Since the eruption of the digital age, physical entities such as vinyl records and CDs have seen a decline in revenue since their heyday years prior. In recent times, vinyl has seen a resurgence in interest and has actually outsold CDs for the first time in decades. Like any other field, the mass populous appeal in something is the primary reason for how something can continue moving forward.

As a result, it’s vital for the music community to continue supporting their local record shops for a multitude of reasons. Whether they have one record store in their town or there’s an entourage to choose from, it’s always crucial for every city and larger town to have a source for physical copies of music. Besides the obvious appeal of owning physical copies of music, there’s a lot attached to a record store that can’t be forgotten.

Owning Physical Copies Supports the Artist More

It’s been said time and time again how the streaming industry constantly screws artists over. This can be seen as a direct representation of the issue with record labels today, or a combination with the issue resulted from the streaming industry. Either way, physical copies are definitely a great way to support artists better.

Plus, most record shops have a local artist section, allowing you to take a closer look at some great artists in your town. Discovering new music is great, especially when it comes to browsing a record store and looking at local artists. No matter how you paint it, the browsing ability of a record store is one of the most appealing aspects of it, on top of its ability to support local artists.

Personal Relationship With Small Business

With streaming, the entire relationship and recommendation aspect of it is through text, eliminating that person to person connection that’s so needed in the music world. Whereas, a physical storefront allows you to get a connection with the owner and workers for countless reasons.

The record store workers/owners can recommend music, ask you what’ve you been listening to, and much more. The appeal of the personal relationship tied to a record store is something every casual music listener, music fanatic, and musician should experience. 

The Benefit of Owning a Physical Copy

As touched upon, the main benefit attached to supporting a record store has to do with physical copies and the advantages with them. A physical copy allows users to take a more in-depth listen compared to a digital stream, meaning people can get a close examination of the music.

Plus, there’s the entire notion that owning physical music allows people to get a deeper appreciation for music. Rather than being able to look at any genre or musical piece, people can take a deeper look at what they intend to listen to. As a whole, supporting your local record store or stores is always an intention that every person should strive to do.