CULTURAL SPACE OF VINYL RECORDS

Abstract

Many societal groups differ in social structure, function, and taste. Vinyl record collectors share an attraction to a recording material and long to share it through interaction by trading objects and expressing viewpoints. To inquire into today’s vinyl record cultural space, physical space and online space must be distinguished. Data was gathered by in-depth interviews and observance of samples, all vinyl record collectors, in physical and online spaces as well as study of documents and published research. Results were that vinyl records connect collectors to interact with fellow enthusiasts, forming societal relationships. Previously, record collector organizations were associated with a physical space where people met, but technological society context has expanded record collecting groups to the online space. However, record stores remain significant insofar as playing vinyl records requires handling and touching them. Digging is important rituals of playing vinyl records. The allure of entering a record shop to locate a disc and purchase it, exchanging ideas and listening to music with others generates aesthetic sensual variety in a specific space.