Wall record holder or not, we all hold our own wall of stories

Within each of our vinyl record shrines lies a different kind of collection – a collection of individual stories. From the reason we purchased an album or where we first discovered it, to the time we saw the artist perform live. Does that album feel dated or does the record hold up over time? After all, we took the time to purchase physical copies of the music in a day and age when we no longer have the need. The interesting question is: Why?

When we go behind the music, there are a ton of details to explore. Who produced the album? How was it recorded? What other collaborators were involved? What other artists are on the same record label?

And then we get to vinyl records, and the universe opens even wider. We can find anything from first-pressings or rare misprints to countless reissues, limited edition variants, twelve inch originals, unreleased tracks from the artists and even random easter eggs hidden on specific records.

There’s a certain level of excitement that occurs when friends start browsing my vinyl record collection. I think most listeners can relate – we’re proud of our collections, and we’re excited to share. And sometimes we hold these memories and personal stories close to our hearts.

We Are The Holders of Music Discovery

Passion for music runs deep and it can be driven by many of our personal experiences. Only we know the stories behind our unique temples of music. Even if only to share a favorite song or a new addition to our collection, we have an important role to play.

Historically, DJs held the keys to the listeners’ ears and traditional radio was the prime source of new music discovery. In the early hip hop era, we began pushing the limits of what record players could do. We combined the passion of sharing music with the ability to excite the room.

In more current times, we’re oversaturated with a near-infinite sea of music across several digital platforms and the industry continues to evolve. DJs can stream online and reach listeners across the globe, and we as individuals possess an equal opportunity to share what we’re listening to – in person and online – for the world to listen with us, comment, or interact.

Even when we put aside the automation of streaming music, it’s a combination of influential artists, the people closest to us, and our passion for the hunt that ultimately drives new music discovery.

As listeners, we can experience the elation of new music but we can also act as a mechanism for expanding the network effects of music discovery. In the digital age, we – the audience – can truly power the success of the artist.

Every Vinyl Record Holds A Story

It’s up to us as fans and listeners to share our stories to discover what stands out in our record collections. When you’re hanging out with friends, staring down a wall of records, where do you even begin? How are the records ordered? How easy are they to browse through?

While eyeing the spine of an album, there is not much visible support and friends may not realize they’re looking at a specific edition or a rare release. Or that it holds a special meaning because it was a gift from a close friend, or signed by the artist, or includes a bonus 7-inch... or any number of very personal reasons we hold dear.

When you consider everyone's unique musical tastes, why would an album spark any interest at all to anyone but you? What’s in your collection that this friend might enjoy, or that they may not have heard before? We need to give them an invitation to care, and to dig deeper into our personal collection with us.

When we share our personal stories, it opens music up to deeper meaning and great conversation. The experience of music discovery is born from the individuality that is us. It’s fascinating how music can suddenly generate a sense of connection. This is how Record Props came to be – the core philosophy that sharing music and seeing what is now playing is a catalyst for music discovery, conversations, and ultimately, human connection.

So what’s your story?

Whatever it is, keep on spinning and please don’t forget to share the love.