For the first time in over three decades, vinyl record sales were higher than CDs, prompting one record store in Jackson to promote local artists’ physical work through live concerts.
According to the Record Industry of America, approximately 41 million records were sold, compared to 33 million CDs. Vinyl purchases accounted for 71 percent of physical music sales and reeled in nearly $1.2 billion in revenue.
Hayden Boyd, who manages The End of All Music vinyl record shop, believes popular artists heavily endorsing physical copies of their work has boosted the economy for record stores to the point in which it is difficult for stores to maintain a supply of newly-released albums.
“People are kind of going back to physical copies of things and records are one that people like to collect, especially with big names like Taylor Swift and all these big pop artists pushing their records really hard. It really helped with the vinyl industry,” Boyd told SuperTalk Mississippi News. “It can also be a problem because we can’t keep up with stock.”
The End of All Music is using this surge in vinyl record sales to boost local musicians by using their facility to host live concerts while also selling their albums. Boyd has seen firsthand the level of enthusiasm for local music in the Magnolia State and is glad to have a place for local artists to be embraced by an audience of people who may not have discovered the musicians’ work.
“We have artists play in the store. We have a lot of shows, usually for bands that have a new record coming out or local bands that have a new album coming out,” Boyd continued. “It just gives people something to do and a place to come in and hang out. It’s fun and a lot of those people pick up records and start collecting those records.”
Those interested in shopping for vinyl records or attending a live performance at The End of All Music can find the store in Jackson’s Fondren District on North State Street.
