Bruno Mars Officially Becomes Record Store Day 2026 Ambassador

Bruno Mars (Instagram @brunomars)

JAKARTA - Bruno Mars, officially appointed as the Global Record Store Day (RSD) Ambassador for 2026. This announcement is good news for vinyl collectors around the world, given Mars' strategic role in promoting the culture of listening to music physically in the midst of the onslaught of the instant digital era.

As part of the celebration, the Hawaiian-born soloist has prepared an exclusive vinyl (LP) release titled "The Collaborations". This compilation album is scheduled to be released at the peak of the RSD event, April 18.

The album summarizes a series of Mars' collaborative works, ranging from the song "Uptown Funk" with Mark Ronson, "Die With A Smile" with Lady Gaga, to the viral hit and Grammy nominee, "APT.", the result of his collaboration with Rosé.

In a promotional video released alongside the announcement, Mars also revealed his deep love for independent record stores.

For him, being in a record store gives an experience that can't be replaced by any gadget. He assessed that listening to music through a vinyl is a form of art appreciation that is beginning to be forgotten.

"Why record stores are so important is because you get the chance to immerse yourself and surround yourself with music," Mars said, quoted by Variety, Monday, February 2.

"I love being able to be physically surrounded by music, not just staring at a phone and downloading something, but actually seeing all the beautiful artwork around you. It inspires me," he continued.

The 40-year-old singer added that the habit of collecting vinyl records has a strong sentimental side. Mars remembers his childhood when his father often bought him vinyl records, one of which was the Jackson Five record

According to him, sitting on the sofa and enjoying music without interruption on social media is a very romantic act.

"Sitting down, putting on a vinyl record, and enjoying it, it's a very romantic idea," he said. "Support your local record store. If you don't have a turntable yet, I suggest you buy one, buy your favorite records, sit down and listen, and then feel what's happening."

The surprise for fans doesn't stop there. Independent record stores will also hold an exclusive listening party for Bruno Mars' latest solo album, "The Romantic", on February 25.

The session allowed fans to hear the album two days early before it was officially released to the public on February 27.