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Spin city: Melbourne loves records

From a vinyl-focused music exhibition to beloved record stores, ‘listening bars’ and clubs, the Victorian capital’s fondness for wax reverberates in every corner of the city

Spin city: Melbourne loves records

TL;DR

  • The Vinyl Factory: Reverb exhibition in Melbourne celebrates vinyl's cultural significance, featuring rare records, audiophile gear, and documentaries.
  • Melbourne's status as the 'vinyl capital of the world' is discussed, referencing its high density of record stores and a growing vinyl market in Australia.
  • Independent labels and artists view vinyl releases as crucial for cultural relevance, supplementing streaming revenues despite increasing production and shipping costs.
  • The rise of 'listening bars' and 'deep listening' sessions in Melbourne indicates a cultural shift towards focused, intentional music appreciation, moving away from algorithmic curation.
  • Vinyl collecting is portrayed as a way to build community, preserve history, and reclaim attention in a digital world.