Dubai: Move over, Spotify; Why some members of Generation Z opt for vinyl records instead of streaming music – News
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Vinyl records stored at the Metal East Records store in Dubai (Photos by KT: Shihab)
Some members of Generation Z and millennials in the UAE are abandoning the ease of streaming their favorite songs to appreciate them on vinyl records.
“It’s because of the experience,” said Saif Sami, explaining why he collects vinyl records. “It’s nice to have some tangibility with the music.”
Between him and his brother Samir, the 27-year-old Emirati owns around 60 albums, joining a growing number of young people who are going old school when it comes to music.
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Part Saif vinyl collection.
According to the founder of UAE record fair Vinyl Souk DXB, the practice is becoming “more and more prominent because vinyl is becoming fashionable”.
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“As music streaming services become the norm, more young people are turning to vinyl to find something different to listen to. They have become more likely to rummage through boxes of records to find one that speaks to them,” said Jayesh Veralkar.
“It’s a great way to break those AI-based algorithms that give you the same recommendations based on metadata,” said the 40-year-old Indian expat. “I’m not saying that vinyl is going to surpass digital formats, but they are here to stay.”
An inherited legacy
According to Veralkar, many young record collectors inherit the habit from their parents. This was certainly the case for Sami, whose father’s extensive collection included everything from George Michael to Bollywood records.
Saif Sami
Sami got into the habit around 2010, when he was given a vinyl of Metallica’s Master of Puppets album. Then, he would buy one or two records every time he went to a store, slowly growing his collection.
“Just my brother and I have everything from the Beatles to the Beach Boys to Elvis,” he said.
Sami and his brother sometimes wonder if they have too many records. But then they remember seeing family homes with walls full of vinyl shelves.
“We’re probably not the worst,” he said. “But we’re in the middle of the road for collectors.”
vintage vibes
“I really enjoy using the record player on weekends when I clean the room or enjoy a tarot reading session with my friend online,” said Wajih El Bizri, a Lebanese expat in Dubai.
Wajih El Bizri with a vinyl
“It’s always nice to let it play in the background,” the 26-year-old said. He started collecting records about three years ago and is now 20. El Bizri primarily collects albums that have impacted his life, focusing on songs with lyrics that connect with him.
“Lady Gaga’s Born This Way was one of the most inspiring albums I’ve ever had in my life. “She talks a lot about accepting your identity and that holds a very special place in my heart,” El Bizri said.
“I didn’t have anyone to talk to growing up. Just listening to that record made me feel less alone.”
In addition to the deep meaning it has for him, El Bizri also enjoys showing his records. “I enjoy the artistic covers. There’s something very peaceful and iconic about just seeing them on the wall,” he said. “I think it comes from a sentimental place.”
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