It all began with a midnight viewing of Empire Records and a can of Diet Coke. Honestly? The perfect night if you ask me.
For the uncultured (kidding), Empire Records is a 1995 coming-of-age movie following a group of teens who work to save their beloved record store from selling out to a corporate chain. Basically, they overcome teen angst, listen to awesome music, and of course, stick it to the man!
Spoiler alert: Okay, let’s be honest. This article is not really about Empire Records. Rather, the fading culture it represents.
A lot has changed since the mid 90’s. Record stores full of teenagers, lined up around the block for a new album release has become nearly obsolete. As music has shifted to a digital platform, the culture surrounding it has changed too.
Rewind The Tape
Interestingly, a “new” trend is emerging. One day as I was scrolling Instagram, I noticed several creators discussing a resurgence of physical media. Non-digital storage, also known as analog media includes DVD’s, VHS tapes, film cameras, cassettes, CD’s, and vinyl, to name just a few. And Gen Z wants in on it.
Why Now?
Why bring analog back when we can just use Spotify or Apple Music? It is 2026 after all.
Well, for starters, neither of those apps are inherently bad. Having widespread access to art like that is a modern marvel. And, it’s literally in the palm of your hand.
However, there’s something about holding an album in your hand that can’t be replicated. I’ve seen this firsthand. During my middle school years, vinyl records soared in popularity. Vinyl collecting quickly became a symbol of that whimsy and nostalgia that we can’t seem to get enough of. Before long, everyone I knew had a Victrola record player in their bedroom.
Our digital world is undoubtedly a factor in that shift. As AI and technology progress, we are having a harder time discerning what’s real. That’s scary. But having real, tangible media is something we can control.
Back to basics
I guess what I’m really trying to say is, it’s time to get back to the basics. To slow down for a second. When I take a moment to spin a vinyl or watch a movie on DVD it just feels authentic (as I’m writing for an online magazine). Instead of simply consuming media, I make a conscious choice.
I think Empire Records had it right all along. Art is what brings us together. It deserves to be shared in a way that’s lasting and intentional.