It’s interesting to see vinyl become mainstream again. I know many people now who own a record player and love thrifting for records. I’m all for it! I love hanging out with my friends and listening to albums together.

I think one of the reasons for its popularity surge is its offline nature. You can touch and feel the record. You admire the artwork cover. It’s more active listening in the sense you’re the one responsible for setting it up. Once it’s done playing, it’s done. You have to get up and change it. It isn’t an endless listen that drives you to a different artist with a similar vibe to keep activating other parts of your brain.

Musicians usually designed albums as a journey, which is increasingly lost in the algorithm age. Art isn’t meant to be consumed and driven by algorithms. I genuinely believe people are tired of being online and this is just 1 of the many ways people seek more offline avenues. (That or I am writing this down to justify my desire to buy a record player)

With AI becoming more mainstream, the desire to experience more offline , human-driven activities will only increase.

I remember clearly when I got introduced to a new artist by a friend. I remember where I was, and how it made me feel. I got introduced to many good musicians through Spotify Discover Weekly, but I couldn’t tell you where I was and what I was doing when it happened.

Vinyls are bringing back offline interactions again. I’m excited.