The Vinyl Bubble

Sometimes it’s good to reflect on what is actually happening instead of basing our view from what the media says about it. This is especially true when dealing with something the mainstream media does not fully grasp (you would not want to read a 55 year old record critics opinion on the Trap scene for example). And so I’ve avoided all the articles that keep popping up quarterly about the great ‘vinyl comeback’. Vinyl sales are up while CDs are dwindling… you don’t say. I’ve also avoided the dreaded record store day and all its Bells and whistles, I usually support my local shops by having a lot more time in a quieter space than crammed up in line fighting for the last remaining limited edition, glow in the dark 200 gram Metallica repress with hologram cover.

And finally, when speaking to shop owners I’ve heard a lot of complaints about RSD practices and the general ebay flipping nature of all these new releases flooding the market. There is a lot to be said about the topic but this Wire article by the founders of one of the best re-issue labels ever (Numero Group) says it in a way I could never have the audacity or authority to speak on. Aside from all the flash in the pan labels and gimmicky releases lies a greater issue about a sustainable vinyl record marketplace for all us record fiends out there and the important part is making it accessible to the curious newcomer while producing quality products for the connoisseurs. The article lays down the argument that the record industry has now gone for a niche market overkill that threatens to slowly deteriorate the budding vinyl marketplace. Food for thought and music to my ears!

http://thewire.co.uk/in-writing/essays/collateral-damage_numero-group-on-the-vinyl-bubble

DJ Asma

A Montreal native with West-African roots, Antoine started developing a love for records when his father passed his collection of French, African, Caribbean and Brazilian classics onto him. Ever since, the collector turned selector has spent countless hours in musky basements both here and abroad (Dakar, Lima, Paris, Quito, Rio) in the never-ending search for the perfect beat!