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Music is a medium that is loved by all. It’s difficult to find someone who doesn’t listen to at least one tune in their daily life. However, some people aren’t satisfied with just listening to their favorite songs on their phones. Some want a physical medium. That is where Josey Records come in.
The store’s founders, Waric Cameron and Luke Sardello, opened their shop on Oct. 20, 2014, and it has only risen in popularity in the last decade. Countless vinyl records that roll throughout all kinds of artists and genres fill the store. The people who come into this store aren’t just those who wish to relive an era of music, but also those who want to experience it for the first time. Various young buyers expand their personal collections thanks to the help from Josey Records.
Kristen Ricks, the 28-year-old retail operation manager who has worked at Josey Records for over a year, said, “30 to 40 percent, but definitely more than you think.”
Ricks clarified that the majority of people who come in are still from later generations, but the quantity of newer people is significant.
“I don’t know if I’m technically surprised,” she said. “I’m a collector myself. But a lot more artists are making more physical records. Plenty of stars deliver on products that many young fans want… Parents' influence could also heavily apply to why younger people are interested.”
However, vinyls aren’t the only reason people visit Josey Records. There is also a massive library of cassette tapes, DVDs and books.
Ricks said she believes physical media has grown in popularity. “Owning and holding a piece of media has been more intriguing than having it on your phone, and it’ll keep growing in time,” she said.
Owning a tangible library that presents the kind of taste of music one might have may tempt some collectors, but there are general advantages with purchasing physical media over digital. For one, there is a sense of true ownership of the specific medium, whether vinyl, DVD or cassette. Another advantage is that the internet isn’t needed to access these materials. The usage of this amusement isn’t shackled online.
“Everything physical media can offer that digital can’t has been very enticing for most,” Ricks said.
Some customers at Josey Records gave their opinions of the store and on physical media in general.
Asher said he visits the store twice a month and looks for the store’s specialty, vinyl records, “...because I just like fixating on something I already have a library on,” he said.
When the subject of advantages physical has over digital came up, he said, “I feel like you get more into the mind of an artist and their vision through things like records and vinyls.” Asher emphasized that this kind of connection is not one you would get from music platforms such as Spotify.
Another customer, Scott, agreed with Asher. He is also a vinyl fan, but has recently been collecting DVDs, of which Josey Records has plenty. He said he prefers physical media over digital. “Absolutely, because of actual ownership and collectability… [And] there is more bang to your buck. It’s more affordable over digital.”
Scott said he also thinks the quality in some DVDs, along with the special features, are better than what streaming platforms provide for the same show or movie.
Even individuals who don’t prefer physical media come to the store. Brent said he would rather have a single device play all of his favorite music, but still visits Josey Records two times a week. Even though he prefers convenience, “I still find enjoyment in finding it in person,” he said. “There’s also a lot of nostalgia in it.” Another reason he goes to Josey Records, specifically, is because a lot of other record stores around him are either closed down or are starting to, which narrows his choices.
