There’s something special about dropping the needle on a record. The gentle crackle, the warm, rich sound, the tactile feeling of holding an actual piece of music—it just hits differently. In an age where streaming offers instant access, more and more young people are choosing to slow down with vinyl.
Saesha Deviprasad, a 19-year-old vinyl collector, understands the appeal. “It may sound really generic, but I love the fact that I can physically hold the music I listen to.” Arjun Khanchandani, a 23-year-old risk analyst obsessed with collecting records, adds, “The fact that vinyls still provide an analog way of owning media is something that really attracts me.”
One of the biggest reasons people are turning to vinyl is the way it changes how they listen. Unlike streaming, where skipping tracks is effortless, vinyl encourages listeners to experience an album the way the artist intended. “You can’t just shuffle tracks,” says Taha Khan, a 25-year-old photographer and vinyl collector. “You sit with an album, take in the art, and experience the journey the way it was meant to be.” Harsh Shah, a 30-year-old artist and a collector, agrees. “Albums used to be made as a full experience. Vinyl forces you to sit and take it all in.”
Beyond the sound, vinyl collecting is an art form. It’s about album covers, inserts, and the nostalgia of physical music. “I was drawn to vinyls because of how music was streamed in the ‘60s and ‘70s,” Saesha says. For Arjun, it’s also about supporting artists. “Streaming barely pays musicians, but when you buy a vinyl, you’re actually contributing to their work. It feels more personal, more meaningful.”
Half the fun of collecting vinyl isn’t just playing it, it’s the thrill of the hunt. Unlike streaming, where every song is instant, vinyl collecting takes effort, patience, and luck. Taha hunted down Random Access Memories by Daft Punk after they split up. “I searched everywhere, and when I finally found a copy, I bought it a month before I even had a record player.” Harsh had a similar experience. “I got my first record—”Bismillah” by Peter Cat Recording Co.—during the pandemic. Their music helped me through that time, and when I saw they were pressing vinyl, I had to get one. It’s something I’ll keep forever.”
For some, collecting records is about preserving history. In Lucknow, Tasveer Hassan, creative director at Lucknow Bioscope, is leading a project to restore and archive rare vinyl, tapes, and cassettes of Begum Akhtar, a legendary Indian singer. “We found old letters, notes, even unreleased recordings,” says Tasveer. “Digitizing them is crucial before they’re lost forever.”
Begum Akhtar was one of the first women to perform publicly, be recorded, and be played on national radio. “This isn’t just about preserving her voice,” Tasveer says. “It’s about keeping her story alive.”
Where to Buy Vinyl in India
- Abdul Razak (Fort, Mumbai) – A vinyl seller since 1979, Abdul started by collecting records door-to-door and has built an extensive collection. “From 17-year-olds to 70-year-olds, people from all walks of life come to me,” he says. “Spotify and Apple Music can never replace the feel of vinyl—the warmth, the nostalgia. It’s something digital music just can’t replicate.” According to Abdul, the most sought-after records today are by Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, and Mohammed Rafi, along with ‘60s rock bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. His advice for beginners? “Start with the classics, the albums that define music history. And most importantly, get a proper record player—because what’s the point of collecting if you’re not going to experience it the right way?”
- Rams Musique (Church Street, Bengaluru) – One of Bangalore’s most trusted vinyl stores, Rams Musique has seen a surge in young buyers. “Most of them are setting up a new home and want a vinyl corner with a record player and some records,” Ram shares. “Some couples even invest together, buying a set of records every month after payday.” Classic rock remains their bestseller, but Bollywood vintage records, Hindustani and Carnatic classical music, and pop albums are also in demand. While new records are imported from Ireland, the UK, and Europe, pre-owned ones are sourced locally. However, high import duties make vinyl expensive. “Finding distributors with great collections is tough, but we’re working on better delivery services to make records more affordable in India.” For beginners, Ram recommends Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd, played on an Audio-Technica LP60X with Edifier 1280DBs speakers—“the best starter combo,” he says.
- Kala Ghoda Records (New Delhi) – Known for its carefully curated selection of classic rock, jazz, Bollywood, and indie records, Kala Ghoda Records was established in 2020 and quickly became a go-to for collectors. Recently, they expanded their reach by partnering with Zoop, making their catalog more accessible online.
- Instagram Vinyl Sellers – Many independent resellers on Instagram offer rare pressings, from classic rock to Bollywood gems. Some of the best vinyl sellers in India include:
- Pagal Records (@pagalrecords) – Based in Delhi’s Hauz Khas, they offer vinyl, cassettes, and books.
- Digging In India (@digginginindia) – Founded by Nishant Mittal, specializing in rare and hard-to-find records.
- India Record Co. (@indiarecordco.in) – A community-driven store celebrating vinyl culture.
- Record Room (@recordroomindia) – A unique vinyl bar that also sells records.
- Pancham Records (@pancham_records) – A trusted seller of gramophone records.
- Discogs (Online) – A global platform for buying records. “If you buy multiple records, the prices turn out cheaper than most places here,” says Taha.
- Concert Merch Stalls – Many artists now sell vinyl at their concerts. Arjun says, “Most of my vinyls have come from artist merch stalls.”
For many young listeners, vinyl isn’t just about music—it’s a way to disconnect from the constant noise of the digital world and reconnect with sound in a more meaningful way. It’s about owning music, not just streaming it and forgetting about it. It’s about slowing down, listening with intention, and falling in love with music all over again. As Taha puts it, “Some things you just have to feel to understand.” And that’s exactly why vinyl isn’t just making a comeback—it’s here to stay.