From the phonograph to downloading MP3s, people have always been able to own their music. But with the rise of music streaming services like Apple Music or Spotify, more and more people are losing the ability to own their favorite albums and songs. 

However, in recent years, the world has seen an increased interest in returning to physical media, mainly when it comes to music, with the return of vinyl records and CDs. “I love the look of vinyls, and they feel like a very cool form of media to own and use. I own many CDs as it is an easy and accessible way to listen to music and allows me to support my favorite artists,” senior Elizabeth Crisostomo-Krasowska said.

Companies have taken note of the rise of collecting physical media and have started to use it as a way to sell merchandise as well. “I also like showing off my vinyls and CDs to friends and family. Certain vinyls/CDs also include exclusive merch that I can’t find anywhere else,” senior Tatyana Maldonado said.

As is bound to happen with any physical item, especially collectors items, a lot of vinyls and CD’s can be harder to find, but makes finding you favorite that much more exciting, “’Infestissumam’ by Ghost on CD [is my favorite CD in my collection]; because this is a very early album, it’s almost impossible to find physical copies of it anywhere. I’m very lucky to have found it at a local thrift shop, as Ghost is one of my favorite bands,” Maldonado continued.

Other times, CDs can have a personal connection. “[My favorite is] Probably my ‘Stadium Arcadium’ album by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It’s my favorite because it was given to me by a friend who passed away a few years ago,” Tali Roach said.