This winter, as part of my thesis research, I conducted multiple interviews with experts to gain insight into the world of vinyl records. I would like to share some of them here.
One of the interviewees is William Pink. He is a Linux System Administrator at Artirix and DevOps Engineer at tape.tv (e.g. web-programmer), as well as a vivid DJ. This offers especially insight into a digital background as well as DJing.
I am intrigued by his well-rounded view on vinyl records. He acknowledges that vinyl records can be perceived as luxury items, in contrast to the easily consumable digital files. Despite the growing sales of vinyl, he isn’t swayed by the numbers and believes that vinyl records possess a certain “aura” that makes them relevant in today’s music industry.
Many thanks to Will for offering his time and help!
Interview with William Pink. DJ and programmer
Could the vinyl record be seen as a luxury object besides the easy consumable and purchasable digital file?
- Vinyl as a medium is certainly a luxury object, vinyl represents much more than a digital file could ever do.
Do you think that the synchrony of both digital files and analogue records available is a factor in rising vinyl record sales? Hence, is the vinyl record to some extent relevant again because of its diametrically-opposed nature in comparison to the digital file?
- I feel like these are completely separate in the genres of the records that I buy (mostly techno). The majority of stuff I buy is generally a vinyl-only release
Do you feel like having more control over your consumer identity when purchasing a vinyl in a way that you are less regulated by the music industry sales strategy?
- Certainly not, I purchase records from generally very small record labels and if I like the music I generally buy it. I don’t feel like there’s any large amount of sales strategy from these labels.
The feeling on vinyl records is better than on MP3
Does a vinyl LP give you the impression that the music on it is more qualitative than digital files? Hence, is your attention to the music higher when hearing it over vinyl records?
- I don’t think so, I think there’s a feeling that can’t be achieved with MP3 files, but I don’t think that automatically makes the music more qualitative. There is a lot of rubbish on vinyl too.
From which era the music you have bought on vinyl is dated? Are there significant important decades for you?
- I first got into buying disco so late 70’s early 80’s and then also early US garage and house so early 90’s. Everything I generally buy now is recent so 2005 onwards.
Do you have ever bought a vinyl with a download code and downloaded the file as well?
- I have done but never used it.
What is that vinyl records ‘aura’ all about?
A lot of consumers who are buying vinyl are saying that they have got the feeling that vinyl records incorporating something like a unique “aura”. Would you agree with this statement and if yes, what is your opinion is necessary for that “aura” to evolve?
- I think it’s the culture around vinyl that creates this “aura”, the artwork and sleeve and background ‘make it’. I don’t think this can be evolved I just think it’s something that just exists.
How many vinyl records are you approximately purchasing over a year? What could be an average amount of money you would spend on vinyl records?
- Generally about 60 records a year average, I generally spend between 8 and 12 euro per record.
Which role do you think did DJ’s have for the development of the vinyl record?
- I believe if it wasn’t for DJ’s the vinyl record would never have survived.
Famous DJ’s nowadays are often enjoying the same status as rock stars. Do you think that there is a connection between DJ’s witnessing such attention and the status of the vinyl record?
- I think those DJ’s that are viewed as rock stars aren’t playing vinyl, I think for any touring DJ it doesn’t make much sense to play vinyl and if you do you are doing it for the love of playing vinyl.
Where do you see the vinyl record in 10 years?
- I think the market will still be going much the same as it is today.
Thanks so much to William Pink for giving this brilliant interview.
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