Call to action: support local musicians on National Record Store Day 

Beginning April 20, Montana Supply Company will sell vinyl records by local artists

By Thad Beaty GUEST COLUMNIST 

National Record Store Day stirs me every year. The experience of a physical record is so magical and memorable. Formats have changed in our digital world, but the all-encompassing visceral participation of holding a record in your hands, opening the jacket, seeing the artwork, reading the liner notes, hearing the scratch of the needle dropping, flipping it over to the other side and sharing it with everyone within hearing distance touches on all the senses.  

My wife is from New Orleans, where music fills every crack and flows through everyone’s soul like the Mississippi. I love to hear stories of my in-laws camping out all night, holding their place in line to buy the latest Beatles or Stones record on the release day. I remember my first trip to the record store. I only had the money for one album, and, to this day, I still feel the memory of choosing between “Thriller” and “Metal Health.” Music isn’t just about a song; it is the heartbeat of every experience. Records allow us to physically hold those experiences.  

For a musician, vinyl records are a big deal. And for today’s artists, making a record is a tremendous commitment in time, money, and vulnerability on so many levels. Opening your soul and imprinting it on a record, etching it in vinyl—there’s nothing like it. Much like Yellowstone National Park is better in person than in pictures, there’s something about experiencing music on vinyl that is otherwise untouchable.  

Big Sky is rightly known for its wondrous natural beauty and outdoor experiences. But it is also the home of incredible artists adding another sensory layer to our remarkable community. This is a beautiful place to create and celebrate music. The record store is the musician’s gallery. By putting music into the world, artists are opening their souls and taking a chance. Like skiers launching themselves down a black diamond run, it’s a beautiful, terrifying, and thrilling risk that makes life worth living. It’s part of our story here in Big Sky.  

Saturday, April 20 is National Record Store Day. I have gathered vinyl from many of our local artists and will feature them for purchase in Montana Supply Company. So, let’s celebrate some locals who have taken the risk. Let’s take a chance with them and dance to the music. Let’s say thanks and help support our artists who help complete the picture of Big Sky and tell our story through their songs. Let the world know that this town isn’t just about skiing; it’s a unique community of people who’ve seen a need and started nonprofits, and continue to take action every day, whatever the season, to make this place special. Like a great record store, our town is a gem, a hub of inspiration, a gathering place to celebrate the wonder of creation on all fronts. Let’s celebrate it together this National Record Store Day.  

The next time you are at a local venue and you overhear someone say, “This artist is great,” nudge them and mention that they can buy their record at Montana Supply Company and take home a part of Big Sky that they can genuinely experience forever.  

Thad Beaty is a musician, composer, and the music and entertainment manager for Lone Mountain Land Company. He lives full time in Big Sky with his musician wife Annie, kids Noura and Hawk, and his mom Giga.