Vinyl Sales Soared 22% in First Half of 2022, Per RIAA Mid-Year Report: U.S. recorded-music revenue climbed 9%, streaming revenues are up 10% and vinyl sales soared a whopping 22% in the first half of 2022, according to the Recording Industry Assn. of America’s mid-year report released on Wednesday. Total revenue climbed 9% to $7.7 billion at estimated retail value; total streaming revenues rose 10% to $6.5 billion, and paid streaming-service subscriptions are up to 90 million, with their revenues rising 10% to $5 billion and comprising almost two-thirds of the first half total. However, the report notes, at wholesale value, revenues grew 8% to $4.9 billion. …But the most exciting statistic for many is the continuing rise in vinyl sales, which have been climbing consistently since 2006. The number of units shipped rose 15.7% over the same period last year — from 18.8 million to 21.8 million — and dollar value is up from $460.5 million to $570.2 million. CD sales continued their slow downward slide, going from 18.4 million to 17.7 million and $204.3 million to $199.7 million.
UK | HMV launches its own label 1921 Records, announces first signing: The imprint will focus on releasing debut albums by smaller grassroots artists. HMV has launched its own record label called 1921 Records. The entertainment retailer’s first signing through the new imprint is 22-year-old Newcastle singer-songwriter India Arkin. She was discovered after playing in the HMV Live & Local programme. Arkin’s debut studio album ‘Home Truths’ will be released to coincide with National Album Day 2022 on October 15. It’ll be available exclusively on vinyl in HMV stores across the UK and online. Doug Putman, owner of HMV, said: “India’s music is absolutely incredible and we’re thrilled to make her our first 1921 Records signing. She has such passion for her craft, and she’s a true musician who writes, plays instruments and performs.”
Bioplastic records could help decarbonise music business, says developer: A sugar-based alternative to vinyl could help to decarbonise the music industry, according to its developer. UK-based Evolution Music say its bioplastic can be used to create records and is aimed at making it easy for labels and artists to stop using plastic without altering record pressing plants’ existing machinery or production processes. Acting CEO of Evolution Music Marc Carey said sonically and in terms of equalisation the music recorded on the bioplastic records is “absolutely spot on.” “[In] the little bit of lead-in and in between the tracks there’s some surface noise. If you like that, if you’re a 70s fan, you like that little crackling, great,” he said, adding they are continuing to develop the product. “We’ve got a unique recipe, but we are a (research and development) company – we’ll carry on with iterations of R&D to improve it,” he said.
Audio-Technica produces limited-edition slipmats for Ukraine fundraiser: In light of the devastating events in Ukraine, the audio equipment manufacturer has released a limited-edition turntable slipmat. In light of the devastating events in Ukraine, Audio-Technica has released a limited-edition turntable slipmat, featuring artwork by Eugene Berd, a Ukraine-based calligraphy and lettering artist. One-hundred percent of the profits will be split evenly between the largest children’s hospital in Ukraine and the animal charity UAnimals. The design was inspired by Ukrainian culture with the hope of connecting people around the world. The design focuses on Ukraine’s iconic symbols, like the blue and yellow palette of colors and flowers, which are meant to represent peace and life. Each symbol, including the mandala-like art pieces, were chosen through a long period of researching European and Arabic calligraphy. Berd’s goal was to bring these classical ideas into modern mediums, from old vinyl records to skateboards, mirrors, and now turntable slipmats.
Black Friday vinyl deals 2022: Get ready to spin yourself a bargain: Black Friday is on its way and that means there’s going to be some brilliant savings on vinyl record across the board in rock, metal, prog and more. Black Friday is fast approaching and that means there’s going to be some amazing Black Friday vinyl deals winging their way to music fans on both sides of The Pond. This year’s Black Friday is locked in for Friday, November 25 with sales expected to begin flowing in well ahead of time and continuing through the weekend straight into Cyber Monday on November 28. When the Black Friday sales get underway in earnest, just what can you expect to see? Going by previous years, we’re pretty sure that there will be a whole host of Black Friday music deals, including classic vinyl reissues, box sets, deluxe collections and picture discs will be among the vinyl price drops – and we can’t wait to bring you some of the best bargains around.
What’s the Difference Between a Turntable and a Record Player? Getting into vinyl records means buying a turntable or record player. And while these terms are often used interchangeably, they describe two very different products—one that’s designed for enthusiasts, and another that’s intended for casual listeners. Now, I’ll be the first to say that this is a weird distinction. Most people aren’t nitpicking about the terms “turntable” and “record player,” and frankly, I use these words “incorrectly” all the time. But as a shopper, learning the difference between these product categories will make your life easier. In marketing terms, a turntable is just a “record player” without a built-in amplifier or speakers. If you want to use a turntable, you need to hook it up with external components. This gives you more control over audio quality, but of course, it requires a bit more experience than a plug-and-play solution.
The Human League’s ‘The Virgin Years’ Celebrated With New Colored Vinyl Boxset: Between 1981 and 1990, The Human League released four studio albums and one extended EP on Virgin Records. Those albums and that extended play have been collected in a special limited edition colored vinyl box set. In addition, The Virgin Years – set for release on 11 November – will also feature the remix album Love And Dancing, initially released in 1982 and recently reissued on white vinyl for Record Store Day. The Human League ‘Mark Two’, as they have been described, arose from the ashes of the band’s first incarnation and became one of the most influential and commercially successful groups of the early 1980s. The Virgin Years box set opens with Dare, which is simply one of the greatest albums ever made. It launched the band to superstardom across the globe and despite being over 40 years old still sounds as thrilling and powerful as ever.
