High Desert's first and only independent record store will celebrate Record Store Day

Wisecrack Records is the High Desert's first and only independent record store.

Established in 2021, the music media shop is a family affair that opened amid the COVID-19 pandemic with a mission to bring music to the muted area. The Oak Hills record store also sells art, books, vintage clothes, and just about anything else that falls into the "artsy" record crate.

Wisecrack Records will be participating in this year's Record Store Day celebration on Saturday, April 20 with an early opening, free coffee and doughnuts to the first few music-loving customers, and deals on almost everything in the store.

Uncovering the High Desert music scene

Darby Schene and his family started Wisecrack Records because they were tired of driving over an hour to shop for records in either Crestline or Los Angeles.

The High Desert was lacking some sort of space for music, according to Schene. When the pandemic hit, the Schene family started spinning ideas for their own store.

The project was well received, judging by the acceptance and support of the previously music-deprived desert community.

When Wisecrack first opened its doors to the hi-fi community, they had 75% less music than they have now, Schene said. They were very "bare bones" but with the help of the High Desert music base, they slowly built their inventory and are proud to now have a section for almost every genre under the black hole sun.

"The music community up here is great," Schene told The Daily Press. "It's really, really deep when you look inside it. There are local labels and countless local bands from rock, punk, and metal to jazz, psychedelic, and hip-hop. You can find a band that does anything up here."

Wisecrack Records has an entire "local scene" section dedicated to Extinction Burst, a High Desert label. They're also open to arranging a consignment deal with any other local band, Schene said.

In addition to being a clown-mascot musical funhouse, Wisecrack Records also hosts music and art-related community expositions. The most recent event was a collaborative music show that had a turnout of about 150 people. They held it at their event space, Union 3, four doors down from Wisecrack, Schene said. They've also hosted bands in the parking lot, art shows showcasing up to 25 local artists, book signing events, and a local filmmaker Q&A.

Wisecrack Records is a leading High Desert establishment for community involvement in the music and art sectors. They also buy music and clothing for cash on Tuesdays but are open for store credit trades every day during business hours.

Events and restocks are regularly updated via their Instagram @wisecrackrecords.

What to expect on Record Store Day

Record Store Day will take place on Saturday, April 20.

Wisecrack Records is offering 10% off all new records and 15% off all used music media including records, CDs, and cassettes. The 10% discount excludes the Record Store Day records, however, as those are rare releases that are exclusive to Record Store Day only.

The past two Record Store Days that Wisecrack has hosted witnessed music fiends in line as early as 3 a.m. hoping for a first pick of the rare Record Store Day releases that won't be pressed again.

Emory Wielenga, a Wisecrack Records co-owner, filled The Daily Press in on some of their exclusive vinyls that are expected to hit the shelves this Saturday. Select titles included a Paramore "This is Why" alternate cover with a colored vinyl, a new Grateful Dead box set, a Military Gun release, The Cure picture disc, the "Lost in Translation" soundtrack, and a Public Enemy live album.

Every customer can also expect a new, free Wisecrack Records sticker and free coffee and doughnuts for everybody waiting in line before the store opening at 8 a.m.

Record Store Day was started in 2007 by a group of independent record store owners and vinyl fanatics to celebrate the hundreds of independent record stores in the U.S. and beyond. Today, the celebration is recognized worldwide by brick-and-mortar record stores and is revered by vinyl lovers who can pick up one-of-a-kind records and CDs on one specific day of the year.

Music media and other promotional products are exclusively made for Record Store Day. Various independent stores commemorate the day with live performances, cookouts, meet-and-greets with artists, and, above all else, exclusive vinyl discounts.

Cities around the U.S. like Los Angeles, New York City, and Charleston have even recognized Record Store Day as an official holiday.

"We're really thankful for everyone who has supported us so far," Schene said. "I hope more and more people come check us out. You can even get started right here; we sell record players for beginners."

Schene and family want their space to be inclusive to even community members who aren't into records.

"Come say hi; come to an event and meet like-minded High Desert residents into music, clothes, fashion, and any other artistic outlet at Wisecrack Records," Schene added.

How to attend

Wisecrack Records is at 13312 Ranchero Rd., Ste. 15, Oak Hills. The store is open from 12 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Wisecrack Records, Oak Hills to participate in Record Store Day deals