Vinyl records are no longer old relics of the past, but rather have become the way of the future in terms of experiencing music. With their signature crackling and smooth melodies, many music lovers have found themselves captivated by the sound of vinyl records and the nostalgia of holding an album in their hands. According to a recent article from Billboard, vinyl sales are the highest they’ve been since 1988, and their popularity has been steadily increasing since their comeback. Whether it’s older generations reliving their past or millennials searching for a unique listening experience, vinyl records have a home in today’s digital world.
Lyndsey Havens, senior director of trends and insights at Billboard, had the opportunity to speak about how vinyl records are dominating digital media for Techmodo. She explained how the growing popularity of vinyl is having an impact on physical music sales today, as well as how streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music are serviced as additional tools for consuming music. Despite the easy convenience of streaming, Havens explained why physical sales, such as vinyl, CDs, and cassettes, are still alive and well today—due, in part, to the emotionally connected relationship the fan has with the music itself.
“Vinyl is sharing a spotlight with digital releases, in part, because fans experience the music differently,” Havens said. “They see and feel the album art, the liner notes, and the music itself unfolding over the course of the entire side, taking in the texture, depth, and nuances of sound and music in a way they can’t get through streaming services.”
This curated listening experience that vinyl records offer consumers is what Havens believes is driving their popularity.
As vinyl records continue to claim a significant share of physical music sales, music fans can expect to see them gain even more attention. With many notable acts like The National, Lana Del Rey, and Radiohead releasing limited edition vinyls, more and more music fans, young and old, are discovering—or rediscovering—the vinyl experience. With vinyl records continuing to reign supreme, physical music sales are thriving due to their captivating feel and sound, proving that no matter how digitized the music industry may become, there will always be a place for the physical experience.
Hey Subscribe to our newsletter for more articles like this directly to your email.