This post is written by guest blogger Nathan Sutliff blogger at of ContemplativeCreativity.com specifically for GivMusic.com.  Nathan’s desire is to start or continue the conversations between church, culture, technology and media that are happening and should be happening today. He is the Worship Arts Pastor at Grace Church of the Nazarene.  You can follow his thoughts and experiences at his blog or on twitter @Natedog27

It was in 1877 that Thomas Edison developed Edouard-Leon Scott’s phonoautograph – designed to visually depict sound – into his famous phonograph capable of playing back recorded sounds.  The medium for early recordings was primarily cylindrical discs.  It wasn’t until Emile Berliner invented a lateral-cut disc in 1888 that the earliest predecessors of what we know as our vinyl records  was conceived.  And it wasn’t until 1918 that the lateral-cut disc became the dominant recording medium.  They reigned supreme as the medium of choice until roughly the 1980’s  (I mean who really thought the 8-track was going to take off? It had about as large of impact on music as the Beta-max had on video).

So why the history lesson? Well if you are like me you may barely remember the existence of vinyl records before the advent of the walkman, compact-discs, and the digital age of music (some of you may very well remember and for that I am sorry to point out your age).  The other reason is that vinyl records are making a comeback.  Audiophiles, hipsters, and technology fearing holdouts are not the only ones buying records today.  In fact with the advent of music downloads we have seen the decline of CD sales and increase of vinyl sales.  Record labels are noticing and it is becoming easier and easier to find mainstream and not just independent artists still pressing runs of vinyl.

Because of the lack of sales for so many years after CDs came to dominate the market, it can still be tricky to find retailers who carry a wide selection of vinyl.  Thank goodness for independent record store owners who have kept the medium alive.  Which is why Chris Brown (nope not that one) thought to begin celebrating the rich culture surrounding these great independent record stores in 2007.  Thus we have Record Store Day (the third Saturday in April).  It’s not a marketing plan to garner sales rather it is a celebration of the love of music and the art of music.  It is a celebration a music and community, something that is largely lost in the digital seek and download scenario.  The record store use to be a community hub to discuss and find new music as well as other people with similar music tastes (did you really think High Fidelity and Empire Records were just hollywood movies romanticizing the ethos of independent record stores?).

Around 700 record stores in the US and 100 around the world take part in the festivities with live performances, special releases, meet and greets, collectors packages and more.  The biggest surprise this year is the record label giants that are particitpating (Warner Bros., Columbia, Universal and more).  Find a participating Record Store DayRetailer Here.  Follow Record Store Day on Twitter @RecordStoreDay for more updates and goings on.

If you are new to the old idea of vinyl records I encourage you to participate in one of these wonderful celebrations of a music culture.  It will not only benefit local businesses but help revive the community aspect of music that has slowly been declining.  If you are close to the Nashville area check out The Great Escape, Third Man Records (where members of the Raconteurs will be preforming), and United Record Pressing (though not technically a record store or involved too much with Record Store Day, it is historic record pressing facilities like this that really make it all possible).

So in the words of Corinne Baily Rae “Put your records on, tell me your favourite song
You go ahead, let your hair down.”  Go enjoy the day celebrate music and pick up a vinyl record to start or add to your collection.  The warm crackle of the needle hitting the vinyl is a comforting to the soul as a fireplace after a cold winter’s day (not to mention the fact that the audio on records isn’t completely compressed to oblivion due to the stupidloudness wars so it has warmth, depth and dynamics you can’t find anywhere else).

I love free stuff, and I especially love free coffee from Starbucks. Free becomes even more enticing when it’s used to benefit or bring awareness to a cause. That’s why I became ecstatic today when I learned that  Starbucks decided to give away a cup of coffee to all customers who bring in their own reusable travel mugs. The promotion is valid on brewed coffee of any size up to 20 oz, and will run all day.

This whole campaign is part of Starbucks participation in The Big Picture Project. With the catch phrase “One person switching can save trees. Together we can save forests”.  It’s true, one person can make a difference and the short filmStarbucks released displays a surprising example. Their short film features thousands of New Yorkers trading in their paper cups for reusable travel mugs. You will have to watch the video for a surprising reveal when thousands of cups of  coffee are grouped together all in the name of green.

How will you make a difference today? Visit Starbucks website today and make your pledge.

This post is written by guest blogger Brittany Trotman editor of BeautyGirlMag.com specifically for GivMusic.com. BeautyGirlMag.com believes that every female should look and feel her best, but we also believe in the really important things like giving back and serving our communities. When we find great products that are fashionable and also help support a cause, we can’t help but to spread the word!

Here are our top picks from shoes and shirts to jewelry and handbags that will add to your new spring wardrobe!

She Dances

She Dances is a non-profit organization “whose mission is to provide healing, hope, and a future for girls who are victims of human trafficking. Through safe homes, raising awareness, and the arts, they strive to create a movement of freedom.” Currently, She Dances is providing a safe home for girls in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The girls who arrive at the home are provided with education, mental therapy, spiritual renewal, and most of all, rescue and freedom from abuse and exploitation. When purchasing a She Dances T-shirt, your money will go towards the organization’s efforts in raising awareness and providing a safe home for these victims.

Purchase a She Dances shirt here.

TOMS Shoes

The simple TOMS Shoes have become a fashion staple to many Americans, but to orphan children in other countries, it is simply a protection that they’ve never had. For every pair of TOMS that someone buys, one is given away! By purchasing a pair, you are directly helping their efforts in Ethiopia. Podoconiosis, a disease that plagues those who are barefooted, can be prevented just with a pair of shoes. Check out this shoe from the new spring line!

To buy a pair of TOMS shoes, click here.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.  Founder, Nancy G. Brinker, promised her dying sister, Susan, “to do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever.” The foundation has contributed to the many victories over the years, such as more early detection, more research, and more survivors. The Susan G. Komen Store donates proceeds of all purchases to fight against breast cancer. Be sure to check out the many products that are offered, such as water bottles, accessories, and clothing. Below is a fashionable leather wrap bracelet that is a great addition to your spring accessories.

Purchase the bracelet here.

Sseko Designs

Sseko Designs was created to help women of Uganda pay for their college tuition and also help the “overall economic development of Uganda.” Students in Uganda must wait nine months after graduating high school to attend college. This time is intended for them to earn money for their tuition.

The Sseko Designs sandals come in a variety of colors and patterns and are perfect for spring and summer. Not only are these sandals stylish, they are also very versatile because the straps are interchangable! Buy one pair of sandals and have the option to buy many patterns! Each girl has a story. Check out the class of 2010 here.

Purchase Sandals here

Change.org

Change.org serves as a platform for social change, whether they are raising awareness for certain issues such as women’s rights or signing petitions for providing a homeless shelter in Colorado, they are making a “change” in America. One issue they are passionate about seeing a change in is the issue of human trafficking.

Every week, they provide a Red Light Special, which showcases products that go towards human trafficking surviors. “This soft felt zipper bag is the perfect size to keep together small items like toiletries, jewelry, or crayons while traveling. The soft colorful felt and sleek, modern design mean that it will be loved and appreciated by kids and grownups alike.”

When you buy this bag, you’ll be supporting the human trafficking survivors in Nepal.

Buy this item here.

Global Good Partners

Global Goods Partners is a “not-for-profit (continue reading…)