April 17th, 2010 across the country was a day of celebration and appreciation to the various “mom and pop” record stores who have provided a platform for the up and coming recording artists to test their music to the community via mix tapes and independent DVDs.
This was the case yesterday in Southeast Atlanta when veteran retailer Tobago Benito of DBS Sounds invited local musical artists and executives to come out and meet and greet the fans who have supported their music over the years.
The event was attended by Atlanta’s own Jody Breeze, Maff Test, Rasheeda, Outlawz, Artist/producer Jon Wain, Mr. Collipark, Vistoso Bosses, Rapper Maceo, DJ Fahrenheit, DJ Judgemental and DJ Goldfinger just to name a few. In addition to the artists and executives coming out to support the event, The store’s owner allowed some up and coming acts to perform their new music.
Record Store Day is a day where all music lovers from old to new school can come together to celebrate the longevity, camaraderie and inspiration local record stores instill in the community. For over 16 years, Atlanta has been the home of DBS Sounds record stores.
Tobago Benito’s DBS Sounds I & II have been the backbone and on the frontline for recording artists and labels in the Southeast since the beginning of most popular artist’s careers!
With the drastic decline of CD sales and the billion-dollar bite the industry is suffering due to bootlegging and music piracy, independent record stores are closing left and right and DBS Sounds is a true survivor among a dying breed. When many artists couldn’t get distribution, or didn’t have label support or know how, Tobago Benito and DBS Sounds were always there and continues to push major and indie projects or give artists an outlet to sell their music to the masses.
When asked about the impact the internet and digital downloads have affected DBS Sounds, Mr. Benito was quick to explain that he just keeps up with the evolution of new technology by launching dbssounds.com and staying on the cutting edge of music distribution. “Actually we have seen some of our best sales last year so it really hasn’t had an impact on us.”
We want to give a special thanks to Trea Davenport of Trea Day Management & Publicity and DBS Sounds for inviting us out.
