Like many music lovers, you may have noticed some vinyl LPs you've ordered have been on backorder for what seems like an eternity. And like many other listeners, you're getting frustrated. We don't blame you. Unfortunately, the delays are part of a nationwide backlog problem caused by Warner Music Group's decision to drop Technicolor Distribution in favor of Indiana-based Direct Shot Distribution in April 2019. With the switch, the stock of Sony, Warner, and Universal got consolidated in one location. But what may have seemed like a good idea on paper has failed in practice. Shortly after the change, serious issues arose when many independent record stores failed to get releases last spring for Record Store Day. In the time since, and particularly during the holiday season, the ability to receive orders in a timely fashion has worsened. In certain cases, titles are taking months to arrive – far longer than normal. Direct Shot has also bungled orders, packaging together incorrect titles and incomplete shipments. Sources also suggest that the major labels took too long to realize the situation at hand, further contributing to the debacle.

Music Direct, like other retailers, has received assurances that Direct Shot is working on internal fixes to improve distribution and turn around orders in a timely fashion. Several smaller labels – Matador, 4AD, Rough Trade, XL, Domino included – have already elected to break from Warner Music Group and team with a different partner. Rest assured that we will continue to do everything within our power to get you the vinyl LPs you want in the quickest-possible manner. Like you, we hope the problems are solved in the very near future. Until then, we ask for and very much appreciate your patience. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 800-449-8333.