There are those who already speak of a revolution and a drastic reaction to streaming platforms and digital purchases. After 30 years the sales of vinyls in Italy have exceeded those of the cd, a historical overtaking that confirms the constant growth of the old format rehabilitated in the eyes of enthusiasts, fans and simple lovers.
The data of vinyl in Italy
2021 is to all intents and purposes the year of vinyl, an increasingly fundamental format for record projects by Italian and international artists. In fact, it has become customary to publish vinyls with exclusives, unpublished or limited edition packaging. And the effect on the market is disruptive. In the first three months of 2021, according to Deloitte data for FIMI, vinyl sales in Italy increased by 121% compared to the same period of 2020 and generated higher revenues than the CD. To date vinyl accounts for 11% of music sales in our country, gaining a good share of the market occupied by streaming which accounts for 80% of the total turnover of the industry. In the first quarter, overall, the Italian market grew by 18,8%. Still strong the affirmation of revenues from subscriptions to streaming services, which rose by 37%.
The slow decline of the CD
The incredible result of the vinyls is certified by the world sales recorded in 2020. Purchases of vinyl have increased by 29,2% compared to the previous year. The impact of the pandemic and the lockdown could suggest a great response for the music streaming market, which actually happened with 83% of the sector's total revenues and an increase of 13,4%, but it had underestimated the capacity. of vinyls to attract more and more fans. The format generated a 619,6 million market. What now seems clear to all analysts is that the CD is destined to disappear slowly registering a modest circle of money.
The "warmth" of analog sound
But what has led vinyl to establish itself on such a digital market? There are those who speak of the warmth of the analog sound compared to the now classic one of platforms, but there is the visual component with increasingly beautiful packaging from a graphic point of view. Also there is the passion for sound and listening which oblige those who are passionate to have to buy stereo systems that can improve this aspect. A listener is thus more aware of the opportunities offered by vinyls and the ability to feel "special" in listening to a specific product and not a generic playlist.
