Why Are 20 Somethings Buying Records?

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Tomorrow is Record Store Day and with vinyl sales increasing in numbers and decreasing in age we were curious to know exactly why people in their 20s are buying vinyl, so we asked a few.

Matt (24) is a lover and producer of music. He’s the kind of person who can tell you the history of how most of the albums he loves were produced. A real hip-hop head who is a pleasure to talk music with. He said:

“I buy vinyl for a few reasons.

The first one is I have something tangible that I can hold and own. Owning music online just doesn’t feel the same.

Secondly, vinyl creates an experience around and about the music. Having to switch sides, maintaining the records, it makes music more than just listening.

Thirdly, vinyl is art. Everything from the album cover, to the liner notes. Vinyl is the equivalent of having paintings or a sculpture in the house.

Lastly, the sound is fuzzy and warm, something I just don’t get from digital copies.”

Jared (24) said:

“The reason I buy vinyl is to showcase my favourite albums. If I love an album, I want to share it. I love this album from start to finish. I can pull it out of the sleeve with excitement and intention to let it play. Buying vinyl is a way to support and connect to the artist. I try and buy most of my records at shows. I assume this helps the artist get as big a chunk as possible.

Album art has always been super important to me. I used to walk through the record stores and buy CDs based purely on the album art. I could look at an album and pretty quickly determine whether it would be something I would like or not (most of the time). Grabbing a vinyl and looking at the continuation of the album art to the liner notes is so fun. I believe that an album is a piece of art and the music is only a part of that art. The consumption of music has taken away a lot of the romance.

The hunt is also a fun part. To be able to take a piece of a show away, to stumble upon one on your list. To see an album and become intrigued enough to buy without a listen trusting that you have discovered a gem.”

The convenience of digital is valued by all, but there seems to be a desire to connect with music in a richer way. To be able to touch, feel and interact with something as special as music has not been reality for many 20 somethings. It is clear that for very few nostalgia would be the reason to jump back to vinyl as they grew up with the CD.

Everyone we talked to had mentioned that it is mainly for the “experience.” Not necessarily the quality of the sound, but the “vibe” of the sound.

The 20 somethings grew up as collectors. Whether it was marbles, POGs, Pokemon cards or sports cards, we like to collect. Vinyl has become another collectors game for many. Matt said quite concisely:

“I’m trying to collect all my favourite records so when the internet breaks, I’ll have something to listen to.”

So why do you buy vinyl? Are 20 somethings delusional in their pursuit of vinyl? Or is the experience we have with art worth pursuing? Let us know!