Since 2015, local radio institution and chili competition curator WMSE has helped spread the good will and wonder of Record Store Day with a limited-edition release of a 7-inch from a Milwaukee (or Milwaukee-related) artist with national appeal. The inaugural vinyl release was a live performance by Field Report. The following year, the station quickly sold all 250 copies of its Sylvan Esso 7-inch. Last year’s 45 was, a two-song release from Milwaukee pop-punk phenoms Direct Hit! This time around, the station will ring in Record Store Day with a 7-inch from the incomparable Abby Jeanne.
WMSE Presents Abby Jeanne features two singles—”Cosmic Beings” and “Be In The Sun”—Abby Jeanne recorded at Wire & Vice. It’s the first WMSE Record Store Day release that wasn’t recorded live at the station. It’s also the first to be offered on two versions of colored vinyl.
“We are thrilled to have Abby Jeanne be our next Record Store Day Release. We decided to do something different this go round. Instead of releasing a Live From WMSE, we were given the opportunity by Abby Jeanne to release her very first 7-inch,” says WMSE general manager Tom Crawford in a press release. “That is what supporting local music is all about. We’re a family and we couldn’t be happier to support this incredibly talented artist.”
A limited number of copies will be available at Company Brewing on February 12, as part of Abby Jeanne’s “Fire In February” residency. The remainder will be available on Record Store Day (April 21) at Exclusive Company, Rush Mor Records, Acme Records, and Bullseye Records.