| As we continue to see the sales of CDs fall, it is | | | | you can then skillfully mix out the first song until it |
| obvious that the distribution channels of music are | | | | is just the new track playing. It's like creating a |
| changing. But there is no disputing that digital | | | | new song and new music in a way. You make |
| downloads are the new "norm" for many people | | | | sure to keep up a steady stream, a continuous |
| to acquire their music, be it one ninety-nine cent | | | | flow of ups and downs, it's like telling a story, you |
| download or an entire album. As I ponder these | | | | want to keep people intrigued and interested in |
| changes, I still think that the vinyl record, as | | | | the music," said Steve. "I really think that vinyl is |
| prehistoric as it is, is gaining popularity as well as | | | | coming back, it sure is in our area. If my friends |
| making new fans and believers that this is the | | | | and I had to pick, records would be our choice |
| best audio format that can be heard. As a vinyl | | | | and the best option to hear our music. But, they |
| lover, I am pretty set in my ways; no one has to | | | | are harder to acquire, our nearest vinyl shop is an |
| convince me of the staying power and musical | | | | hour and a half away, so we buy most of our |
| greatness of the vinyl record. So I was thrilled | | | | vinyl online." I asked Steve about his vinyl record |
| when I had a chance to interview a young man | | | | collection and wanted to hear more details about |
| who shares the same views as I do. I had the | | | | his passion for D J-ing. "To the first part of your |
| distinct pleasure of speaking with a nineteen-year | | | | question, I would say that I have over three |
| old vinyl lover from Campbell River, British | | | | hundred records, mostly classic rock like Zeppelin |
| Columbia, Canada named Steve Robertson; who | | | | or Heart. But I have about seventy-five records |
| was gracious enough to share his thoughts and | | | | that would fall into the electronic dance genre. |
| views about this old, yet treasured format. What | | | | That is mostly what I play when I DJ because |
| follows is a short discussion with Steve as he | | | | that is what the crowd I play for wants to hear. |
| shared his passion and love for vinyl records. I | | | | When you're mixing records, the control you have |
| asked Steve what drew him to vinyl, why does | | | | over the sound and the way you can manipulate |
| he prefer this audio format? "Vinyl just sounds so | | | | the music is just like playing an instrument. You |
| much better; it has a unique sound that can't be | | | | can blend and put effects on the music using your |
| duplicated. There is a feeling of satisfaction when | | | | mixer or you can do some hands on scratching |
| actually holding a physical product. And the cover | | | | and add your own unique sound to it. As far as |
| art, not only from the past, but from new artists, | | | | scratching goes, it's a whole new level of DJ'ing |
| is another reason I prefer vinyl records over any | | | | because, in a way you are creating a sound that |
| other format. I also get a sense of satisfaction in | | | | has never been heard before, it's almost like live |
| knowing that when I buy an artist's work on vinyl, | | | | production," explained Steve. It was certainly |
| that I am supporting the musicians who release it, | | | | refreshing to listen to Steve speak about his love |
| it just isn't another free download," explained | | | | for vinyl records. His enthusiasm for the format |
| Steve. I asked Steve how long he has listened to | | | | was clearly evident and especially welcome to me, |
| vinyl and about what format his friends prefer. "I | | | | a vinyl purist. And we both agreed that whatever |
| have been into vinyl for several years now and | | | | musical genre it is that you enjoy, it certainly |
| vinyl is huge in British Columbia and most of my | | | | sounds the best emanating from a vinyl record. |
| friends prefer it as well. We both like the clear | | | | And that is a perspective that will help the vinyl |
| sound and experience you get when playing a | | | | record survive, if not thrive. I want to personally |
| record. And we are interested in DJ-ing, so it fits | | | | thank Steve for his cooperation and candor in |
| right in. Last year I purchased a pair of Stanton | | | | regards to our discussion about vinyl records. It is |
| turntables that have certainly helped me in my | | | | nice to hear someone from a different |
| DJ-ing efforts and I plan on upgrading very soon | | | | generation, not only passionate about the music |
| to take it to the next level. I love the control that | | | | that he listens to, but about the audio format that |
| I have playing the music that people want to hear. | | | | he chooses to listen to his music. |
| The goal of a DJ is to take two different songs | | | | Author Robert Benson writes about rock/pop |
| and blend them together in a smooth seamless | | | | music, vinyl record collecting and operates where |
| way without the crowd knowing. Taking elements | | | | you can pick up a copy of his ebook called "The |
| of one record and blending them into the other, | | | | Fascinating Hobby Of Vinyl Record Collecting. |