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Imagine walking through the center of any European capital, finding a cozy coffee shop and quite likely finding a vinyl record player. For example, the Kashtan café in Kyiv, located on the Zoloti Vorota, has just such an atmosphere. This place is not the only one that has chosen vintage sound over modern speakers, but why is that?

In fact, vinyl is just a way to make the place cozier, and it’s also a dream of music lovers around the world. And every year, fans of vintage (and not only) music turn their dream into reality! According to the data published 4 years ago, for the first time since the 1980s, vinyl records have overtaken CDs in sales.

The author of this article also has a vinyl record player at home and knows several vinyl maniacs, so I’m sure I can name a few reasons why the black glow of a spinning disc has fallen in love with the next generation of fans of completely different genres of music.

The return to vinyl in 2024 can be seen as a reaction to some aspects of the modern music world. First of all, it concerns the general spread of digital formats. Although streaming platforms provide easy access to music, they lose elements of authenticity and interaction with music content.

In a world where everything is fast, dynamic and electronic, the vinyl record player offers a sense of slowing down, of being deeply immersed in music and of touching history. Its sound, quality and texture are often perceived as more ‘natural’ because of the warmth of analogue sound and a certain difference from the perfection of digital sound reproduction. This aspect is particularly appreciated by audiophiles and those looking for a way to enjoy music more deeply.

In addition, vinyl records, especially old and rare ones, are becoming a collector’s item. Owning original vinyl records can be not only a means of enjoying music, but also a part of cultural heritage, especially in an era when the physical music media is gradually losing its popularity.

Communities of vinyl maniacs who gather in cafés or record shops also play an important role in maintaining the popularity of this format. These places become places for sharing musical experiences, discussions and discovering new music. They create a community that appreciates not only the music itself, but also the way it is played.

And, of course, the aesthetic aspect of vinyl turntables cannot be overlooked. Their appearance and physical properties can be attractive to those who value design and a sense of ritual when listening to music. Opening a record, preparing it for playback and enjoying the music can be a real ritual for many vinyl fans.

My personal experience with vinyl turntables has been truly unrivaled. When I first started listening to music on vinyl, I felt a completely different vibe and emotion that could not be conveyed through other formats. It was something more than just listening to music – it was a sound experience that touched my soul.

Gradually, our family vinyl collection grew, and each record became special to me. When I started listening to albums on vinyl, I felt closer to the artists, immersing myself in their musical worlds with each track.

Even the simple process of playing vinyl has become an important ritual for me. Every time I put a record on the turntable and turn it on, I feel the excitement of anticipation and joy that I will soon be back in the world of music.

So, if you haven’t experienced listening to music on vinyl yet, I strongly recommend that you give it a try. It’s not just a format for playing music – it’s a real art form that can change your perception of sound and immerse you in the world of musical emotions.