#255 - Reasons Artists Should Sell Music on Vinyl in 2024
1. People are not buying CDs anymore
According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), CD album sales in the United States have dropped by 97 percent since peaking in 2000 and are currently at their lowest level since 1986. Basically, it means CDs are dead. Of course you can’t just let your fans stream especially because there’s very little money to be made from streaming. You have to sell something they can actually take with them when they leave your show. So fans are craving vinyl. If you’re going on tour, you have to put something awesome on your music merch table.
2. Vinyl pressing is now so easy
You can have small-run vinyl pressing for 100 units or even fewer these days. Plus, technology and good vinyl mastering has made it possible to make your vinyl sound good even if your files are digital. And unlike in the 60s where you still have to visit your vinyl pressing plant, you can just easily send everything and monitor everything without stepping out of your house. They can even ship the vinyl directly to your fans.
3. Vinyl is more impressive than digital
Unlike CDs, the vinyl format has inherent value. It’s not just something that you can easily dispose of because it’s not just something that contains music, it’s a piece of art! From the vinyl record itself to the vinyl cover…you have something more than just something to listen to. It’s no wonder people collect vinyl!
4. Vinyl legitimises you
There are thousands of musicians releasing their first album each year. What will set you apart from the new ones just “testing the waters” of an indie music career is that you actually release your music. And not just in iTunes, in vinyl! Vinyl gives an impression that you’re not an amateur. After all, you’re willing to spend some time actually making an album that’s good enough for vinyl. Now, not everybody can do that!
5. You don’t have to spend big money to make vinyl
Many decades ago, you had to have some money to throw away for you to even consider pressing some vinyl. Aside from the higher minimum number of units, you need to market them. But since we have the internet, we can just easily pre-sell vinyl and order on-demand in chunks of 50, for example. All you need to invest in is a good master. That’s why it also makes sense to release an album you released some time ago that you consider a hit. That way, you’re sure there’s absolutely no risk you’ll lose any money.
