Why are more people buying vinyl records?
HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WETM) – In recent years, it seems as though Americans have a recently renewed obsession with physical media. Things like cassettes, DVD’s, CD’s, vinyl records and more. But why are so many people buying these records?
“Everything comes back around in time.”
It’s being dubbed the ‘vinyl revival.’ According to Billboard Magazine, in 2022 more than 43 million vinyl records were sold nationwide. That’s up 4.2%, around four percent from the previous year. According to Verified Market Research, the global vinyl record market was valued at $1.98 billion in 2022 and is projected to be valued at $4.12 billion by 2030.
First “Everything Entertaining Expo” coming to Arnot Mall
Some say it’s to physically own the music you like, unlike Spotify and Apple Music.
“With streaming and digital, many times you don’t actually own the music you’re downloading. At any point, Spotify, YouTube Music, any of those streaming services can always remove music. Look at Neil young, who had his music removed from Spotify and the only way you can really enjoy that music was having it physically,” said co-owner of Squatch Den Records Aaron Cullen.
Others say it’s influenced by popular artists and artwork.
“The artists themselves push it. the fad of it, like you can’t see a commercial anymore even if it’s like selling insurance without a record being played in the background. Some of them don’t even have a record player yet, but they’re buying it just for that artwork alone,” said co-owner of Squatch Den Records Ashley Cullen.
It also makes listeners feel more connected to the music they’re listening to.
“There is a different kind of enjoyment that you get from having something physically versus having something digitally. You can touch it, you can hold it, you can share it with people. Show your friends. and that’s another part of it is the whole collectibility part. People like to own things and when you can actually physically hold it versus something that’s stored on a cell phone or on a website, it’s a lot more enjoyable.”
New Green Day album “listening party” Saturday at Arnot Mall
There are two big events coming up for record collectors in the area. Sunday March 24, 2024 is the Everything Entertaining Expo here at the Arnot Mall. April 20, 2024 is Record Store Day at record stores across the Twin Tiers. Deals from independent record stores are expected for the day.
For more information on Squatch Den Records, click here.
For more information on Record Store Day, click here.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
