Ready to ditch your Spotify subscription? With digital music now accounting for at least 77% of consumer spending in the music industry, there’s never been a more critical time to support your favourite artists. By choosing to buy physical albums and EPs in vinyl format, you’ll be supporting the artist without paying the middle man too.
If you’ve never bought or played a record before, knowing where to start can be tricky. Whether you’re building your collection or choosing a turntable for the first time, here’s why you should start buying your favourite albums on vinyl.
What is vinyl?
Vinyl records – often known as LPs or EPs – are a physical music format made with a type of plastic called PVC. They look a little bit like large CDs, but they’re usually black in colour and have small, circulargrooves from the middle to the outer side.
When the record spins on a turntable, it creates vibrations. These are converted into electrical signals by a small needle, which carries the signals to electronic amps – in turn, these vibrate and feed soundto your speakers or Hi-Fi system.
The result: an authentic, customisable listening experience that looks almost as good as it sounds.
What’s good about vinyl?
There are plenty of benefits to playing your favourite artists on vinyl. As soon as you place a record onto the turntable and start to spin it, you’ll hear the distinctive white noise sound. When the music starts to play, bright, warm, and clear tones give it an unmistakeable sound.
Many fans who listen to vinyl start building their own collection, which can become an attractive display. The records provide the means to connect with music in a more tangible way, including sharing collections.
Which artists release new music on vinyl?
Some of the biggest names in music are now putting out vinyl editions of their albums.In 2021, vinyl LPs made up over 25% of all UK music purchases in a physical format.
Superstars around the world including Taylor Swift, Harry Styles and Gorillaz are still releasing new music on vinyl. However, it’s equally possible to find new editions of classic albums, including the likes of Rumours by Fleetwood Mac.
Furthermore, it’s becoming even easier to incentivise and encourage fans to buy vinyl. Record stores often host listening events and live acoustic shows to celebrate the launch of a new album. And in many record stores, you’ll receive early access to gig tickets or digitalvoucher codes when you pre-order new vinyl records.
The vinyl comeback: A short summary
Vinyl records offer a better listening experience. They have a warmer feel, there’s more clarity in the sound quality, and they offer a nostalgic throwback for many. They also look wonderful arranged in a collection in modern interiors too.
What’s more, many artists choose to add playful inserts into the sleeve of your new LP – so, whether it’s a colourful poster or a sheet with the lyrics to each track, it’s not unusual to receive more than just the music when you buy an LP.