The era of vinyl records continues to make a comeback with Sony Music resuming production from a distribution center in Japan.

They plan to relaunch vinyl production in March 2018.

During the ’70s to the mid ’80s vinyl records were the primary medium for people to listen to music.  As the the compact disc (CD) became popular in the ’90s, the vinyl record medium was slowly replaced with a plastic, and cheaper method to produce music for mass consumption.

After the CD has its run for a decade, digital music started to replace the CD. This would starting in the early 2000 era, and continue through today.

One trend that has been growing is the resurgence of vinyl demand in the music marketplace.

Sony Music is working to provide consumers with products they consume year after year.

One of the big reasons vinyl has made a comeback goes against the idea of major corporations controlling and heavily advertising their hand-selected artists.

Record Store Day is now celebrated twice a year. Even in the early years of Record Store Day, the event worked with large-scale musicians on major record labels to promote a special release of vinyl records within independent record stores.

The recent increase in demand for vinyl is my view of the public’s way of saying they are sick of the broken cycle within mainstream music.

A majority of the bands I listen to overall work with their fans and self-release their material. Chance the Rapper is an excellent example of an artist taking back creative control, and the public supporting that decision. That being said, it will take more time out of Chance’s schedule to create new music if he is constantly managing his own career.

The BBC reported:

‘In the UK, record sales brought in more money last year than streaming platforms – although the unit costs of vinyl is many times that of streaming.’

Twenty years ago musicians would tour around the country on heavily advertised tours paid for by major record companies. Major labels still have deals with television networks for their acts to be shown. Artists still have to pay this money back after the tour and album sales.

In comparison to today musicians, an artist can gain exposure on social media by paying for their own advertising.

I’ve heard people say that the obstacle of becoming a musician or filmmaker is much lower in comparison to previous generations. I disagree on some parts. Yes, more people can produce music and film now in comparison to other generations, but that does not mean anyone will see or hear the music.

If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?

Comparatively, if a person make a song, and doesn’t have the money to promote it, does it make a sound?

This brings up the point that only more wealthy and financial stable artists will have their voices heard. At least with major studios low income artists with better stories and more interesting lives can have their voices displayed to a mass audience.

Busking on the street corner can now launch an artists career faster with a viral video in comparison to a spot on a major television show.

Watch over clips going over the relaunching of the vinyl era.