Our passion for music has taken over our lives, becoming so much more than just a listening experience. If you’re like us and have an interest in vinyl and turntables, this guide is for you.
Read on to discover five reasons why you should join us and start collecting vinyl… immediately!
1. Vinyl Collecting Builds Connections
When you start collecting vinyl, you’ll find yourself connecting with like-minded individuals, whether it be at the record store or on an online forum.
For the most part, the vinyl-collecting community is an uplifting one; there will always be someone with stacks of information about your record of choice. This community spirit is what keeps record stores full, as just like any type of hobby, it creates bonds between strangers.
Vinyl collecting isn’t just helpful for building connections with strangers. You may also find yourself building stronger connections with family members, too. The history of the record player dates back to the ‘60s, so there’s a very high chance your parents or grandparents will want to rejoin in on the fun (or show off their own collection!).
Guess what – the unity of vinyl collecting doesn’t stop there. Getting friends involved with vinyl collecting improves the experience even more so. Gift-giving will suddenly become a whole lot easier and you’ll always have something to do – whether it be shopping for vinyl or listening to vinyl.
2. The Search For Records Is Fun
Speaking of shopping for vinyl, the search for a must-have record is all part of the fun! This can be done both online and in-store, so it’s super easy and accessible for absolutely anyone.
Some records are like gold dust, meaning when you find them, you have to hold on tight. This is particularly the case with older records, but nothing quite compares to the satisfaction of finding one after weeks of searching.
Of course, you don’t have to search for records with an end goal in mind. Browsing through stacks of records creates an unmatchable feeling of excitement and also allows you to discover different artists and songs. Just pick out whatever catches your eye and see where it takes you!
3. It Improves Your Listening Experience
There’s no denying that streaming platforms are incredibly convenient. You can listen to a song in an instant and skip to the next one just as quickly. However, with vinyl, you have no choice but to listen to the full album in all its glory.
Some may argue that this is a con of vinyl, but if you’re a music appreciator like us, it’s certainly a benefit. As your vinyl touches the turntable and the music starts to play, you are invited to an intimate listening experience without the distraction of other songs.
When you focus on one album and nothing else, you’ll find yourself picking out elements that you hadn’t even noticed before. Whether it be a certain instrumental or meaningful lyric, the experience becomes a special one.
4. You Get To Enjoy The Artwork
They say never judge a book by its cover, but when collecting vinyl, the artwork is all part of the experience.
Vinyl records are works of art; a whole lot of thought goes into the outer sleeve, inner sleeve, and record itself. While some artists prefer to go minimal, others like to experiment with bold colours and patterns. It’s this diversity that makes this experience all the more enticing.
Very few other music platforms allow for as much creativity as vinyl records do. And, having a physical copy of the album artwork in your hands is a hell of a lot more effective than seeing it on a small screen. It’s time to give the cover artists the credit they deserve.
5. Vinyl Sounds Better
We’ve covered why vinyl collecting is so great, but what about the actual listening experience. Do people actually play their records, or do they just keep them in a box collecting dust?
It is true that some people collect vinyl without even owning a record player, but if you want to embrace the full experience, listening to the vinyl is a must. The listening experience is truly the cherry on top.
We are strong believers that vinyl sounds better than digital for a whole range of reasons, including:
- High-quality music at all volumes
- The music isn’t compressed
- It creates a warm nostalgic sound
The list of reasons why we prefer vinyl could go on forever. We understand that listening to music is a completely personal experience, though, so we encourage you to make a decision for yourself. We’d love to hear your thoughts.
It’s Time To Get Started
Whether you already have a few records lying around or are starting fresh, there’s absolutely no reason as to why you shouldn’t collect vinyl. The experience is like no other, and once you start collecting, you’ll find that there are plenty more than five reasons to carry on.
If you’re hooked on the idea of vinyl collecting but unsure of where to start, check out our vinyl collecting guide for more information. This guide is full of tips and tricks, helping you to get the most out of your experience.
Now that you know why collecting vinyl is so great and how to get started, head on down to your nearest record store and let the fun begin. Alternatively, browse online to find the records of your favourite artists. Enjoy the spontaneity of the hobby and build a collection worth showing off!
