Filipino music fans talk about the popularity of vinyl

Filipino music fans talk about the popularity of vinyl

by rick olivares

It has been several years since vinyl records became popular again and here in Manila and in some of the bigger cities around the country, the scene is alive and well with dozens and dozens of sellers and re-sellers.

We caught up with some vinyl enthusiasts to see what they think of the return to popularity of vinyl and the scene today. There’s Jan Yusay, an entrepreneur from Bacolod; Cristeen Quezon, a mother from Cebu; Rey Dela Cruz who is a top executive from a pharmaceutical company; Jason Ng who manages an artisanal bakery; and Reggie Halili who operates a bed and breakfast facility and is the organizer of Record Store Day in the Philippines.

Here are their views.

How do you feel about the return to popularity of vinyl?

Quezon: I think it's awesome, it's big and the sharing is phenomenal. We get to learn from each other, discover new genres, and even get referrals on where to purchase those 'desirable' albums.

Dela Cruz: Two perspectives: 1) consumer - there will always be those who prefers “physical” music / analog & those who prefers music “minimalist” both in effort & space. 2) Producers - “physical” / vinyl music is harder to produce & will require significant resources / space to copy; thus better protection on investment (long term). Distribution (technology) shifts allow producers to pinpoint consumers making their marketing efforts more efficient. Online is the game changer.

Ng: It's about time that the popularity of vinyl is back. It's great that history cycles back with the resurgence of vinyl. It seems very interesting yet surreal. I especially love that we are able to share this with our kids who have grown up to music without anything tangible, music was just a button to push in a gadget for them.

Halili: I think it’s great that people have taken to vinyl records again. I for one welcome the opportunity to slow down and actually listen to music - like in the good old days. It’s close to impossible to create (and listen) to a dynamic playlist on vinyl. The listener is forced to sit and experience the entire record in the way the artist intended us to.

Have prices gone up?

Yusay: Yes. Skyrocketing prices especially for the obscure or overhype albums. But some remain constant.

Quezon: Yes, it has because of the encouraging posts of audio groups. It excites the members, and sellers smell it a mile away.

Dela Cruz: Yes, both for used as well as the reissues and new releases.

Halili: Oh definitely. Even the pre-loved vintage records are now trading at many times their original price. It’s great for new artists I guess. The base has grown and there is now an opportunity to be rewarded for great music.

Do you think sellers know how to grade their products?

Yusay: There are few local sellers who really know how to grade or are very transparent in selling their products. This is only my observation basing from the forums I’m in to and not from my experience because I haven’t bought any from them.

Quezon: Yes, the reputable ones do.

Dela Cruz: In general, no. Standards are subjective though there are sellers who I normally buy because I became familiar with their standards.

Ng: In my experience, most sellers are fair and some are even conservative in their grading

Halili: Not everyone. However, interest groups like Audio Pilipinas and Let’s Groove PH on Facebook are actively (and tirelessly) educating the buyers and sellers on the intricacies and benefits of the Goldmine Grading System.

Will vinyl stay popular or is it just a fad?

Yusay: It will stay popular for as long there are audiophiles (music/gear lovers). A niche in the market though.

Quezon: I believe it will stay.

Dela Cruz: Vinyl has been there for a long time and will continue to stay. The recent surge is sustainable, thanks to shift in distribution (driven by technology). I can source anytime, anywhere my wish list. I will pay premium, since it is on my wish list. Unlike before, you’ll be limited to whatever is available for digging... now you can even have multiple copies of different pressings. I observed that consumers pay no matter what the price is!

Ng: Personally, I think that this resurgence should be here at least for the next 10 years.

Halili: I’m not sure it’s a fad. Maybe it’s part of a universal midlife crisis of sorts. Probably a renaissance or return to the golden age. But, like any rally, I am sure the interest will plateau at some point forcing a correction in prices.

Got any stories to share about great buys?

Yusay: Most of the records/gears I have it bought in Germany were really great buys. German pressings - Enyas, Steely Dan’s, Deutsche Grammofon (Tulips) etc. All near mint conditions under 1 Euro each.

Quezon: A college favorite which I got from the 2016 Nov hi-fi show is worth mentioning, as well as a signed copy of Apartel's LP w/c my hubby and I dig. And anything Sergio Mendes which reminds me of my late mom, who used to ask me to play her records when she's on the design table with a 'Dixon' in one hand for pattern making and a Salem ciggie on the other.

Dela Cruz: Yes, E.T. Storybook with Michael Jackson, Keith Jarrett Trio rare Changeless ECM album, Blue Zoo - Love Moves In Strangeways 12” promo copy single sided & a long list of my dad’s favorite: Sammy Davis - 7” Unspoken (Decca & Brunswick press), Tony Bennett - 7” From The Candy Store On The Corner To The Chapel On The Hill, Domenico Mondugno / 7” EP Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare), Sammy Davis - Six Bridges To Cross, Paul Anka - 7” Columbia Verboten, The Hilltoppers 7” PS I Love You, several OST / Musical - Sunflower, Colgems Casino Royale, Goodbye Mr. Chips, Lost Horizon, Pippin, Godspell, Jesus Christ Superstar... audiophile albums like John Coltrane & Johnny Hartmann, Jazz At The Pawnshop, Pat Metheny, John Klemmer, MJQ & Tyzik... I can go on.

Ng: More to Lose by Seona Dancing 7" record that we got from Discogs. I think it was the last one at the price we got it for every other listing after that was like almost 10x what we got it for. More Than Words by Extreme 7" that came with its jukebox label pa. 6. Yes definitely, for me to have tangible music as an alternative as compared to just streaming will give the new generation an appreciation of the hard work artists put in to create music.

Halili: Recycle stores are a great source for super scores. On a recent trip, I was amazed to find a copy of Astrud Gilberto’s Golden Japanese Album filed under “Japanese Folks Songs” and sold for 300 Yen. The Golden Japanese Album is a rare Japan only release which features Astrud Gilberto singing Bossa favorites Live and in Japanese.

Do you agree we need the younger crowd buying records?

Yusay: From an economics point of view - yes!

Quezon: Absolutely! But only if they listen to their records and not just take photos of covers for Instagram's sake!

Dela Cruz: Yes, we were young once, look how we turned out to be... passionate vinyl collectors and listeners!

Halili: Absolutely! Someone needs to take over conservation of music on vinyl and continue that sub- culture.