Who is buying records in 2007?
spelunk
3,400 Posts
First off, I think this thread from the wayback machine is one of the best discussions SoulStrut has ever seen, and inspired this thread. Worth reading if you didn't catch it the first time:Why Record Stores Don't Make Money And Shut DownThis question has been lingering in my mind for a few months now, and more recently I was thinking about the unknown future of record collecting and wondering what demographic/groups of people are putting in the time and money to keep stores alive and dealers happy. While nothing is ever certain, I know pretty strongly that I'll be collecting records for the rest of my life, and I think it's interesting try to understand who else is doing so and for what reasons/what music.From my own personal experience, which I trust but is limited to California over the past two years, I've noticed that there are essentially four main groups of record collectors that I see in shops, thrifts, flea markets, etc.1) The crust related older dudes, after Beatles and 60s mono originals, or trying to grip n' flip. Not really in it to discover new music. Often found staring bewilderingly at private and other oddball records. Generally rough around the edges to deal with, and often just don't know what the hell they're talking about. Doesn't apply to all older dudes, some of whom are good folks, but I do see a lot of these characters, including a Bay Area Larry and some shop owners.2) Real headz. Few and far between, like a lot of people on this board, knowledgeable, buying private and raer records of all genres, generally friendly once you make it clear that you know what you're talking about. Most are down with hip-hop to some degree, or at least appreciate it as an artform. Many might be particularly into a specific genre or era of music, but are smart enough to pick up any record that looks good on the cheap. Spans a wide range of ages and demographics, and some know much more than others. Basically people who are in it for the love of music.3) Unfocused young'ns. The guys and gals 17-25 who buy records, but really as a novelty thing, because it's cool. Looking for artists they already know and like, not for records they've never heard of. Some are hipsters and call records "vinyls". Some buy records to sample, or are hip-hop DJs, but really don't know their way around the vast world of records, and wouldn't really consider paying over $20 on a record. Though most of us were at this stage at some point, most of these folks will never be die-hard record collectors.4) Narrow-minded collectors. The dudes who know everything about one generally obscure or narrowly-defined genre of music, but are fairly unwilling to branch out. Oftentimes collectors of new vinyl releases or obscure styles of rock/punk/alternative/experimental/new wave that I didn't really know existed.Of course there are exceptions, and obviously the international aspect adds a whole new element to the equation. But I guess what I want to know, especially from you shop owners, dealers, and dudes who have been at it a long time, is what the general demographic of record collectors looks like, and how it's changing. Who do you see in the store - age, gender, taste, etc. What percentage of the people buying records in the real world in the US are cats who got into records through hip-hop? How do you see things changing over the next few years? Drop some knowledge.And as much as I love sneakers, rap, football, and clowning on Anticon, I think it's also cool when there's real discussion on SoulStrut. And with RAJs update, this board deserves some real talk.
Comments
Too many old SoulStrut heads have gotten married or had kids in the past few years, and i think that's weaksauce. Normally I would be happy for dudes, but when it compromises the overall quality of threads on SoulStrut I have to draw the line. Shit is mad inconsiderate to the rest of us, you know?
.....plus i need samples yo.
Dont ask me why, cause I fear the answer !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Peace
Hawkeye
Considering how many record stores have closed up in the last two years, not to mention clueless new stores who price Carole King albums at $20, that info is important.
Yeah I feel you on this, and I know that a lot of them are caught up making real world moves and aren't slaves to universities like you or I am. They're also the ones with the deep knowledge.
To anticipate this thread being left in the dust, let me just say that I personally think that serious record collectors are a huge anomaly for my generation (early 20s) and without new blood demand for records will shrink within the U.S., even if it surges elsewhere. Massive collectro imbalance and the continued exportation of American cultural artifacts. I think African music and international psych are the uncharted territory of the future for most people and both are kinds of deep, unique, timeless music that will never stop being collected. Dudes like Frank, DJ Ferrari, and the Trap Door crew are ahead of the game in this respect, as are the Acid Archives and psych collectors who have been doing it for decades.
And by the way dudes, I wasn't asking if YOU buy records, I thought that was assumed if you're on SoulStrut.
There will always be the crusties and the hipsters, but it is so cool to see kids diggin on diggin.
And the young couple i saw at the flea digging in the rain and getting all excited over 60s beat albums made my day.
Haha I sounded angry
I sell records to so many different people. Of course you know who's buying all the rare stuff (aleit!) but yeah, the market is pretty wide for your average $10 record. The way it should be.
I still hold strongly to the idea of putting stuff in the shop first. Of course it gets blurry: when you get a $600 record, what do you do? Put it on the wall? In fact there are a couple records in the shop right now that I'm wondering the same thing about. And of course when you DO put something online, you will get a regular customer who wishes they could've had a chance to step to it. The way it goes unfortunately.
The record store in 2007 is some hip shit. It ain't the hand over fist money of the 90s, before people got wise to prices and commodity (through the internet). But the records are still coming (oh boy are they ever) and the spot is cracking.
What I want to know, is who is buying CD's in 2007?
I'm sorry.. but copping some stuff off ebay (with shipping) is still alot less than what id pay here, and also not the usual raped sleaves you see here in germany on US pressings.
Usually I support my regular places. One of my first spots is slowly closing down right now, which is kinda sad.
Made some great discoveries there....The basement seems raped so theres not much to clear out...
however the 45section was untouched last time i was there. Perhaps I should pay them a last visit ...
Strangely I found myself ordering the random comp on CD unless its some Trap Door stuff that will be MEGARARE in like 2072
I DO BUY RECORDS IN THE TWO-THOU-SEVEN AND ALWAYS WILL!
I buy junky records to sample. I buy medium raer stuff to listen to. I have a huge soft spot for psych folk. Anything with moog (et al), mellotron, excessive reverb or vocal harmonies will pique my interest.
I am down with hip hop, although I'm extremely white middle class. I can appreciate keyboard beats, but I don't seek out or especially enjoy 99% of modern hip hop.
I am a record nerd and this is my manifesto, you might stop one of us but you cannot stop us all.
show us!
JP......How's about putting together a little email list of some of your local regular customers and once a month sending out a note saying...
"These LP's will be going up on Ebay next week....but you can have first shot at them here at the store with a set sale price"??
Just a thought.
another shop here just announced it will be closing - new cds & dj vinyl is a losing game...
Dag, which one?
last year they closed the dance room at the gratiot store & fired off the staffers - only a matter of time before that one closes too methinks.
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Not to thread hijack, but that's two more rape references than should ever be included in a discussion about records.
Sayin'.
I just do not have the time to manage a private list on top of running a shop and selling online from time to time as well.
Also, sometimes when you've got a nice list ready to go, of course there are folks who would like to nab the one or two top-tier items... but that kind of sabotages the rest of the list.
I do private deals with customers and friends all the time, but I don't have the patience or free time to email a bunch of different customers the world over every time I get a rare record in.
LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS AND RAER RECORDS
Right? Dudes be totally raping your set sale list.
1) The Beatles/Elvis collector ??? Completists in genre???s that can never be complete. Lots of female Beatles & Elvis collectors still living out the ???crush??? they had as a young girl, possibly in an attempt to stay young. Obligatory dress???.Sun Record T-Shirt???.poodle skirt???.Abbey Road T-Shirt.
2) The Soundtrack collector ??? Very rare breed and more anal retentive than most collectors. Known to wear white gloves while inspecting a disc. Wants everything cheap.
3) The 70???s & 80???s Gay Collector ??? At one time very prominent but began to be a dying breed in the 90???s. Created and sustained a market for Judy Garland, Lesley Gore and covers that featured Jayne Mansfield.
4) The Top 40 Guy ??? Not only collects records but collects radio Station Top 40 Lists and can tell you what was #36 on a local El Paso station Dec. 3rd 1959. tend to be social misfits and possibly mental Savants.
5) The Cheesecake Collector ??? Usually dudes who have either never had a date or their wives won???t let them collect normal porn.
6) The Unusual Cover Art Collector ??? Has no or little interest about the music but is into cover art for it???s ???Absurdity??? factor. Some collect specific artists like Jack Davis or R. Crumb. Tend to not be as weird as most record collectors.
7) Bootleg Dude ??? Collects bootlegs by any/everyone regardless of sound quality. I suspect most of them never listen to the disc.
8) The Experimental/Avant Garde Collector ??? Pseudo-Intellectual pursuits that make them appear hipper than hipster. ???I am so hip I listen to the unlistenable???.
9) The Pigeon-holed Demented Collector ??? My buddy Tune-Up told me about the ultimate dude in this genre???..Only collects LP???s with pictures of people looking out of windows on the cover???..I???ve met folks who collect covers with Dogs, Vespas, and Tooth Brushes!
10) The Unusual Media Collector ??? I???ve only met one of these, and there may only be one. Dude collected records made of unusual materials, glass, aluminum, cardboard.
It seems like I run into this all the time...I often can't buy common unpriced shit because the record shop dudes think I'm trying to get over on them. Reputation is a bitch...None of your wives, daughers, and records are safe! I coming through on some Viking style rape and pillage shit!!!