WXPN Celebrates Philly Music on Record Store Day

Radio station offers free vinyl compilation featuring local artists at participating record stores.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:37pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration using bold geometric shapes in red, black, and white to convey the celebratory energy of a record store event, without any text or literal imagery.WXPN's annual Record Store Day celebration brings the vibrant sounds of Philadelphia's music scene to independent shops across the city.Philadelphia Today

WXPN, the public radio station in Philadelphia, is celebrating Record Store Day on April 18 by giving away a free vinyl compilation album called Homegrown Originals Volume 4 to customers who make a purchase at 13 participating local record stores. The album features 11 songs from Philadelphia-based artists like The Hooters, Mo Lowda & The Humble, and Reef The Lost Cauze. WXPN has a long history of supporting the local music scene and independent record stores, and sees Record Store Day as a natural fit to highlight the best of Philly's vibrant music community.

Why it matters

In an era of streaming and digital music dominance, independent record stores have struggled to survive. But a resurgence of interest in physical media, especially vinyl, has helped some local shops stay in business. WXPN's free vinyl giveaway on Record Store Day not only supports these stores, but also shines a spotlight on the wealth of musical talent in the Philadelphia region, helping to connect local artists with new listeners.

The details

WXPN's Homegrown Originals Volume 4 will be available for free to customers who make a purchase at 13 participating record stores in the Philadelphia area on Record Store Day, April 18. The album features 11 songs from Philly-based artists, including veteran rockers The Hooters, up-and-coming acts like Mo Lowda & The Humble, and hip-hop artist Reef The Lost Cauze. WXPN has been producing these Homegrown Originals compilations since 2023 as a way to showcase the best of the local music scene and support independent record stores.

  • WXPN's Homegrown Originals Volume 4 will be available on Record Store Day, April 18, 2026.
  • WXPN will host its Homegrown Live! Concert series on April 23, 2026 at World Stage, featuring Black Buttafly, Denison Witmer and John Faye & friends.

The players

WXPN

A public radio station in Philadelphia that has a long history of supporting the local music scene and independent record stores.

Mike Vasilikos

The WXPN midday host who reminisces about the days of hanging out in record stores as a teenager in the 1990s.

The Hooters

A veteran rock band from Philadelphia that is featured on the Homegrown Originals Volume 4 compilation.

Mo Lowda & The Humble

An up-and-coming Philadelphia-based band that is also featured on the Homegrown Originals Volume 4 compilation.

Reef The Lost Cauze

A Philadelphia-based hip-hop artist who is included on the Homegrown Originals Volume 4 compilation.

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What they’re saying

“We were honored to celebrate XPN's 'Free At Noon' with their 1,000th show, quite the accomplishment and here's to many more … And of course, The Hooters go way back with the station and their continued support for Philly bands in particular. We're also happy to be a part of Homegrown Originals Volume 4 for Record Store Day 2026 as we were all inspired by our vinyl collections way back when – long may it play!”

— Rob Hyman, of The Hooters

“We're so lucky that this region has so many awesome stores. The people who run them are hardcore music fans like we are. I lived in Manayunk and I'd pop into Main Street Music quite often. That whole team there is awesome. I bring my kids there and we hang out. I want them to experience it, too.”

— Mike Vasilikos, WXPN Midday host

What’s next

WXPN will host its Homegrown Live! Concert series on April 23, 2026 at World Stage, featuring Black Buttafly, Denison Witmer and John Faye & friends.

The takeaway

WXPN's commitment to supporting local music and independent record stores through initiatives like the Homegrown Originals vinyl giveaway and Homegrown Live! concert series helps foster a vibrant music community in Philadelphia, connecting artists with new audiences and ensuring that physical music formats like vinyl continue to thrive.