by Jude Henderson

Music. It's ever-present. Music defines us. It moves us. Music documents human history, our place in time and the emotional zeitgeist in that moment. Our modern lives allow for instant access to music through phones and technology. Has humanity begun to lack appreciation for music due to this? In this article, I will bring you through my early childhood and how, in recent years, physical music formats have returned in striking numbers.

In all my cherished childhood memories, music has been a constant. From the meticulously curated family mixtapes we would listen to on long car rides to the endless games of "guess that artist" when a song came on the radio, music has always been there, serving as the soundtrack of my childhood.

Every single day, I take some time to reflect on the beautiful musical upbringing that I had. I feel incredibly grateful for all the lessons on music history and theory that have shaped my life. Exposure to diverse artists and genres helped me develop a deep appreciation for music, a feeling that is sadly not universally shared. The rhythmic resonance of music can transform one's emotions in a way that no other art form can (in my experience). Over the years, my appreciation grew into a passion for music. I actualized this passion by embracing physical formats such as vinyl records and CDs. There's something extraordinary about holding a physical copy of an album and immersing yourself in the music you love. Physical music formats radiate a warmth that truly draws you in; imagining the artist/band performing right before you is easy. 

Throughout this article, I have included pictures of some of my favourite vinyls. 

While personal experience is important, I am not alone in this endeavour of embracing music through physical forms! A study by Luminate, a market research firm, recently published its year-end sales report highlighting an intriguing trend in the music industry. The report suggests that direct-to-consumer vinyl records and CD sales in the United States have significantly increased, surpassing the music industry's average growth rate. Notably, over 60% of these sales are driven by current or recently released music demand. 

The resurgence of physical music formats can be traced back to four significant factors that have converged recently. These include the impact of the ongoing pandemic, the influence of Taylor Swift's work, the appeal of limited edition products, and the growing interest in aesthetics.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes in our digital consumption patterns. The physical and social restrictions have led to a greater desire for authentic and meaningful connections both socially and through artistic expression. Amidst the chaos, this need has manifested in music as a robust and resilient companion for many, providing comfort and solace during these challenging times. Resulting in an upsurge of users on streaming services; this is not to the detriment of physical music media. It has helped pique interest. This is with the increased promotion of physical music formats and merchandise in response to the limited live music industry. 

I have personally experienced a shift in my musical preferences. While streaming services provide convenient access to music, the experience feels impersonal and lacks the emotional connection I crave. As a result, I turned to vinyl, discovering the joy of listening to albums in their entirety and initiating family listening parties. This transformed how I experienced music and strengthened the emotional bonds between my loved ones and me through our shared passion for music—appreciating an album as storytelling, and experiencing the world created by the whole art form and intentionality of track order and creative purpose. This rediscovered way of listening to music might have been lost to time without the influence of the pandemic.

Our second pushing factor. The one. The only. Taylor Swift. 

Taylor Swift is a leading voice for the younger generations, including (but not limited to) Gen Z and Millennials, and has catalyzed change in the music industry. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Swift has expanded her music empire and paved the way for a new era. She released three new albums during quarantine and began re-releasing her albums, each accompanied by limited edition vinyl releases. A stroke of genius from Swift was to place additional tracks (not released on streaming) on the physical formats of her albums. Not only did this add a personal touch for her fans, but she also made vinyl and other physical formats more digestible and desirable to young audiences. She tapped into a dying market and set it ablaze.

The third major factor, briefly discussed earlier, is the allure of limited edition releases. In recent years, vinyl records have experienced a resurgence in popularity, with the vinyl community growing beyond just audiophiles and collectors. This transformation is partly attributed to independent record-pressing companies like Blood Records. These companies have helped to create a more inclusive space for vinyl enthusiasts by offering a unique combination of high-quality sound and artistic creativity. They carved out a niche. 

Blood Records and similar companies have revolutionized the vinyl industry by providing a more personalized experience for their customers. They often release surprise drops of limited edition vinyl records, creating excitement and exclusivity among their fanbase. As a result, customers feel a solid connection to these companies because they can own a piece of art that is both rare and meaningful. 

These record-pressing companies prioritize quality over quantity, using high-end equipment and techniques to produce vinyl records that sound better than ever before. They also collaborate with artists to create visually stunning album covers and packaging, elevating vinyl records beyond a music format to a work of art. Overall, the vinyl community owes a lot to independent record pressing companies like Blood Records, who have helped to make vinyl records more accessible, diverse, and exciting than ever before.

In 2022, almost 50% of people who purchase vinyl records do not own a record player. This Luminate statistic highlights the fact that the appeal of vinyl goes beyond its practicality and functionality. Instead, it is primarily driven by the unique aesthetic it offers. The resurgence of vintage fashion and the growing popularity of retro trends on social media platforms, such as TikTok, Pinterest, VSCO, and Instagram, further fuels this aesthetic appeal of owning physical music. It is not just about the auditory pleasure of listening to music but also about the tangible expression of individuality that comes with displaying vinyl records, cassettes, and CDs as wall art. In this sense, owning physical music has become a statement of personal style and a way to showcase one's unique taste in music to the world.

The resurgence of vinyl records indicates that physical music has returned. It's not just about the numbers; it's about the enduring power of music to shape and define eras. Vinyl has evolved from an audio medium to a cherished aesthetic symbol, reflecting our collective desire for tangible connections in a digital age. The renewed popularity of vinyl records is not just a retro revival but a complex cultural movement driven by a desire for genuine connections, artistic expression, the appeal of uniqueness, and a newfound appreciation for the visual aspect of physical music. As we embrace vinyl in the modern era, we redefine how we experience and value music as an art form. Each person has their way of appreciating music, and I hope this has moved you as a reader to find a deeper connection to music in your own unique way. This comeback isn't just a trend; it's a cultural resurgence echoing through the grooves of our shared experience, a symphony of resurgent beats and timeless melodies.

by Jude Henderson