of New Granada Records and co-owner of Microgroove Record Shop.

How did you first get involved with Record Store Day?

After Vinyl Fever closed, me and my business partner Carl wanted to open our own store. We’re only five months old, so this is our first Record Store Day. As an independent store, you just have to register with recordstoreday.com and become an official sponsor.

What is your favorite part of Record Store Day?

Just the camaraderie of the record buyer, looking to come out, looking to buy, looking to collect or get some long lost record.

Favorite Record Store Day release?

The Unrest 7” box set.

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And my favorite part of Microgroove? Their listening post features all local bands. According to Ulrey, “national bands get heard enough; let the local bands have some plays.”

After the interview, I journeyed to the back of the store to catch local rock bands Empire Cinema and Feral Babies.

Next up was Mojo Books and Music, the closest independent record store to USF. Thankful for the increased space, many local and regional bands performed in the store. In between sets, I spoke with owner of Mojo Books and Music and USF alum, Melanie Cade.

How did Mojo get involved with RSD?

Well, Record Store Day has been going on for five years now, which was shortly after we opened. It was much different then, not as many support or releases. Vinyl was a lot less popular then too.

Biggest sales so far?

We’ve been lucky. Our copies of the Flaming Lips Heady Fwends have been selling really well; a lot of stores got shorted on it or didn’t receive it. If we’d have had more of the Phish, that would have flown through too.

Do you have a local music section?

Yes, we do. There is a section close to our classical CDs. We have a lot of artists coming in to put their stuff on consignment.

Favorite RSD release?

The one I was most surprised by was produced by Dan Auerbach (of the Black Keys) with Dr. John. It was really good, I was happily surprised.

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All in all, it was a good day. I ran into owner of Thxmgmt and the lead singer of Signals from Satellites, supported animal rights at Mojo’s vegan bake sale, hung out with the drummer from The Beauvilles and Laurel Canyon, saw local bands Empire Cinema, Feral Babies, Harpers Ferry, Cats in the Basement, Hot Hands and more.

You can check out Bulls Radio’s pictures of Tampa’s celebration on our facebook page.