Spinning Into Vogue!

According to Wikipedia, a 'vinyl record' "is an analog sound storage medium consisting of a flat disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove."


Wikipedia further explains that "Gramophone records were the primary medium used for popular music reproduction for most of the 20th century, replacing the phonograph cylinder, with which it had co-existed, by the 1920s. By the late 1980s, digital media had gained a larger market share, and the vinyl record left the mainstream in 1991."


Yes, it is true, vinyl record sales have plummeted in recent years, but as of 2011, vinyl records have well and truly spun back into town, revolutionising the digital music world. 

DJ incorporating vinyl records into his set

I recently wrote an opinion article for online magazine, Upstart. My piece speaks of the growing popularity of vinyl records, by looking at recent statistics and other resourceful info, including quotes from store owners and DJs. 


It's a fun and informative piece. Here is the intro to my article:

Your mother listened to them. Your grandmother listened to them and even your great-grandmother would probably have listened to them.

I’m talking about vinyl records. You know, the big black round thing that spins round and round, playing ‘old school’ music.

If you’re a Gen Y baby, then you’re probably thinking that this article is simply a waste of time. Why would I write about something that is so ancient? What relevance does vinyl have in the 21^st century?

In this case, the saying ‘what is old comes new again’ definitely applies.  It seems that vinyl records have well and truly spun back into town.

In 2010, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) released statistics showing that the popularity of CDs had plummeted, with 23.5 million discs sold, a decline of 16 per cent since 2009.

In contrast to declining CD sales, a recent study by Nielsen SoundScan reveals that 2010 was the top year for vinyl record sales since 1991, with 2.8 million units sold, compared with 1.8 million in 2008.

Once consigned to the dustbin of history by CDs, vinyl is fighting back, and vintage is in...

To read the rest of this article titled, "Spinning into vogue: the resurgence of vinyl", head to Upstart or simply follow this link: http://www.upstart.net.au/2011/06/20/spinning-into-vogue-the-resurgence-of-vinyl/ 


Let me know what you think. Feel free to leave a comment or drop me an email to promenadewithme@hotmail.com


Thanks!


Gianna :)

Vinyl Records sculpture known as the 'Soundwave'