ATHENS, February 7 – In an era dominated by digital streaming, the humble vinyl record is experiencing an unexpected and robust comeback in Athens. New record stores are continuously opening, catering to a renewed demand that spans generations, from veteran collectors to fresh faces discovering the warmth of analog sound.
The Enduring Allure of Analog Sound
The resurgence of vinyl is more than just a wave of nostalgia; it’s a conscious aesthetic choice, according to store owners. Spyros Papanikolaou from Vinyl City (operating since 1993) emphasizes that people turn to vinyl because they “enjoy it, because it’s the analog, warm sound, it’s the collectible piece, the whole process of putting the record on the turntable, listening to it. You understand that you love a band when you own their record; you understand what it tells you, the record is a part of it.”
George Kanellopoulos from Old School echoes this sentiment: “I believe that vinyl is timeless, and I think digital sound has tired people. So now they want to and are returning to analog media, like vinyl and cassette. Even the process of opening the record, seeing it, admiring it, is a different format and product, and the sound and the cover, everything plays a role.”
Philippos Kountouras from Underflow, which opened in 2015 and also functions as an alternative venue for music presentations, explains that “both older and younger generations are fixing their old turntables and reusing them or buying new ones. And this is very important, because the more people buy turntables, the more record sales increase, and collectors come. And collectors are increasing because, since they are returning to vinyl, they are looking for historical items and rebuilding their own collection and record library.”
Eleni Neoudaki, owner of Record House in Nea Smyrni (operating since 1973), points out that “even kids, the new generation, have started to get very involved in the vinyl market, from parents, uncles, godparents, who had systems and have taken them out to renovate them, others buy new ones or use their old ones.”
Similarly, Lazaros from the historic Discobole in Exarcheia notes: “The market for turntables and stereos has recovered, and this is what helps vinyl move, because everyone is upgrading their turntables at home, their sound system, expanding their vinyl collection, which, even aesthetically, is beautiful. And this is what boosts sales.”
A Diverse and Evolving Audience
The vinyl audience is no longer limited to traditional collectors. Store owners highlight the emergence of younger demographics exploring classic albums, alongside a musical syncretism that differs from the more “identity-based” adherence to a single genre in the past.
The owner of Underflow states: “Customers range from the oldest to the youngest. I can say that we have customers from 14 to 80 years old.” George Kanellopoulos from Old School adds: “As always, the youthful audience, from 18-30 years old, is the most dynamic… These are the people who are re-discovering vinyl, as well as those who, after years, want to rebuild their record collection.”
The owner of Disque Noir (operating since 2013) clarifies: “I wouldn’t say I work with collectors, but generally with people who listen to music… the age range of our customers spans from very young, 13 years old, to 70-year-olds.”
Yiannis Mavros from Mr Vinylio (Monastiraki, 1993) observes: “In recent years, the old generation has moved on, and the new one has come in… We still sell classic rock, but now other things are moving, whatever the youth wants.”
Record Labels, Bands, and the “Signature” of the Record
The market’s revitalization also impacts record labels and bands, who are increasingly returning to vinyl releases. Philippos Kountouras notes: “So far, we have released 14 records… The record is the most important signature… it is tangible, proof that we own it in our collection… but vinyl always has that other glamour.” Spyros Papanikolaou from Vinyl City explains: “Now, there are many bands that choose to release vinyl… Streaming and such don’t last; there’s no way, if you love a band, to have their music in your possession, so they release vinyls.”
Tourists, Women, and a Changing Demographic
A notable shift in clientele is the increasing presence of women and tourists, especially in areas like Monastiraki and Exarcheia. Xanthippi from “Zacharias” (Monastiraki, 1994) states: “We have now seen a different audience approaching vinyl… Young people and quite a few girls… now I see more and more of them looking… This is encouraging for the new generation; let’s hope it continues.” George Kanellopoulos emphasizes: “There is also the tourist flow… Because they are also looking for rebetiko, Greek blues, and this is another aspect of sales.”
New Generations’ Demands and the Price Factor
The types of music purchased vary widely, from classic rock and jazz to pop, hip hop, and traditional Greek folk music. However, cost remains a central discussion point. George Kanellopoulos highlights: “Regarding new releases… the price… ranges around 30 to 35 euros…” adding that for many, buying a record feels “almost heroic.” Lazaros from Discobole adds: “We see a very large increase in prices… We also see vinyl reaching up to 60 euros…”
Despite the “salty” prices, collectors and new vinyl enthusiasts remain undeterred. The resilience of record stores over decades, coupled with the continuous influx of new individuals into the “hunt” for old and new pressings, indicates that vinyl – as a sound, an object, and an experience – will hardly fade from the picture, regardless of current trends.
Source: https://www.newsbeast.gr/entertainment/music/arthro/12878201/i-epistrofi-tou-vinyliou-nea-diskopoleia-anoigoun-stin-athina-anathermainetai-i-agora-to-neo-koino-kai-oi-taseis
