Vinyl Records Surge in Popularity Among Students

Vinyl records have recently seen a resurgence in popularity, notably among the younger generation, with students finding themselves drawn to the timeless allure of the classic medium. According to the Recording Industry Association of America's report, 2022 marked a milestone year where vinyl sales outperformed CD sales for the first time in decades.

The Appeal of Tangible Music

For senior Bob Emrich, who has worked at the Record Outlet in Thousand Oaks for more than three years, the desire to work at a record store was a long-standing dream since his teenage years. Emrich, an avid record collector since the age of eight, finds great value in the physicality of records and CDs, appreciating the ability to hold the music, view the artwork, and read lyrics directly from the packaging.

From DJing to Collecting

Senior Rufus Florin has integrated vinyl into his hobby as a DJ, valuing the authenticity and skill required to mix using records. Despite the steep learning curve, he compares the experience to driving a manual car versus an automatic; it requires more focus but rewards with a unique feel. Florin predicts that vinyl will hold a prominent place in his life, envisioning it as central to his future home's living room decor over a TV.

First-year student Kamea Miranda shares this enthusiasm, collecting records for their artwork and exclusive packaging, despite not owning a record player herself. She finds joy in the tangibility and collectible aspect, likening it to book collecting, and appreciates vinyl as a means to visually express personal interests.

Vinyl's Rekindled Charm

The pandemic era saw a surprising uptick in vinyl sales, with record stores like the Record Outlet witnessing their best sales years in 2020 and 2021. With a captive audience during lockdowns and an appreciation for the aesthetic charm and superior sound quality, vinyl records captivated a new generation. Emrich believes that the convergence of an appealing aesthetic, high sound quality, and the downtime provided by the pandemic contributed to this vinyl revival.

The renewed interest in vinyl records highlights a shift in the way music is consumed, with many students appreciating the unique properties of vinyl that cannot be replicated digitally. This resurgence signals a celebration of music's physicality and the distinct sensory experiences it offers.

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