The Future of Vinyl Records

At one time, vinyl records used to be the only way to hear your favorite songs and albums. Listeners would push through the crackling sounds, upkeep their turntables and replace their worn out vinyl with extended use. Today, listeners have it easier than ever with digital downloads and streaming subscriptions.

With more convenient technology on the market, why might vinyl be coming back? An increase in physical record sales leads us to believe that vinyl is here to stay.

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Why Is Vinyl Becoming Popular Again?

It’s no secret that some of the top artists around the world are releasing their music on vinyl alongside digital platforms. Pop artists including Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Ed Sheeran are a few notable names to drop.

Vinyl seems to be an out-of-date way of listening to music, but there’s always the argument that “vinyl sounds better.” Whether you prefer vinyl or digital media is entirely your choice, but it’s true that vinyl record sales are increasing. Why might this be if the technology is decades old?

The vinyl comeback may have something to do with smartphones being “too smart.” Our devices keep us connected to so many outlets that the art we love feels like just another social media notification. Vinyl records provide a true interaction with music as we flip each record from side to side and put effort into album selection.

Modern Music on Vinyl

If you play your cards right, buying a vinyl release can be quite the package deal. Modern music on vinyl comes with lyric inserts, posters, photos of the artist and even a digital download card. There’s a novelty associated with vinyl music that’s stripped away by a streaming service.

It’s impossible to predict the future of vinyl records, but it seems that they’re here to stay for the right target audience.

Playing Modern Vinyl and Oldies

The vinyl comeback features new technology around records. Turntables now come in a variety of shapes and sizes for consumers with capabilities of the current era. USB turntables allow listeners to record LP’s, connect to Bluetooth speakers, control movements with mobile apps and more.

Record production hasn’t changed much at all over the past several decades, but how we play vinyl combines newer technology for positive results.

Collecting Vinyl Requires Patience

Consumers don’t always realize it, but pressing vinyl is much more expensive than uploading to a streaming service. Record labels and independent artists dish out more money to get their albums pressed to vinyl in hopes that consumers buy these records. Analyzing digital downloads and streams does not guarantee physical record sales.

The future of vinyl is a bit of a gamble, but records will most likely live on in the form of limited runs and special editions. Pressing records isn’t a quick process. Orders frequently get postponed, as 30+-year-old technology can’t always keep up with demand.

Consumers are drawn to splatter paint and colorful vinyl releases because they’re rare collections. You and a friend might have the same album, but a different pressing keeps modern vinyl exciting and fresh. Generally, the thicker the pressing, the better the record sounds and holds up. Therefore, the future of vinyl is most definitely 180 gram for rich playback and durability.

Contact Record Head for Vinyl Records

Record Head supplies new and used vinyl for sale and purchase. If you’re looking to expand your current record collection, be sure to contact us today for more information about our inventory and upcoming releases. Record Head is your one stop shop for electronics and media. You can also shop our records online.

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