How the vinyl revival fills the gaps streaming left behind
6 hours ago
- #Music Economics
- #Cultural Trends
- #Vinyl Revival
- A father reflects on the preference for vinyl records over digital streaming, using a Kolkata shopping trip as a starting point to explore global vinyl trends.
- Global vinyl sales are growing, driven by Gen Z and a desire to disconnect from digital life, with the market projected to reach $3.6 billion by 2034.
- In countries like Japan and South Korea, vinyl purchases demonstrate loyalty and provide access to exclusive artist events, fostering a sense of community.
- Brazil has seen a vinyl revival with reissues of obscure music not available on streaming, revitalizing careers like that of singer Cátia de França.
- India's vinyl infrastructure is expanding, with a new pressing plant opening in Mumbai in 2024, supporting local demand for physical music.
- The appeal of vinyl lies in the tangible, ritualistic experience—such as flipping records and avoiding algorithms—echoed by young listeners worldwide.