Perspective: Neil Gibbons, COO of Key Production, discusses the continuing growth and popularity of physical music.
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In the ever-evolving music industry, the resurgence of physical music formats, particularly vinyl, continues to captivate enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
According to a recent article, CDs remain a lower-cost entry point for artists and are still a robust format, despite the overall market potentially changing (Music Week, 2025-07-31). This sentiment is echoed by Neil Gibbons, COO of Key Production, who encourages the industry to "look beyond the headline figures" (Music Week, 2025-07-31).
Key Production has indeed seen a continued surge in vinyl orders in 2025, with a reported 50% increase in vinyl orders earlier this year. This trend is not exclusive to Key Production, as other companies like Memphis Record Pressing have also experienced growth in vinyl orders (Memphis Record Pressing, 2025-07-20).
The ongoing resurgence of physical music can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the experience of ownership plays a significant role. Fans are embracing the tactile, collectible nature of vinyl and CDs, valuing the experience of owning something tangible rather than solely consuming digital music. This trend transcends generations, engaging both younger listeners and longtime collectors.
Secondly, the impact of major artist releases cannot be ignored. Sales fluctuate with the release of high-profile physical products tied to popular artists such as Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and Oasis. Big artist moments can cause spikes in demand, temporarily affecting seasonal sales data.
Thirdly, market fluctuations and anticipated demand are factors that contribute to the ongoing resurgence of physical music. Despite some quarterly dips reported in the broader market, these are viewed as natural fluctuations. Upcoming releases and anticipated demand into late 2025 and early 2026 suggest that physical music formats will remain robust.
Lastly, the inclusivity of different formats and short-run pressing options is a significant factor in the growth of the physical music market. There is a growing availability of short-run vinyl manufacturing, which lowers minimum order requirements and opens up vinyl production to smaller artists, expanding the market and consumer offerings.
The boom in physical music ownership is driven by various factors, making it difficult to imagine a sudden implosion of all of them. The second half of 2025 is expected to be exciting due to the cultural shift in the music industry.
Record Store Day 2025 delivered the best weekly sales for indie retailers in three decades, and the trend of buying physical music formats is seen across all age groups. HMV reopened their flagship record store on Oxford Street 18 months ago, and Rough Trade announced an expanded partnership with John Lewis, featuring a curated vinyl range in 23 stores.
Despite some wobbles in vinyl sales in 2025 (BPI figures), the overall picture paints a story of a market that is maturing and expanding, driven by a renewed consumer interest in physical ownership and the joy of collecting. The resurgence of physical music is a testament to the enduring appeal of tangible music formats and the experiences they offer.
References:
- Music Week. (2025-07-31). Key Production sees vinyl orders surge despite potential slowdown in industry. [online] Available at: https://www.musicweek.com/news/readnow/key-production-sees-vinyl-orders-surge-despite-potential-slowdown-in-industry-2453683
- Memphis Record Pressing. (2025-07-20). Memphis Record Pressing Announces Expansion to Meet Growing Demand for Vinyl. [online] Available at: https://www.memphisrecordpressing.com/news/memphis-record-pressing-announces-expansion-to-meet-growing-demand-for-vinyl
- BPI. (2025). Vinyl Sales Wobble in 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.bpi.co.uk/news/vinyl-sales-wobble-in-2025
- One European vinyl compound supplier reports a 16% year-on-year increase and 'substantial incoming orders.' [unattributed]
- In the context of the music industry, finance plays a crucial role in the business of physical music formats, such as vinyl, as the ongoing surge in vinyl orders seen by companies like Key Production indicates a need for adequate funding to meet demand.
- The resurgence of vinyl sales can be linked to the entertainment industry, as major artist releases drive sales and create spikes in demand for physical music formats, resulting in a boost for companies like Memphis Record Pressing.
