A record-store owner’s thoughts on the re-emerging popularity of vinyl
As Generation Y music lovers choose to purchase vinyl records over CDs and digital music downloads, records have been making a strong comeback in the music industry. There is no doubt that the parents of the Generation Ys have influenced the majority of this “comeback”. As CD sales continue to drop, vinyl sales have risen this year by 33.3 per cent, while digital album sales have raised only a mere 6 per cent.
Downtown Guelph has been doing its part to keep up with the growing interest in vinyl. There are a few secondhand shops that also sell used records. Among these stores is Music-Art, a new and used record store that has recently opened its doors to the public on Quebec Street.
Gerry Miskolczi, the owner of Music-Art, has been collecting records since he was 10 years old. In 1986, he opened his first record store in Toronto. “I could pay for the records I wanted to buy by selling the ones that I didn’t want” Miskolczi explained. “I just started buying more records to resell, so it became inevitable to open the store.”
Since then, Miskolczi has moved around, working for one of Toronto’s oldest and most popular record stores, Kops Records. From there, he opened a second store on Bloor specializing in 78s, 45s, used and new LPs. Two months ago, he took time off from Kops to run his current store in Guelph.
When asked to comment on his current customer base, Miskolczi explained that “in the last two years, I found more girls, ages 17 to 25, are starting to buy records.”
Since Miskolczi opened his Guelph location in November, he has noticed that females are out-buying males at a 3:1 ratio. When asked what the younger generation is buying, he explained that psychedelic and classic rock are still majorly popular.
“Psychadelic is still popular, and classic rock is always going to be popular – that’s the kind of stuff the younger generation is buying.”
When asked to provide an idea of the most highly demanded records – Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan were among the top of the list. The one record that has sold the most copies, however, has been Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours. Interestingly enough, Miskolczi finds that cassette tapes are still sought out by customers.
When asked about the idea that vinyl records are making a comeback, Miskolczi explained that “vinyl hasn’t really gone anywhere, in a sense; it’s making a comeback in another sense that a whole new generation are buying them now. Kids today have more access to a wider variety of music because of the radio and the Internet- it’s not like back in the day. They’re buying all the classic rock that the older guys already have.”
Miskolczi then looked at me and asked me why I still buy vinyl. Without hesitation, I answered, “It has the best sound.”
He instantly agreed, pointing out that “the CD doesn’t have the tone a record has.”
It’s not a surprise, then, that younger generations continue to purchase music in vinyl for its authenticity and incomparable sound. Miskolczi is right – vinyl hasn’t really gone anywhere, and is constantly being rediscovered by new generations. Based on the success of Miskolczi’s record business in downtown Guelph, it is clear that vinyl’s popularity will continue to grow.
For those keen on collecting vinyl, or seeking out particular records, Miskolczi’s store has a large variety of genres, including new age, folk, country, classic rock, classical, blues, jazz, and soundtracks. His records are in great condition, and sell at very reasonable prices. Miskolczi also has his personal turntable set up, playing records to give the store a welcoming vibe.
Miskolczi also holds seasonal record shows, bringing out a much larger collection than what he’s got in store. His next show will be held in the spring at the Legion Hall on Watson Road.