Vinyl resurgence brings back the magic of analog music

Any true-blue music lover from the English pop and rock era would rave about the beauty of vinyl records. In 2022, vinyl records worth $1.2billion (Rs 120 crores) were sold in the US. Though niche, vinyl records are seeing a resurgence in India as well, with dedicated stores selling vinyl records and record players to young music connoisseurs and collectors. What’s fuelling this comeback? Let’s find out...

41 million: Number of vinyl records sold in 2022 the US alone
(Source: Recording Industry Association of America)

‘Digital formats are no match’
For 25-year-old entrepreneur Aditya Jayakumar, listening to music on his record player is like digital detox. “It's a sensory escape. The tactile sensation of flipping through my vinyl collection, carefully placing the needle on the record and surrendering to the analog warmth is therapy for my soul,” he says, adding that digital formats can’t match the beauty and quality of a vinyl record. "Some people use records as a part of their home decor, but for me they are storytellers of a bygone era. The turntable transports me to the roots of music, allowing me to savour its history in its most unfiltered form,” says Aditya.


Rs3000-25000: Price range of vinyl records, depending on their quality
Rs 1-4 lakh: Price of a decent quality record player


Preserving Nostalgia in a Modern World
Nostalgia has a big role to play in the revival of vinyl records. A vibrant community of vinyl enthusiasts has developed of late. They meet up at cafes, record stores, or even online to share recommendations and revel in the vinyl vibe. “I grew up listening to vinyls and dancing to the tracks. Records still fascinate me and whenever I visit home, I make sure to turn on my record player. It brings back a part of my childhood,” shares Srija Biswas, a 21-year-old Mass Communication student.


For the love of vinyls
At his shop in the lanes of Pune’s Camp area, Mahendra Dave houses a wide selection of vinyl records. From The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton’s records to Hans Zimmer and Michael Jackson’s soundtracks, Mahendra has it all. “Vinyl record is the purest form of music, while digital is nothing but a storage medium,” he says, adding that most of his clientele, a mix of young and old, shops for vinyl records and record players online.