India is rediscovering its love for analog sound, with vinyl records making a comeback
December 06, 2024
Vinyl records, with their grooved discs and rich soundscapes, have long been cultural symbols of music’s golden era. First invented in the early 20th century, these analog marvels dominated global music consumption until the advent of cassettes and CDs. Beyond being just a medium, vinyl became a lifestyle marker — one tied to intimacy, tangible artistry, and uncompressed sound. So, one may argue that the resurgence of vinyl today is a reaction to fleeting digital experiences; a craving for authenticity in tactile and auditory realms.
Vinyl culture is also thriving in urban hotspots like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi, where record stores and flea markets host listening sessions and curate collections for those interested. Gen Z is increasingly drawn to the tactile experience of vinyl records, seeking a break from the ephemeral nature of streaming. The act of selecting a record, placing it on a turntable, and enjoying the warm, crackling sound is seen as a rebellion against the instant gratification of digital music. This shift highlights a desire for authenticity and nostalgia, as younger audiences embrace analog formats for their depth, permanence, and connection to music as an art form.
A vinyl pressing plant makes records by squeezing raw materials into discs that play music. Unlike digital tunes, which people can copy and stream, these need a physical method where sound gets carved into grooves on a vinyl disc. Saregama has set up this pressing plant, indicating the huge shift in behaviour. The comeback of vinyl in India, where digital formats ruled for a long time, has perhaps propelled this first of its kind factory to be set up in forty years. Young listeners now want analog music formats like vinyl more. One may even argue that they like the hands-on real feel of records.
Indian consumers are rediscovering classics, from Bollywood’s golden age to Carnatic and Hindustani maestros, on the medium that first popularized them. Meanwhile, indie artists and record labels are embracing vinyl as a creative canvas, producing small-batch records for a new generation of audiophiles.
This renaissance highlights India’s renewed connection to its sonic heritage while paving the way for innovative expression.