by Piotr Popiel-Machnicki ‘26

In an era, in which music is at our fingertips, some of the younger generation are abandoning the endless scroll of streaming platforms for something more tangible—vinyls, CDs, and even cassettes. Despite the obvious convenience of digital music, there’s an undeniable allure that pulls people back to physical formats.

Nostalgia plays a key role in why this phenomenon is happening. Even for those who’ve never lived through the golden age of vinyls or the mixtape era, there’s something so deeply satisfying in holding an album in your hands. It’s something more than just music—it’s a ritual. Taking the vinyl out of its sleeve, placing it on the turntable, and smoothly lowering the needle… it’s an experience that streaming is not capable of recreating. Collecting vinyls calls to mind creating a personal history museum of music, a way to physically possess and relate to songs that define different times of a life.

There’s also a thrill of emotions connected with hunting. Unlike an infinite streaming gallery, physical formats have a sense of rarity, which makes them special. Limited editions, vinyls in various colors, elusive artwork—these additions make the album a subject of collecting, something that is worth being sought for and looked after. Finding a rare pressing or a vinyl in perfect condition is great fun, like hunting for a treasure with a deeply personal reward.

Vinyls not only recreate the music—they “breathe” it. That warm, rich sound with subtle crackles of dust particles, the way bass hums through the room—it’s immersive in a way that digital music just isn’t. CDs, on the other hand, often assure crystal-clear quality, giving listeners every single detail the artist intended to include. It could be said that streaming is indeed handy, but it strips the music of its soul.

Apart from the sound, collecting vinyls is also an aesthetic and social experience. Vinyl shops are going through a renaissance, becoming the place of music lovers’ gatherings, who come to discover and share their finds. Thrift stores, flea markets, and online searches add onto another level of excitement—every chest is a potential opportunity to find a goldmine, and every purchase could be a story waiting to be told. Some prefer brand new, shrink-wrapped editions; others embrace the worn-out, well-loved records that carry the fingerprints of past listeners.

Despite the dominance of streaming services, physical music is thriving. Artists are fueling the trend by releasing exclusive vinyl and cassette editions, feeding the demand for music that isn’t just being listened to but also held in hands. Nostalgia, the character of collecting, better sound quality—it’s not just a passing phase. It’s a movement, a rebellion against the nature of digital music culture.