Back on Record: How Vinyl is Outliving the Digital Music Era: The resurgence of vinyl records in recent years is a fascinating testament to the enduring allure of analog sound. Once thought to be a relic of the past, vinyl has made a dramatic comeback, appealing to audiophiles and collectors alike. Amidst this revival, Onyx Record Press, a US-based plant, is at the forefront of revolutionizing the vinyl pressing industry, aiming to significantly reduce turnaround times and offer low-quantity prints, a move that could have significant implications for artists and the music industry.
Essex, UK | Record shop Vinyl Hunter Essex to close its Elmstead Market site: A village music shop is closing its doors to the public after six years, as its owners look to take the business in a “different direction.” The record purveyors behind Vinyl Hunter have announced they are shutting down their shop in Allens Farm, in Tye Road, Elmstead Market. The store – one of two Vinyl Hunter sites, the other being in Bury St Edmunds – would normally be open on Saturdays between 10am and 5pm. However, bosses have now made the difficult decision to shut the shop and will now be holding a special closing sale on December 15 offering 25 per cent off second-hand records. Archie Brewer, Vinyl Hunter Essex manager, explained the reason behind the closure. He said: “We wanted to take the business in a different direction, there is more opportunity to do something different. “We also want to concentrate on our main flagship store in Bury St Edmunds.”
Brighton, UK | First look at new seafront hotel with vinyl music library and turntables in each room: A new hotel with views of the West Pier will open in the city. No. 124 by Guest House, in King’s Road, Brighton will have 32 rooms in a Regency-style building. The hotel will have an outdoor terrace bar, a restaurant called Pearly Cow and rooms for events. The 65 seat restaurant will serve seafood, grilled meats, and vegetables. Classic favourites will also be on offer, including the eponymous signature dish, The Pearly Cow, which combines 45-day aged fillet of beef tartare. At the side of the restaurant is a private dining room with space to seat up to 16 guests and an extra space for guests to gather and enjoy pre-dinner drinks and nibbles. It will also have a pantry where guests can help themselves to sweets and snacks on the first floor and a vinyl record library in the reception where guests can pick records to play in the Crosley record players in the rooms.
UK | The vinyl resurgence: why are records making a comeback? …In spite of this seemingly superficial reason to bring back vinyl records, supporting your local record store is a valuable way to keep the love for this physical form of music alive, and creates a wholesome community where people can enjoy the music they love in the physical form of vinyl that they desire. The exposure to this is up and coming, and is aided by Record Store Day, beginning in 2007, where the community of independent record store owners come together to celebrate and acknowledge the importance of the role they play in the distribution of vinyl. The resurgence of vinyl records primarily fosters a sense of community and an appreciation for the tangible beauty of music. Vinyl transcends through generations, bridging generations together and creates a timeless love for music.
Athens, OH | Why I collect vinyl records: …These stories about my own record collection are ultimately the reasons why I collect vinyl. I could go on about the technology of vinyl and how it enhances the sound and listening experience. While this is true, I think the main reason most collectors hang on to their records these days is because they carry so much sentimental value. When I flip through my own collection, each album is connected to a person, place, or memory. My roommate bought me “Ride The Lightning” by Metallica because we first met at their concert. I’ll never forget when Lana Del Rey’s “Blue Banisters” was released, and my friend and I spent a day going to our favorite record store to buy it. Even when I stream these albums on Spotify, the memories attached to them are always there. Owning records has further connected me and my life to the music I already love.
How do you look after vinyl records: Do you have a vinyl collection? While record sales have ebbed and flowed, listening to music on a turntable has never gone out of style. Lisa Leong spoke with Bruce Milne, co-owner at Greville Records in Prahran, to find out about the latest tech and sounds. What is the next way to maintain our record players? Are new releases still issued as records? And is there any coming back from a melted record?
