Record Resurgence
Why is vinyl making a comeback in the era of Spotify and other easily accessible streaming platforms? Vinyl records have their appeal from a collector's perspective, but it is much more than that. Whether it’s about getting your hands on a piece of art created by your favorite musician, enjoying the quality of a retro sound system, or taking the time to slow down and engage with music in a hands-on way, vinyl is making its comeback for artists new and old.
Collecting vinyl can be an expensive hobby to take up; although this pursuit might seem daunting, just starting out can be really enjoyable for those who don’t mind investing in music. Just like any other collector's item, vinyl can be a creative outlet for those who are passionate about particular bands or music exploration in general. Having physical copies of your favorite musician's art can be very exciting and finding a sound system that delivers a superior experience can make it that much better. While it can be argued that digital music media can be enjoyed through a sound system, there is a degree of comfort that follows owning something physical. One could compare the needle being placed in the grooves of a record to the experience of playing an instrument; it truly delivers an exclusive experience.
There is also something to be said about sticking to the classics. Nostalgia has created a longing for vinyl again, especially for younger generations. The feeling of having a tangible copy of music to take from a sleeve and play on a turn table is extremely impactful, even if you weren’t around for their first entrance into popular culture. Taking the time to slow down and having to physically flip a record if you want to continue listening is not a common experience for more recent generations; it can be refreshing in a fast-paced world. The feeling of having a collection to cherish as technology changes are an aspect that streaming platforms cannot deliver to music enthusiasts.
So, why is vinyl making a comeback? Many artists have opted to invest in streaming platforms or CDs, but in recent years, we have seen musicians produce vinyl as well. Social media platforms like Tik Tok and Instagram have drawn attention back to the 60s and 70s when record players rose to popularity due to inventive stereo playback features. The trend cycle has made an obvious return to vintage items from this era and many hobbyists have found themselves leaning in that direction as well. While the rise of cassettes, and later CDs, shifted the mainstream’s attention towards other outlets for music, the engagement vinyl demands are unmatched. Record players may have had their second entrance with the re-emergence of 60s and 70s trends, but the format that it offers may be here to stay.
All music lovers, but especially the new generation, have found much enjoyment in not only the collection process but the slow pace style that has been modernized, made easy to use, and accessible. Many new record player setups deliver extremely high-quality sound feedback that can make you feel like you are seeing bands from all eras live in concert. They may also have Bluetooth compatibility or other features that appeal to younger audiences; truly the best of both worlds!
Written by Zoey Frederick, Photography by Savannah Patterson, Design by Kayley Vu, Social Media by Emily Hansen