Chances Are You Won’t Even Listen to Those Vinyl Records
Today (4-16) is the vaunted “Record Store Day” where active and conscientious participants in the independent music economy are venturing out to their local record stores to give an extra stimulus to commerce by buying limited-run special releases and other goodies at their local establishments.
Though Record Store Day has its critics, it’s hard to not say it’s helped the huge resurgence in vinyl records over the last few years, which has delivered needed support behind local establishments that are not only able to retain their presence in local communities, but in some cases are now even expanding. Some of the growing pains of recent years for Record Store Day, where the lack of vinyl manufacturers was squeezing out many of the small-time artists and labels that the music holiday was meant to help as well, have been wrinkled out due to dozens of new presses coming on line, and streamlining of supply chains.
Read (from the archive) – Broken Record: Why Record Store Day Is Not Working
Furthermore, purchasing vinyl has arguably never been more helpful to the folks on the cool side of the music economy. Recent studies have proven that vinyl sales account for more revenue for the biz and artists than all the free streaming combined. Though some thought vinyl was a fad, it’s slice of the music pie continues to grow. And all of a sudden, what looked like a dying music concept—the local record store—is finding new life, and offering both physical product, and other important functions like meetup locations and in-store performances for local communities.
This is all well and great, but a recent study by ICM Unlimited says that many of the people who purchase vinyl records actually have no intention of ever listening to them. Some of these consumers never use their turntables, and some don’t even have turntables at all. It’s more about simply owning the physical product, supporting their favorite artists, or perhaps even an element of fashion to own vinyl that’s driving the market.
The ICM Unlimited study found that out of the people who purchase vinyl, 41% have a turntable, but don’t use it. 7% of vinyl buyers don’t even have a turntable. And 15% of vinyl purchasers say they buy the records fully intending not to listen to them (and even more apparently don’t). Also, 45% of vinyl buyers say they stream the album before buying on vinyl, so even though vinyl is coming back, streaming still plays a role in the process.
Here’s the helpful infographic that’s being passed around.
Something else ICM Unlimited found was that vinyl purchasers are not as chintzy as other music listeners.
Vinyl listeners are:
- twice as likely to say they are likely to spend more than they intended
- three times more likely to say they are happy to pay more
- nearly four times as likely to attend events in the store
- four times as likely to have a local store that they visit regularly
- five times as likely to say they don’t have a local store but they will regularly make a trip to visit one.
The study also found demand for vinyl is still growing, and that even cassettes are making a comeback in the physical music resurgence.
All of this is good and welcomed news for the independent music economy, but hey, why not also show some love to those vinyl records by actually listening to them. Purchasing vinyl records and knowing your doing your part to help support the local music economy is only part of the fun. The true payoff is putting a vinyl record on, slowing down, and basking a high-hi listening experience with your favorite music. Besides, if folks aren’t actually listen to the records, how long is the vinyl trend going to last?
Happy hunting. And listening.
Jake G
April 16, 2016 @ 9:20 am
I wonder if Americans’ patterns are the same as music fans in the UK where this data is from.
Trigger
April 16, 2016 @ 9:35 am
Anecdotally, I can tell you this happens all of the time. I know lots of folks who own turntables and big vinyl collections, and it”™s where the dust settles in the house. Hell I”™ll even admit that my turntable doesn”™t get the workout it should. I”™m just too busy. I also review lots of music that I receive digitally, so maybe I”™m not the best test case, but when I saw this study, the first thing I thought was, “Of course.”
Also, some folks don”™t listen to their RSD purchases because they want to keep them sealed as collector”™s items. This was an important point sort of lost in the study.
Jake G
April 16, 2016 @ 9:50 am
Thinking more on it, this piece had me wondering about the vinyl re-releases of existing albums. I already find that trend hard to fathom. They’re definitely not collector’s items, if half the people that get them don’t even listen to them are those records mostly functioning as decor or something?
Whiskeytown
April 16, 2016 @ 10:18 am
I enjoy listening to vinyl. I find I actually listen to the entire album instead of skipping songs.
Knowing that most of the album sales from independent artist goes directly to the Artist, is a big factor into why I buy vinyl. The plus side is, you usually get a digital download as well. It’s a win win and usually only about 5-10 bucks more than just the cd.
karl
April 16, 2016 @ 10:22 am
I feel that kids nowadays are getting the shaft. They don’t know the pure joy of browsing through rack after rack of lp’s. I could easily spend two or three hours just flipping records, if I didn’t have my other half with me. And even though digital has taken a front seat, I still buy vinyl monthly, and use the turntable.
Whiskeytown
April 16, 2016 @ 10:37 am
Agreed, Going into an actual record store is one of the best ways to find new artist and talk to others about all sorts of music.
My favorite store was Sundance Records in San Marcos. The owner was great, he would strike up a conversation and before I knew it, I had been in there for an hour or so. It was just fun to go in and listen to what he was playing that day over the speakers.
Coop
April 18, 2016 @ 8:47 am
Superfly’s (Lone Star Music Emporium) in San Marcos is still a jamming spot to get records. I don’t live close enough to be a regular, but every time I visit, I make a point to stop by.
Whiskeytown
April 18, 2016 @ 10:01 am
This is where Sundance Records was located before they closed. Lonestar music moved from downtown Gruene, to their current spot in San Marcos. But yes, Lonestar Music is still a very good record store.
JohnWayneTwitty
April 16, 2016 @ 11:58 am
100% of me doesn’t give a .01% rats ass about what people think.
I have a little over 400 records and haven’t listened to them all.
Yet.
The whole reason I buy records is because I realized how it was impossible to find CDs of Eddy Arnold, Conway Twitty, Kenny Rogers, Jerry Reed, Willie Nelson, George Jones, and so many others that were more than just a greatest hits compilation. I have records because I like music. Bro country and country radio led me to vinyl. I have more than 50 combined Waylon, Willie, Kenny, and Conway records because I want to hear Waylon, Willie, Kenny, and Conway, so these (and all other) statistics can go fuck themselves.
Some folks are just trying to be trendy, but some of us enjoy paying 50 cents or $1 for a 40 year old album at an antique store so he/ she can hear lost country music.
Dana M
April 16, 2016 @ 1:59 pm
That’s the reason I buy records too, I found it hard to find certain songs and albums from older artists.
Blackwater
April 16, 2016 @ 12:38 pm
I listen to each record I buy. It’s always to support the artist, and lime the article mentioned I’m fine with overpaying. My general rule is that I have to be able to listen to it front to back for it to stay in my collection.
I just got back from my record store to pick up some rsd stuff. Traded in my unopened Sturgill “Sailors Guide” and got $4.50 of credit. Much rather have…. Well anything else.
JohnWayneTwitty
April 16, 2016 @ 3:01 pm
“My general rule is that I have to be able to listen to it front to back for it to stay in my collection. ”
I have that rule when buying music in general. If they put some pile of crap onto an album, it won’t be mine. It doesn’t have to buy 11 of my favorite songs, but I can’t hate a single song on the album or I won’t own it. For instance, I’ll never onw the Billy Joel album with the “heart attack ack ack ack” song…
Marc
April 16, 2016 @ 12:39 pm
Luckily the local record store is still in business. Listening to albums has become a Sunday ritual. I will say the prices for albums are crazy. I keep an eye out for Keith Whitley albums but I won’t pay 75 bucks on up for something I have on my ipod.
brettp
April 16, 2016 @ 3:11 pm
Very interesting article. I was fortunate enough to inherit a stellar record collection from within my family just because they knew i was a music buff. I enjoy the act of chillin out and winding down while putting an old lp on the turntable. Waylon, Willie, Emmylou, Hag, Kris. Many of their original albums anymore are very hard to locate. Ive participated in a couple of RSD’s and enjoyed it very much. Im very muchin the sticks of Kentucky but head to Lexington quite often. Buying these rare lps and never even giving them a listen is crazy! I bought the limited Live Waylon Concert on white vinyl last year and it absolutely blew me away. To have that sittin on my shelf collecting dust and never hearing it would be doing my ears and soul a big disservice.
albert
April 16, 2016 @ 4:46 pm
”I enjoy the act of chillin out and winding down while putting an old lp on the turntab”
Yeah , I think this is the part of digesting music that a generation or two has missed out on . Sitting down by the turntable , relaxing , reading the jacket ( credits , lyrics , artist info etc… ) being focused on the listening experience and not multi-tasking on a phone , a computer , driving a vehicle , mowing a lawn with earbuds plugged in etc ) . Music has , to a large extent , become wallpaper .
brettp
April 16, 2016 @ 5:52 pm
I agree, it requires more concentration and in some cases even makes more sense symbolically. For instance Willie’s Phases and Stages record. Sometimes even an albums artwork, jacket, and/or sleeve are worth the price of admission. Very few seem to respect the total experience.
Eric
April 17, 2016 @ 4:04 am
For me, the greatest musical pleasure comes when I am listening to my playlist while driving. It certainly isn’t wallpaper. There is something about country music that goes along extremely well with road trips.
Tezca
April 16, 2016 @ 3:44 pm
Circumstances atm has me not able to easily just go and buy something on vinyl(ok not entirely true I can get one online)but then I wouldn’t have a turntable to listen to it. But it sounds cool, I wouldn’t mind having the Countach vinyl record.
brettp
April 16, 2016 @ 5:53 pm
Yeah, that pink vinyl is pretty wild, sounds great for that style of music too.
Cosmic Cowboy
April 16, 2016 @ 5:03 pm
I am a true collector of vinyl and have been since 1966. Yes I am old and still use a turntable and love it. Besides, have you ever tried to clean a nickle bag on a CD? Forget it, but a double album is a dream come true plus yall get something to read while you do it!
Toby in ak
April 16, 2016 @ 5:56 pm
That’s strange. Today I picked up some Linda Ronstadt, Me Street, Ricki Skaggs, Charlie Pride, Vern Gosdin, David Ruffin, Johnny Cash, Sammi Smith, Leon Russel, Eddie Rabbit, Derek and the Dominos, Don Henley, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Joe Walsh and Dizzy Gillespie. Only 1 RSD release. Will listen to them all. I can’t imagine buying a record and not listening to it.
ShadeGrown
April 17, 2016 @ 1:33 am
I started my collection without a turntable in order to showcase my favorite records on my wall. Still don’t have a turntable but still expect to at some point.
Eric
April 17, 2016 @ 4:11 am
It’s worth noting that despite the hype, vinyl sales are still tiny by historical standards. It just seems like a resurgence due to the fact that sales dropped to near zero around 2007. Here’s a chart that puts this topic in perspective:
http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2015/01/20/vinyl-comeback-really-looks-like/
Sarah
April 17, 2016 @ 8:56 am
Honestly what made me the happiest about this article is reading that cassettes may come back. This is welcome news as my car has a cassette deck and a radio. The cassette deck works sometimes and I was thinking of just getting a new radio, but as I also found a place that can fix it, I may go that route, if only I could buy cassettes
KGD
April 17, 2016 @ 9:11 am
Vinyl scratches and it doesn’t travel. I was a textbook case for CDs, then digital. I still listen to albums from beginning to end, just via a different medium.
In fact, I just got done working in the yard to 3 of the 4 Steeldrivers albums, plus Traveller. Couldn’t have hauled my turntable and 4 records out there.
I hope all those folks that hate Sturgill’s album can find something they like so we don’t have to hear them grousing about it even in unrelated threads.
Ron
April 17, 2016 @ 2:18 pm
On the newer vinyl releases…If they are mastered digitally and then pressed to vinyl is the sound essentially the same as CD’s? In others words, DDA as the opposite of AAD which used to be on many CD’s. The recording was still 1’s and 0’s at some point so why would the vinyl be any better?
I understand the interest in older vinyl and I have a lot but I haven’t bought any of the newer releases.
Trigger
April 17, 2016 @ 3:14 pm
It’s different for ever case. Some master to 2-inch tape and go directly to vinyl, some record digitally, but master to 2-inch tape and go to vinyl. Some go digital the entire way, but master taking into consideration vinyl. And some just take raw digital files and send them to the vinyl manufacturer.
PETE MARSHALL
April 17, 2016 @ 3:37 pm
I haven’t bought any vinyl’s in the last 5 years. I have about 300 vinyl’s in my collections mostly old country but the newest is Lee Anny Womack “That’s more where that came from” and I haven’t played them for the last 4 years. I prefer cd’s better.
Travis
April 17, 2016 @ 3:49 pm
I ended up buying a record player after having a subscription to decibel magazine for a couple years and holding on to all the flexi discs that were included in each issue. I had also sent some money to Jayke Orvis and the Broken Band when they had van troubles and were doing a crowd funding thing in which I got a signed vinyl in return. I figured I should at least listen to the flexis and my one vinyl. Since then, I have caught the vinyl bug bad and get a handful a month. I typically pre order my vinyls in the extreme metal genres and hit the local store for used country and blues records. I went to my local record store on RSD after watching Grandpas Cough Medicine live (previously reviewed by Trig and always an awesome show) but only came away with Hag’s tribute to Bob Wills and an old double lp bluegrass comp for a total of $11. It’s awesome to get all these old records for so cheap and I now have a ton of the greats that all have $3.99 and $4.99 price tags. I was thinking of listing some but there’s so many that I love. I say let these idiots buy vinyl and not listen to them so maybe when I buy them used and discounted later on they’re still in great shape.
RedDirtCyclone
April 17, 2016 @ 5:02 pm
About a year ago I was able to go through my Grandpa’s old records and then purchased a record player and one of my favorite things is to sit out on the porch with the vinyl spinning and just enjoying life. I love the sound vinyl more than any other format.
Jack Williams
April 18, 2016 @ 6:51 am
Not me. The notion of buying an album in any format and never listening to it is a completely foreign concept to me.
I left “vinyl” (still feels a bit forced for me to use that word – they’re LPs or records to me) behind in 1987 when I got my first CD player and have had no regrets or much of any kind of romantic feelings about the format. For one thing, my LPs didn’t age very well what with some of the shitty systems they got played in my early record buying years and then the many trips to and from college. The notion that all you had to do was take decent care of a CD and it would always sound the same was a huge selling point. Plus they sounded at least as good as my later vinyl purchases on my mid-range ’80s system at the time. I think I’ll be buying CDs as long as they are available as having the product in my hands and having an album “collection” is still something that brings me comfort. I recently thought about buying one of those U-Turn turntables and maybe I will someday. If I do, I might start dabbling in buying used records. Don’t know that I’ll ever buy new albums in the vinyl format.
Boatwrong
April 18, 2016 @ 7:16 am
I listen to vinyl quite frequently. Many, many people who come to my ponderosa are amazed by a young man having a vinyl collection. I have several hundred albums ranging from lots of George Jones and Willie Nelson and Waylon to all Led Zeppelin’s and Skynyrd’s vinyl (yes even Street Survivors with the flames on the cover). They think it’s before my time (and it is), but the best sound quality is on vinyl. No doubt. Todd Snider’s song “Vinyl Records” says it all.