For every music lover, music is not just a collection of tunes; it's a feeling, a journey, and a treasure trove of memories. To cherish these memories and recall the uniqueness of that bygone era, National Vinyl Record Day is celebrated every year on August 12th. This day is dedicated to that unique medium of music from the olden days – the vinyl record – which completely transformed the way music was listened to.
What is a Vinyl Record?
A vinyl record, also known as a gramophone record or phonograph record, is a circular disc on which musical sound is recorded. Its specialty lies in the fact that its surface has a spiral groove in which sound waves are etched. Made of polyvinyl chloride, a type of plastic, these records revolutionized the music world in the 1940s. These records were more durable and of better quality compared to the older shellac records.
History of National Vinyl Record Day
National Vinyl Record Day was started by Gary Freiberg in California. He chose this day because it was the date, August 12, 1877, when Thomas Edison invented the phonograph. The phonograph was the first device that could record and reproduce sound. This was a major revolutionary discovery that completely changed the experience of music.
The era of vinyl records was extremely popular until the middle of the 20th century. Although CDs and digital music later overshadowed them somewhat, music lovers still embrace vinyl records today because of their unique sound and classic feel. National Vinyl Record Day is a day to remember and honor these special tunes and records.
Why are Vinyl Records Special?
The biggest feature of a vinyl record is the warmth and depth of its sound. As clean as digital music can be, it cannot capture the unique sound of a vinyl record. Every crackle, pop, and noise also brings a vibrancy to the music that is lost in digital music. This is why even today, musicians and music lovers prefer listening to music on vinyl.
In addition, a vinyl record is also a work of art. Its cover page, design, and packaging also enhance the beauty of the music. It's like a collector's item for music lovers.
How to Celebrate National Vinyl Record Day?
1. Take out your record player and play it: If you have vinyl records and a record player, this is the perfect opportunity to take out your old records and listen to them. On this day, you can listen to your favorite old songs again with renewed enthusiasm.
2. Clean the records: Records need love and care. On this day, clean your records, check the player's stylus (needle) carefully, and store the record properly so that they remain safe for a long time.
3. Buy a new record: If you are a fan of vinyl records, then buy a new record for yourself on this day. This will be an opportunity to add to your collection. Nowadays, many new artists also release their albums in vinyl format.
4. Visit a music store: If you don't know much about vinyl records, visit your nearest music store. There you can get information about old and new records and buy the songs of your choice.
5. Music party with friends: On this day, enjoy listening to vinyl records with your friends and family. Sharing these special waves of music makes the experience even more special.
Some Interesting Facts About Vinyl Records
- The world's largest vinyl record collection includes more than one million LPs.
- Some records are so valuable that they sell for millions of dollars, such as a rare Velvet Underground record that sold for $25,000.
- Vinyl records originated with the phonograph and phonautograph, which were 19th-century instruments, but they have maintained their special identity even in the digital age.
Contribution of Vinyl Records to Music Love
Vinyl records not only changed the way music was listened to, but also deepened people's love for music. Through these records, music was not only heard, but also felt. Every little tune, crackle, and noise of the music took the listener to that moment.
Even today, when we are living in the digital age, the popularity of vinyl records has not diminished. New artists also release their music on vinyl, so that music lovers can feel the purity and depth that is rarely found in digital music.
National Vinyl Record Day is not just a day, but a celebration of a beautiful musical heritage. It reminds us that music is not just about technology, but also a form of emotion and art. On this day, let us preserve old records, discover new records, and enjoy the purity of music that resides in vinyl records.
