Exploring the Wonders of Vinyl
- Je-Anne Bonnick
- Oct 2, 2024
- 3 min read
What is Vinyl?
Vinyl, scientifically known as Polyvinyl chloride, is coined to be one of the world’s most
versatile plastics. This is because it is used to produce numerous items from food wrap, auto
body parts and what we will be focusing on today, vinyl records.
Although Vinyl records are made from plastic, they are very resourceful and can be recycled into new materials years after they have been made. Due to this and many other factors, we have started to see a resurgence in the usage of Vinyl records. We currently live in the digital era where technology has supreme rein, as was discussed in our September monthly article. Due to this, for the most part, music and photography have primarily shifted to digital formats.
Despite this dominance, we are still seeing a resurgence in the demand for Vinyl records.
Diving further into the factors. As mentioned earlier, there are many factors that have largely increased the prevalence of Vinyl records . These range from a desire for authenticity to even the impact of the pandemic.
❖ Nostalgia
Before the digital era, internet access was not as widespread as it is now. As such, different forms of entertainment were utilized, like Vinyl records, cassette tapes, CDs and much more.
But as we became more digitalised, these tangible forms of entertainment were used less and less, that was until the resurgence brought them back.
Nostalgia has played a significant role in the revival of Vinyl records. Many people long for the
days when music consumption was more tactile and involved. Many say they miss the
authenticity of having something tangible to feel and vinyl records, in particular, provide a great way to reconnect with that simpler time. The authenticity of holding a vinyl record offers a sense of connection to the past that digital formats can’t replicate. For some, it’s a way to relive memories, while others are drawn to stories from their parents and grandparents, eager to share in those experiences
❖ Pandemic
The pandemic was a time where many people had the opportunity to develop new hobbies and skills, freely express this in the comfort of their homes as well as easily tune into social media .
As a result of this, there was a tremendous increase in influencers, performers and even artists, both in the music and art industry. Trends like painting vinyl records and showcasing room or dorm tours with the records displayed on the walls became popular ways to stay creative and connected during this time. Due to the desire to fit in and be creative, many people ordered the records in hopes of keeping up with the times and as a way to artistically express themselves. As such, the pandemic helped to catapult the spread of vinyl records.
❖ Aesthetics
As the spread of Vinyl records continues, so too has their design and reachability continue to
grow. This is due to the massive growth in the music industry with different artists producing
many albums and songs , each with a unique and special design. Fans and any other persons that see these vinyls consider them to be more than just the artist’s music but rather, as art that can be displayed.
Despite our growing reliance on digital technologies, there remains a deep-rooted love for the
authentic experiences we either grew up with or have heard about. The resurgence of vinyl
records is a perfect example of this enduring connection to the past.
So, have you ever bought a Vinyl Record before?
References:
(n.d.). 3740bf453f042820158f1329f1b120a2.jpg
An Introduction to Vinyl. (2001, October 25). AZoM. Retrieved September 15, 2024, from
Jordan, J. (2024, February 7). The Surprising Resurrection of the Vinyl Records Industry in the
Digital Age. Camoin Associates. Retrieved September 15, 2024, from
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