In an age of digital music supremacy, vinyl records have beat all odds to remain popular despite their association with the past.
Music lovers and collectors of all ages continue to dig through record crates, drawn by the unique qualities that only physical media can offer. Why is this and what are the differences between analog and digital recordings?
Toronto based music producer Chris Birkett and Andre Lessard, manager of Another Spin Records in Durham, recently spoke with The Chronicle about the eccentric characteristics of vinyl and the growth of records stores in the region.
“Analog recording is much more laborious,” said Birkett.
He highlighted the differences between analog and digital audio, noting how digital audio workstations (DAWs) have become a staple in today’s recording studios, and offer a number of benefits for musicians.
“With Pro Tools, which I use now, I can make a record out of a voice memo,” he said. “It doesn’t matter the tempo (or) pitch, I can fix everything instantly.”
Birkett also compared the playback quality between CDs and vinyl, drawing from his experience working on a friend’s album recently. He created both a CD digital mix and an analog mix for vinyl, and after listening back on the same sound system, he determined, “vinyl was much better.”
Vinyl record stores have become staples in communities all over Durham and are expanding as demand increases. Andre Lessard, manager of Another Spin Records. said excitement levels where high about a recent store opening in Bowmanville.
After three successful years at their Oshawa location, and a recent eight-month anniversary of opening a Whitby store, Lessard pointed out the demand for records is continuing to rise.
“We just had that missing link and people were asking about Bowmanville,” he said.