Fresh on the heels of the news that The Youth are into collecting rare books, we find that records are having a resurgence. Remember records?
“Limited pressings and other takeaways from the Making Vinyl conference” [Manufacturing Dive]:
In the age of streaming, digital media and a volatile global trade environment, the vinyl record market revenue has grown over the past 19 years, according to the Recording Industry Association of America’s 2025 music revenue report. Sales rose to over $1 billion, up 9.3% compared to $954.4 million in 2024. This was driven in part by indie artist releases and limited edition vinyl. Moreover, nearly 50% of global vinyl revenue comes from sales in the United States.
People collect all different types of products, said Jeff Walker, CEO of entertainment distributor and fulfillment company Alliance Entertainment.
“Vinyls are collectibles,” Walker said.
I see the collectible aspect, certainly, but I think the driver that connects books and vinyl is that they don’t stop working if you don’t pay the monthly rent to whichever oligarch. Same with CDs (although I buy the argument that vinyl sounds better than CDs (and of course better than streaming)).
Plus tangible media also work if (when) the Intertubes collapse.