Olivia Dean named as ambassador for Record Store Day 2026
“Independent record stores are such special spaces to discover and share music"
By Nick Reilly
Olivia Dean has been named as the ambassador for Record Store Day 2026, while stressing the need of supporting independent record shops to “keep them alive”.
Dean was named as ambassador for this year’s edition of Record Store Day (Thursday February 26) and joins a storied list of past ambassadors including Sam Fender, Kate Bush, Taylor Swift, The 1975, Elton John and Noel Gallagher.
It comes ahead of this year’s Record Store Day, which is taking place for the 19th time on Saturday April 18. More than 300 UK and Ireland record shops will be taking part, selling exclusive releases first-come-first served, as well as hosting in-store events for one day only.
“It’s such an honour to be the Record Store Day Ambassador for 2026,” she said. “Independent record stores are such special spaces to discover and share music – to actually touch it and feel it. I’ve found so much inspiration in the records I’ve collected over the years and am so grateful for all the hidden gems I’ve found.
“I want to thank the record stores around the world for all the support you’ve given me over the years. It’s so important we continue to support them and keep them alive!”
Dean will also mark the occasion by releasing a Live at the BBC album, featuring live renditions of tracks by Carole King and boygenius. It will be available as a limited edition black 7’’ vinyl, exclusively available from participating independent record stores.
“Olivia Dean being this year’s ambassador is a quality endorsement of RSD and of record shops themselves,” said Jane Unwin from Banquet Records. “Supportive of indie shops for years, Olivia’s a legit modern pop star – not only a massive live draw, but consistently selling loads of physical music week in, week out.”
Olivia Dean also won her first Grammys earlier this month, while she is also up for five BRIT Awards this weekend.