Music today is everywhere. From waking up to Alexa playing songs to streaming playlists on Spotify while commuting, people are surrounded by music all the time. At work, YouTube or streaming apps help many stay focused and block out distractions. For younger generations like Gen Z and Gen Alpha, music has always been just a click or voice command away.
But despite this easy access, something surprising is happening — vinyl records are back in demand. More and more young listeners are visiting record stores, flipping through stacks of albums, listening to them carefully, and buying their favourites. This slow and thoughtful way of experiencing music is attracting many who have grown up in the digital age.
Vinyl records were once a common sight in Indian homes, especially in the 1960s. They were later replaced by cassettes, CDs, iPods, and finally streaming platforms. But now, vinyl is making a big return. This rise is not driven by nostalgia from older generations, but by young people looking for more immersive experiences.
Today’s youth spend most of their time online — from studying and working on laptops to watching shows and chatting with friends. In this always-connected lifestyle, vinyl feels refreshing. It forces listeners to slow down, disconnect from screens, and truly focus on the music.
Record store owners confirm this trend. Abhay Panwar, who runs Pagal Records Store in Delhi’s Hauz Khas, says 60% of his daily visitors are first-timers in their 20s. Similarly, Jude de Souza, owner of The Revolver Club in Mumbai, notes that vinyl sales have grown steadily after the pandemic, both in India and globally. According to estimates, the vinyl market could reach up to USD 4.5 billion by the end of this decade.
E-commerce platforms are also seeing growth. Amazon India reports a rise in sales of turntables and record players, with customers choosing both budget models and premium ones with features like Bluetooth.
The attraction is not just about sound quality. Vinyl makes listening to music a complete ritual — from picking a record to placing it on the turntable and listening carefully. For some, it feels like living a slower, more real moment.
For example, 52-year-old Kamalinee Chatterjee, who is looking for a vintage turntable, says vinyl reminds her of her childhood and feels like a “whole ritual.” Younger listeners like 25-year-old DJ Utkarsh and 23-year-old Sanjana from Mumbai echo similar thoughts. They enjoy vinyl for its depth, its process of discovery, and the satisfaction of owning music they truly connect with.
Unlike streaming, where songs are skipped quickly, vinyl encourages listeners to experience entire albums as the artist intended. It feels more personal, like owning a piece of art rather than just a digital file.
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While the love for vinyl is growing, it is not an easy hobby. Records are expensive in India, often priced between Rs 1,500 and Rs 6,000 each. A turntable itself costs at least Rs 8,000, and maintaining it requires care since parts like the needle can break easily. For DJs, vinyl is heavy and complicated to use in public spaces.
Despite these hurdles, Gen Z enthusiasts are finding ways to enjoy it. Some buy only one record a month to slowly build their collection. Stores like The Revolver Club offer starter packs for beginners, including a turntable and speakers at Rs 33,000.
Even when listeners can’t afford to buy often, records still hold value as keepsakes. Owning a single album feels more meaningful than adding another playlist to a streaming app. For many, it is about quality over quantity.
Vinyl clubs and bars dedicated to records are also opening across cities, making the culture more accessible. Events like Selectors Nights at Genre, Delhi’s first vinyl-only bar, let anyone bring their records and share music with others.
In the end, vinyl’s popularity shows a desire for a deeper and more authentic experience. In a fast world filled with instant content, the slow and mindful process of vinyl is winning hearts — especially of young people who want music to be more than just background noise.
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