Naza Mohamed is focused on preparations this week as he collects a large “Record Store Day 2026” banner and considers how best to install it at the frontage of Sputnik Rekordz, his independent record shop on the first floor of the Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) Market in Kuala Lumpur.
This Sunday (April 26) is expected to be a busy day at Sputnik Rekordz as it marks Record Store Day (RSD), its first major public event since 2019, before the celebration was paused during the pandemic and the years that followed.
“How many years has it been since the last proper RSD in Kuala Lumpur? Too long. We’re just grateful to finally be able to put this year’s event together,” said Naza, adding that it is a fully independent effort made possible through the support of many collaborators who wanted to see a full-day record store celebration return to the music calendar.
Sputnik Rekordz will be at the centre of the event, with a collaboration with DBKL also opening up the first floor of the TTDI Market’s public spaces to the programme, including a collectors’ market curated by the Kena Sound! collective, a sound system setup by Konscious Island Soundsystem, live performances, food and beverage pop-ups and an art merchandise booth by Cultkids.
"The culture of an independent record shop and the community that grows around it might sound like a familiar script. But how many young people have actually experienced it first-hand, and how many older music fans have since forgotten it? We may not have the scale of RSD events and record fairs in the US or Europe, but we do have the keen interest – and that spark is a good place to begin," says Naza.
There will be an array of new vinyl releases this Sunday, ranging from general titles to Sputnik exclusives. Highlights include a Kassim Selamat & The Swallows archival release – the 1960s Singaporean garage band with a devoted regional following – alongside releases from local favourites such as The Times, OAG, MonoloQue and more.
"There will be no international RSD releases, but what you will find are titles closer to home," he adds.
Naza, who is also the frontman of The Times, reveals that there will be in-store surprises, while a collaboration with Cultkids will see two limited-edition RSD T-shirts alongside new print designs.
“It’s good to see indie music events expanding and welcoming a visual culture presence. RSD can be diverse, especially for people who just want to be part of the fun. That also means I need a pop-up booth to match the vibe of the day. I’m currently also rushing a few new print designs for this weekend - no pressure,” said Cultkids candidly.
From Sputnik to the Kena Sound! collectors’ market, there will be no shortage of pre-loved vinyl to dig through if you are not hunting for in-store RSD releases.
"There are plenty of shops with new records, but used records - and the effort involved in digging through them - are the heartbeat of collector culture. How many times has your heart stopped when you’ve stumbled upon a gem in the wild? Many will know exactly what I am talking about," says Naza.
With the TTDI Market now spruced up, there will also be spaces for the whole family to explore – or simply to enjoy the music programme, he adds.
The plan is to add exhibition spaces, installation works and music book events to future editions, but for now the focus remains on building the foundation and experience of this year’s RSD celebration.
"Independent music events – or more broadly, anything rooted in physical music culture – are still hard to come by and, realistically, difficult to organise. We have seen book events grow in Kuala Lumpur, but for vinyl collectors there is little on offer beyond the occasional flea market.
"At the same time, we are not bound by format – vinyl will be a big part of this Sunday’s RSD, but not the only one. Cassettes and CDs will also be represented. We will have everyone covered," concludes Naza.
Record Store Day 2026 at Sputnik Rekordz and the TTDI Market in Kuala Lumpur will be open to the public with free admission this Sunday. The event runs from 1pm until 8.30pm.
