Grabbing the vinyl, taking it out of the sleeve, setting it on the player, positioning the needle, turning the volume up and settling into the music. The steps of putting on a record are intentional; the listener not only has a longer setup, but also deliberately chooses an artist and album. The routine becomes an art within itself, turning listening into a meaningful, personal experience.
Many collectors describe how buying a vinyl makes the purchasing and listening experience more dedicated than streaming. Sam Wade, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and guitarist for Hadestown National Tour, said the rise of streaming services has affected the way people listen to music.
“When services like Spotify were new, it was even different than Napster or eMusic or Limewire,” Wade said. “Suddenly, you could have millions of songs in your pocket at any time. It’s a blessing and a curse because there’s the promise of option and choice, but also it’s overwhelming. I think vinyl consolidates the experience into something manageable while also being collectible. It’s an amazing way to discover forgotten masterpieces.”
According to Wade, there are many reasons why younger generations have turned to vinyl in a world full of streaming services. Wade said vinyls provide a different way of experiencing music, one that streaming services can’t replicate, and connects to humans on a more personal level.
“[Listening to vinyls] feels more meaningful,” Wade said. “Music can be a reflection of your personality, ideas and style. Having a record is a physical representation of those subjective things. I also think younger listeners have grown up with the internet and digital offerings, and in some ways that feels commonplace and old already. AI is complicating that even further. Things like vinyl[s] tap us back into something human. It has to be created through hard work, collaboration and a creative spark that goes deeper than I think most people actively consider, but they pick up on it emotionally and psychologically.”
Many record stores sell vinyls in the local area, including Euclid Records. Deanna Sorenson, employee, said the store brings people together even though there are many different types of music. She said vinyl is not only an art, but a calm in a chaotic world.
“[Vinyls] foster joy in the community and are there for people,” Sorenson said. “Art is necessary and especially not supporting streaming is a very political [act].”
Many students collect vinyls, investing time and spending money on their collections. Owen Howell, senior, has a collection and setup that he said he has spent thousands of dollars on.
“I love Spotify [because] I can listen to anything, anywhere, but it doesn’t quite feel the same as listening to records,” Howell said. “I listen to Spotify so that I can listen to music, and I listen to records because I get to listen to music.”
According to Sorenson, listening to vinyls is very particular. She said vinyls and other physical forms of music will always be prominent because of the personal and intentional experience they provide.
“[Physical music] is a sort of an active resistance [in] an active community,” Sorenson said. “[The community] is a place people can gather, and [it] brings joy to people.”
