Why Tariffs Are Quietly Undermining the American Vinyl Comeback: The resurgence of vinyl records has been one of the most unexpected and encouraging trends in American manufacturing–that’s why we fought for the mechanical royalty rate increase on vinyl for songwriters. Across the country, demand for physical music is rising. Independent pressing plants are expanding, Artist’s love vinyl releases, and legacy catalogs are being reissued. It’s a textbook case of organic industrial renewal. But the system is cracking. And the reason is simple: we’ve let trade policy punish the very people trying to build things here at home. …When a tariff punishes a domestic factory more than a foreign competitor, something is wrong.
Cape Town, ZA | Cape Town’s Vinyl Revival: ‘If you’re doing a piece on vinyl, you have to chat to Jacques (Vosloo), from Mabu Vinyl,’ said my friend Josh, whose main prerogative on a holiday to Berlin a few years ago was to scour the city for hard-pressed PVC. So on a sweaty afternoon in March, I rocked up to the top of Long Street to meet Jacques and his boxes of weird and wonderful records. …Mabu Vinyl is packed to the brim inside with a little bit of everything, local and international. The records spill out onto the balcony, bathing in the late afternoon sun. One of South Africa’s most iconic record stores hugs you on arrival. Is there a vinyl revival underway? That’s the question driving me to seek out, for the first time, a shop that has been in Cape Town for 25 years.
Chattanooga, TN | Dallos Vinyl Love Spins Into Downtown Chattanooga: Dallos Vinyl Love, a new record shop offering “vintage treasures, rare finds and a welcoming community vibe,” is now open in the heart of Downtown Chattanooga at 1463 Market St., Suite 102. “The store officially opened its doors this summer with a soft launch in early June and a grand opening celebration shortly after. Since then, it has quickly become a destination for music lovers, collectors, and curious newcomers ready to dive into the world of vinyl, officials said. “Founded by longtime music enthusiast Marlo White, Dallos aims to create a nostalgic yet modern space for people to discover music, swap stories and slow down in a fast-paced world.” “This little pocket of Market Street is a gem—and we’re excited to bring more energy to the plaza,” said Marlo White, owner of Dallos Vinyl Love.
AU | Meet (And Vote For) Australia’s Greatest Record Stores: Go behind the scenes of your favourite record stores and vote for your favourite to win a $200 voucher. The Music has been going behind the scenes with Australia’s greatest record stores, getting to know the humans, challenges and joys behind the counter. Record stores are at the front line of music— the recommenders of great tunes and the supporters of local musicians and communities. Every store is unique and this month The Music is shining a light on your local stores and giving you the chance to vote for our favourite. Vote now and go into the draw to win a $200 voucher from the store you vote for. We’re also going behind the scenes of over 40 of the country’s best. There are many more to vote for here. If you are a store that would like to contribute a profile, please get in touch. Find your local and get to know them here…
Leeds, UK | Outlaws Yacht Club: Inside the unique Leeds city centre bar that also houses a record store and hair salon. A versatile European-style bar that has been central to Leeds’s ever evolving creative scene for more than decade is calling on punters to show the local independent scene “as much love as you can.” Outlaws Yacht Club on New York Street (just by the bus station) may be somewhat tucked away for those on a session in Leeds but has become an essential spot for those in the know. A true one-of-a-kind, the venue is renowned for its unique character and blend of businesses in house, with the opportunity to drink a Bloody Mary, get a haircut and browse some records all available upon visiting. The bar was opened in 2012 by a group including current co-owners Shaun Read and Joe Gill after the duo had known each other from working in bars around Leeds.
Burnley, UK | Big Burnley Record Fair returns with rare vinyl, expert valuations and more. Vinyl lovers are in for a treat this weekend as the Big Burnley Record Fair returns to the Food Hall at Burnley Markets on Saturday. Now held in an upgraded open-plan event space – featuring a raised plinth and expanded layout – the fair is set to be bigger and better than ever. Dealers from across the UK will be setting up shop, offering everything from bargain box finds to ultra-rare collector’s pieces. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, swap or trade, there’s something for every music fan. The fair also offers a chance to meet fellow vinyl enthusiasts over coffee, with the Food Hall providing a relaxed setting to browse and chat. Experts will be on hand throughout the day offering free on-the-spot valuations—a nod to Antiques Roadshow-style appraisals—so bring any records you’re curious about.
A Sky Full of Green: Coldplay’s EcoRecords Leading Music Sustainability in 2025. Coldplay is giving their music a sustainable twist. Warner Music Group said that the band is re-releasing all 10 of their studio albums on a brand-new format called EcoRecords, and they’re made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. These clear 140-gram records look and sound like regular vinyl, but they’re made with 100% recycled PET plastic using a special injection-moulding process. This process cuts down carbon emissions by a whopping 85% compared to old-school vinyl production. What Exactly Is an EcoRecord? An EcoRecord is a smart, planet-friendly format that’s fully recyclable and much lighter than traditional vinyl. That means it’s better for shipping and easier on the environment.
Graham Sharpe Chronicles the Vinyl Revival in ‘On the Records’ Book: Far from being yesterday’s fading, forgotten format, vinyl records have survived and flourished as the music medium of choice for not only baby-boomers, but all ages. Every record a collector acquires comes with a story of its own, and the recent Covid-19 lockdowns prompted many vinylholics, including Sharpe, to look more closely at their reasons for collecting, take stock of existing collections and rediscover old favourites. On the Records: Notes from the Vinyl Revival includes interviews and contributions from voices across the record industry—shop owners, record company insiders, online/postal sellers, auction organisers, market traders of vinyl, amateur collectors—who share their stories with candour, warmth and humour.
Reba McEntire Announces Career-Spanning Vinyl Album ‘The Hits’ Available For Pre-Order: Legendary country music artist Release July put a giant vinyl date stamp on The Hits on October 31. The album contains the fan favorites, Can’t Even Get The Blues and Turn On The Radio. It is said that pre-orders for this exclusive platinum vinyl edition are now available via Reba’s Instagram bio. The announcement includes a stunning promo shot of McEntire looking ageless and elegant. With white satin blouse under a black top and slim-fit black pants; an oversized Western-style belt buckle brings glamor and country charm to her stature. Pretty with a big dose of sass and wavy, glittering hair, she is the ultimate style icon for the genre.
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