From 2009 – 2015, vinyl sales have increased 260% (Brannen, 2015). I believe
vinyl records are on the rise multiple reasons. Many sources say it is all about
nostalgia. Sure, that may be the reason people 40 or older are purchasing vinyl,
however that cannot be the only reason. In 2015, half of the record buyers were age
35 or younger (GM, 2016). Most of this age group has never had a record player
before so they are not affected by nostalgia. I think it has something to do with vinyl
being tangible and a new way to listen to music. Vinyl has a distinctive lack of audio
cleanness and perfection, which we are; use to while listening to music digitally
(Brannen, 2015). This is new and different to the younger population so they find it
intriguing.
I think that part of the reason Millennials are buying vinyl is because it is another
way to be social. For example, you can go over to a friend’s house hang out, listen to
music, and compare record collections. You can even trade some records. Also the
process of collecting is appealing. You can individualize yourself based on your
record collection. Shopping for vinyl becomes a ritual. First you spend time browsing
