The Australian DJ’s Guide to Vinyl Culture
Vinyl records have had a pivotal role in the shaping of the art of DJing over the decades. In recent years, vinyl has enjoyed a remarkable revival and resurgence in popularity. Both seasoned record collectors and a new generation of DJs, music enthusiasts and producers have come together to create a thriving pop culture vinyl community.
For DJs here in Australia, vinyl culture is just as alive and strong. The use and appreciation of vinyl is no longer relegated to just the sphere of nostalgia. It is a growing movement that is shaping and changing how music is experienced, shared and utilised in performance.
In this article, we will take a deeper dive into the world of pop culture vinyl, explore why Aussie DJs are so passionate about it and how you can get involved and make the most of vinyl in your musical journey.
Understanding the World of Vinyl Culture
Vinyl culture may be different things to different people.
But it comes down mostly to a community unified around the use, appreciation, collection and playing of vinyl records. At its core, DJs and musicians who love the physicality of records, from handling the vinyl itself to the unique album art, have revived this technically outdated musical technology.
For many, vinyl culture is not just about listening, or in DJs’ cases, the playing, of vinyl records. It is about expressing oneself in an authentic form of art; it is about a lifestyle of crate-digging in record stores, sharing pieces of art with family and friends, and bonding with a community of like-minded friends at record fairs, eclectic inner-city stores and at DJ nights.
How Did Vinyl Culture Re-Emerge
The rise of digital technology made vinyl records an outdated format for music. The digital world was cheaper, more accessible, more portable, and more versatile – especially for DJs here in Australia.
Nevertheless, despite being eclipsed by newer technology, there can be no doubt that vinyl culture has staged a dramatic comeback. There is no single reason or explanation behind this. It is likely the result of several different factors.
1. Nostalgia
Nostalgia undoubtedly plays a role here. Many listeners from older generations are drawn to the memory of their childhoods and seek a connection with their earlier music-listening selves. For younger generations, vinyl culture offers an opportunity to establish a relationship with a bygone era with a purity and authenticity in its music consumption that many feel has been lost.
2. Allure of the Tactile
The digital revolution has changed the world, including the music and DJ world, for the better. But one aspect that has been lost is the tactile experience. The tangibility of a vinyl record and the immersive, ritualistic experience of playing its music is a refreshing and alluring option for modern-day DJs and music aficionados.
3. Hobby
The pop culture vinyl trend reflects a general move towards exploring new hobbies in the world. This was accentuated by experiences such as the global pandemic of COVID-19, where more and more people found themselves with extra time on their hands due to lockdowns and looking for new communities with which to develop and share a passion.
4. Trends
Ironically, the rise of digital media has happened alongside the rise of the internet and social media. Record Store Day, launched in 2008, and similar initiatives have contributed to the surge in vinyl sales and enthusiasm, buoyed by mass viral marketing and sensations that could only be achieved in today’s interconnected world. The rise of influencers has also made an indelible impact on the resurgence of vinyl culture.
5. Novelty
Last but not least is novelty. Much like the allure of the tactile, the digital transformation of the music industry put the same access to the same tracks in just about everybody’s pocket. Vinyl records, especially rare ones, offer a novelty in access and collection that resonates with people’s in-built need for originality, personal expression and the enjoyable hunt for something ‘new’ and exciting.
Should Aussie DJs Get into the World of Pop Culture Vinyl?
Ultimately, this comes down to you and your music preferences. Of course, the passion for vinyl and vinyl culture does have a strong appeal.
Aside from the nostalgia and emotional connection, many vinyl enthusiasts believe that its music is warmer and richer than that of digital formats. Plus, there is the community that comes along with it. Vinyl culture promotes a sense of belonging, whether through a local record store or by bonding over limited editions and collectible works of cover art.
If you are interested, as an Australian DJ, here is our simple guide to get started.
1. Explore where you can find vinyl records
Whether you live in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth, start exploring your local record stores, fairs, and swap meets to begin networking, record finding and trading.
2. Find independent labels and artists
There is a thriving and growing independent market in Australia. By supporting independent labels and artists, you will not only come across great additions for your collection but also help support the continued growth of the pop culture vinyl scene.
3. Build your collection
While starting with your favourite genre is a good first step, branch out by looking for local and international releases across new genres, and especially for limited editions and Australian pressings, both of which are great collector’s items.
4. Incorporate it into your performance
Begin playing around with vinyl in your DJ sets. Start practising the basics such as beatmatching, cueing and mixing by ear. And always invest in good gear, such as turntables, to allow you to do this, all of which can be found right here at DJ City.
5. Lean into the community
Vinyl culture is a communal culture. So, connecting with the community will not only help increase your access to unique records, but it will also fuel your passion for records. You can connect with people via social media or attend events, such as swap meets and releases. Participate in events such as Record Store Day and don’t be afraid to share your newfound passion and knowledge with other Aussie DJs.
Dive into Vinyl Culture with DJ City
The vinyl culture scene in Australia is thriving and growing year on year. For local DJs with a blossoming passion for vinyl or an interest in getting involved, there are lots of opportunities to participate in the nostalgia, ritual, artistry and community.
The team at DJ City are not just experts in all things DJ and musical production equipment, we’re fellow enthusiasts and artists. Whether you’re looking for an affordable, reputable turntable to start getting involved in vinyl DJing or you just want to chat about all things pop culture vinyl, make sure to reach out to our team today.
