| As we continue to see the sales of CDs fall, | | | | song until it is just the new track playing. |
| it is obvious that the distribution channels | | | | It's like creating a new song and new music |
| of music are changing. But there is no | | | | in a way. You make sure to keep up a steady |
| disputing that digital downloads are the new | | | | stream, a continuous flow of ups and downs, |
| "norm" for many people to acquire their | | | | it's like telling a story, you want to keep |
| music, be it one ninety-nine cent download or | | | | people intrigued and interested in the |
| an entire album. As I ponder these changes, I | | | | music," said Steve. "I really think that |
| still think that the vinyl record, as | | | | vinyl is coming back, it sure is in our area. |
| prehistoric as it is, is gaining popularity | | | | If my friends and I had to pick, records |
| as well as making new fans and believers that | | | | would be our choice and the best option to |
| this is the best audio format that can be | | | | hear our music. But, they are harder to |
| heard. As a vinyl lover, I am pretty set in | | | | acquire, our nearest vinyl shop is an hour |
| my ways; no one has to convince me of the | | | | and a half away, so we buy most of our vinyl |
| staying power and musical greatness of the | | | | online." I asked Steve about his vinyl record |
| vinyl record. So I was thrilled when I had a | | | | collection and wanted to hear more details |
| chance to interview a young man who shares | | | | about his passion for D J-ing. "To the first |
| the same views as I do. I had the distinct | | | | part of your question, I would say that I |
| pleasure of speaking with a nineteen-year old | | | | have over three hundred records, mostly |
| vinyl lover from Campbell River, British | | | | classic rock like Zeppelin or Heart. But I |
| Columbia, Canada named Steve Robertson; who | | | | have about seventy-five records that would |
| was gracious enough to share his thoughts and | | | | fall into the electronic dance genre. That is |
| views about this old, yet treasured format. | | | | mostly what I play when I DJ because that is |
| What follows is a short discussion with Steve | | | | what the crowd I play for wants to hear. When |
| as he shared his passion and love for vinyl | | | | you're mixing records, the control you have |
| records. I asked Steve what drew him to | | | | over the sound and the way you can manipulate |
| vinyl, why does he prefer this audio format? | | | | the music is just like playing an instrument. |
| "Vinyl just sounds so much better; it has a | | | | You can blend and put effects on the music |
| unique sound that can't be duplicated. There | | | | using your mixer or you can do some hands on |
| is a feeling of satisfaction when actually | | | | scratching and add your own unique sound to |
| holding a physical product. And the cover | | | | it. As far as scratching goes, it's a whole |
| art, not only from the past, but from new | | | | new level of DJ'ing because, in a way you are |
| artists, is another reason I prefer vinyl | | | | creating a sound that has never been heard |
| records over any other format. I also get a | | | | before, it's almost like live production," |
| sense of satisfaction in knowing that when I | | | | explained Steve. It was certainly refreshing |
| buy an artist's work on vinyl, that I am | | | | to listen to Steve speak about his love for |
| supporting the musicians who release it, it | | | | vinyl records. His enthusiasm for the format |
| just isn't another free download," explained | | | | was clearly evident and especially welcome to |
| Steve. I asked Steve how long he has listened | | | | me, a vinyl purist. And we both agreed that |
| to vinyl and about what format his friends | | | | whatever musical genre it is that you enjoy, |
| prefer. "I have been into vinyl for several | | | | it certainly sounds the best emanating from a |
| years now and vinyl is huge in British | | | | vinyl record. And that is a perspective that |
| Columbia and most of my friends prefer it as | | | | will help the vinyl record survive, if not |
| well. We both like the clear sound and | | | | thrive. I want to personally thank Steve for |
| experience you get when playing a record. And | | | | his cooperation and candor in regards to our |
| we are interested in DJ-ing, so it fits right | | | | discussion about vinyl records. It is nice to |
| in. Last year I purchased a pair of Stanton | | | | hear someone from a different generation, not |
| turntables that have certainly helped me in | | | | only passionate about the music that he |
| my DJ-ing efforts and I plan on upgrading | | | | listens to, but about the audio format that |
| very soon to take it to the next level. I | | | | he chooses to listen to his music. |
| love the control that I have playing the | | | | |
| music that people want to hear. The goal of a | | | | Author Robert Benson writes about rock/pop |
| DJ is to take two different songs and blend | | | | music, vinyl record collecting and operates |
| them together in a smooth seamless way | | | | where you can pick up a copy of his ebook |
| without the crowd knowing. Taking elements of | | | | called "The Fascinating Hobby Of Vinyl Record |
| one record and blending them into the other, | | | | Collecting. |
| you can then skillfully mix out the first | | | | |