Vinyl sales volume has returned to double-digit growth in the North American market over the years first half of 2024.
This result follows a sales year that ended with just a figurein 2023.
All these data have been released by the RIAA – Recording Industry Association of America – which represents the record companies, music houses and labels of the territory USAthrough a half-yearly report, which also highlights that the consumption of the vinyl format by fans has improved – a lot – in the country for 17 consecutive yearssomething that was reflected in other international markets.
In July of this year, the RIAA identified relatively modest growth in sales volume compared to the same period in 2023, resulting in 6.6% with 43.2 million units, with a turnover of $1.3 billion (something around R$7.2 billion).
When talking about physical formatwe must also consider the CDwhich has encountered some difficulty in reassessing consumption in the music industry. The RIAA noted that the volume of digital record sales fell 1.9% in 2023sale 37 million copiesa recipe for 537 million dollars.
The key driver behind the increase in vinyl consumption in the US in July is called: Taylor Swift. In more than 34 different versions from the album The Department of Tortured Poetsthe first album of pop star from 2022, his debut in April 19th has led to impressive sales of nearly 860 thousand vinyl records until the end of the month.
Moving away from the North American market, the growth of vinyl record consumption in other international markets has grown significantly. In Europesignificant growth was observed in the sales of “biscuits” in Italywith an increase in the consumption of 16% in the first half of 2024.
The same performance was also seen in Germanywhere the vinyl market has had moderate growth 5.4% in the same period.
Cassettes: Will they make a comeback as successful as vinyl?
The trend of the cassette comeback is interesting, but its longevity is uncertain. Although artists have released albums on this format, the market is still small compared to other means of music reproduction.
THE nostalgia and the collection will increase sales, but their duration will depend on one decisive fact: continued consumer interest.
Cassette sales in Brazil increased by 35% in 2023compared to the previous year. Artists like it Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Adele and Harry Styles have adopted the format when they released their most recent albums, contributing to this resurgence. However, it is still difficult to say whether this trend will last.
The vinyl revival has been successful due to a number of factors
The resurgence of vinyl in recent years can be attributed to several factors. The first of these is the nostalgia And you sentimental value. Many people have an emotional connection with vinyl records, remembering the times when we listened to them on old stereos. Vinyl represents a feeling of authenticity AND history.
Sound quality: Many music lovers believe that the Vinyl offers superior sound qualitywith a warmer, more detailed sound. This is especially true when compared to highly compressed digital audio formats.
Consuming vinyl is not like enjoying streamingwhere the music is at intangible product. LPs allow for tactile experience. The act of removing the record from its case, placing it on the turntable and feeling the needle touch the groove is a unique sensory experience that cannot be replicated with streaming OR CD.
The act of collecting: Vinyl records are collector’s items. Many people appreciate the cover, limited editions AND rarity.
Growth of Hipster Culture: Values of hipster culture back and the vintageand vinyl fits perfectly into this scenario.
Events and specialized shops: the rebirth of vinyl is also linked to events such as the Record Store Daywhich promotes the format and attracts collectors and enthusiasts to independent record stores.
The reasons for returning the cassette
The cassette was one of the most popular music media formats of the 20th century, but was gradually replaced by the CD (the famous Compact Disc) and, more recently, via streaming. However, in recent years, the cassette has experienced a resurgence, with sales increasing worldwide.
There are several factors that contribute to the revival of the cassette. One factor is the nostalgia. Many adults who grew up in 80’s and 90’s I have fond memories of listening to music in this format. For them, this classic format is a symbol of a simpler, more carefree time.
Another factor is the uniqueness of the box: Its sound is completely different from CD or streaming audio. Some music fans prefer the warmer, more analog sound of cassette, with that famous hiss that is peculiar to the format. In addition, cassette is a relatively cheap and accessible media format, making it an attractive option for independent artists and smaller record labels.
The resurgence of the cassette is proof that music still has a physical appeal for people. Despite all the digital options available, there is still something special about listening to music in this type of format.
In short, vinyl represents a combination of nostalgia, sound quality, and a unique experience that continues to attract new fans and keep old ones passionate about music.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
