With this year’s Record Store Day fast approaching and as a music lover who used to work in a record store, I can’t help but feel a little nostalgic for the good ol’ days of purchasing music. Don’t get me wrong, streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music are convenient, but there’s something special about owning physical copies of music. It’s a feeling that can’t be replicated by a digital file.
Owning physical copies of music provides a host of benefits that go beyond just the music itself. For starters, many albums come in limited or special editions, which may include additional tracks or unique packaging. This can make owning a physical copy a special and unique experience that you can’t get with streaming services. Additionally, vinyl enthusiasts appreciate the unique experience of playing colored vinyl or picture discs, which add a visual element to the listening experience. Holding an album in your hands also allows you to appreciate the artwork in a larger format and read through the liner notes, which often include the lyrics. This can deepen your appreciation for the music and give you a glimpse into the artist’s creative process. Moreover, collecting physical copies of music can be a rewarding hobby in itself. Browsing through record stores and online marketplaces to find rare or hard-to-find albums can be an enjoyable pursuit, and displaying your collection on a shelf can be a source of pride and a conversation starter with others who share your love of music.
Owning music has benefits beyond just the physical aspect. It can also enhance your listening experience. When you purchase an album, you’re more likely to listen to it from start to finish, rather than just skipping around randomly. This can help you form a deeper bond with the music, as you immerse yourself in the artist’s creative vision and explore the themes of the album. Who knows, some of your favorite tracks might just be buried in the album’s depths, waiting to be discovered. Some of my favorite songs are deep album cuts. By taking the time to fully appreciate an album, you may uncover hidden gems that you would have otherwise missed if you just listened to the hits.
Let’s not forget about the importance of supporting the artist directly. Although some popular artists make a decent amount of income from streaming services, the truth is that the vast majority of artists do not. On average, streaming pays just a fraction of a penny per stream, resulting in around $5000 for every million plays. In contrast, purchasing an album or merchandise from the artist can provide a more significant contribution to their livelihood, which can make a real difference in supporting the creation of more music in the future.
It’s a common misconception that most artists on streaming services and radio are earning millions of dollars from their music. Only a handful of artists, like Taylor Swift and Drake, make that kind of money. Many artists have to tour small venues just to make a living, and some only experience success for a short time. Have you ever found yourself wondering about an artist you used to enjoy and asking the question, “What ever happened to them?” It’s a sad reality that many of these artists had to give up their music careers simply because they couldn’t afford to keep going. Despite their talent and potential, financial struggles can force artists to abandon their dreams and pursue other career paths. This is why supporting artists directly through purchasing their music or merchandise can make a significant difference in their livelihood and ability to continue creating music. By investing in the music you love, you can help support these artists and ensure that they can continue to pursue their passion.
Purchasing music not only provides ownership and the ability to support artists, but it also offers a higher level of audio quality than streaming. While some streaming services offer high-quality options, the quality of the audio can be dependent on factors like internet connection or device quality. In contrast, physical (or digital copies) of music provide a consistent and high-quality listening experience. Furthermore, owning music in physical formats like vinyl can offer an even higher level of audio quality due to the format’s unique characteristics. Additionally, limited and special edition releases often come with exclusive remixes, remasters, and alternate takes, making the purchase of physical music a must for serious audiophiles.
Owning physical copies of music allows you to have complete control over your music collection. With streaming, your music choices are limited to what’s available on the platform, but with physical copies, you have access to the entire world of music. Furthermore, you can always convert your physical copies of music to digital formats using tools like ripping software, allowing you to take your music and custom playlists with you wherever you go, whether it’s on your phone, laptop, or other portable device.
If you’re a music enthusiast, shopping at record stores can offer a wealth of benefits that streaming services just can’t match. In addition to finding rare and hard-to-find albums, you can discover new music through recommendations from the store staff or browsing through the curated selection of albums. And if you’re lucky, you might even stumble upon exclusive releases, limited editions, or colored vinyl that are not available for streaming.
But shopping at record stores is more than just finding and buying music. It’s also about being part of a community of passionate music lovers who share your interests and love for music. You can chat with other customers, join in on events like live performances or album signings, and even attend listening parties.
Record stores are also a great place to find music merchandise like t-shirts, posters, and other memorabilia that are not available on streaming services. And by supporting independent record stores, you’re contributing to the preservation of music culture and the local economy. In short, shopping at record stores is a rewarding and immersive experience that goes beyond just purchasing music.
At the end of the day, owning music allows you to build a personal connection with the music. It can be a gateway to discovery, community, and individuality. Owning music can allow you to explore different genres and artists, find new favorite songs, and even connect with others who share your musical tastes. Collecting music and displaying it on shelves or on walls as art can also serve as a form of self-expression and showcase your individuality. In a world where so much content is disposable, owning music can provide a sense of permanence and nostalgia, allowing you to revisit your favorite albums and songs for years to come.
So next time you’re considering streaming your favorite album, why not consider investing in a physical or digital copy instead? Trust me, it’ll be worth it.
