For most of the 20th century, vinyl records reigned supreme as the only widely available music format in the United States, before sales plummeted with the introduction of cassettes, CDs and digital music.

However, starting in 2007, vinyl record sales started increasing year after year, defying the odds and surprising many in the music industry. Vinyl records are experiencing an unexpected renaissance in the digital age.

In 2022, vinyl records surpassed CDs as the most popular physical recorded music format for the first time since 1987.

“We’ve continued to maintain a brisk business since the pandemic,” Cloud Myers, manager of Richmond's Deep Groove Records, said.

Saturday is Record Store Day, an annual celebration of the culture of independently-owned record stores.

Chet Bland is the manager of Plan 9, which has been operating in Carytown since 1981, and expects lines around the block when he opens Saturday.

“Record Store Day brings out both the Swifties and older avid collectors as well," he said. "It brings out everyone.”

Plan 9's Shelby Guest said the store will have 300 releases exclusive to indie record stores and that local bakery Sugar & Twine will be offering special items that day as well. Local band Camp Werewolf will play in store.

Small Friend Records and Books will be opening an hour early, at 10 a.m., and will have a selection of exclusive Record Store Day releases. At Crossroads Records, Dan Lamprecht said the store will open at 9 a.m., with a covered waiting area for shoppers.

Richmond has a number of record stores that continue to flourish with the vinyl resurgence, including Plan 9 Music, Vinyl Conflict, Wax Moon, and Deep Groove, among others. 

Cloud emphasized that Deep Groove, operating now for 15 years, offers a sidewalk sale every October where vinyl enthusiasts can “pay what you can” toward vinyl records they offer.

Vinyl Conflict focuses on hardcore rock, punk, and metal, and also sells shirts, stickers, patches, zines, and books. Recently, Vinyl Conflict has expanded to include more hip-hop and R&B selections.

“We consider ourselves more of an underground record store,” said Melissa Mazula, manager of Vinyl Conflict. “I think younger people are drawn to vinyl because of an oversaturation with streaming. They come in to see what we have and are sometimes even drawn to what is playing on the speakers when they come in. It’s really a rebellion against digital music.”

Like other vinyl stores across the country, Bland sees an increasing desire for vinyl, for both nostalgic older collectors and young people, as well as what he calls “secondhand nostalgia.” In its large space, Plan 9 sells a balance of both new and used vinyl.

“We are fortunate in that our used vinyl comes from sellers who walk regularly through the door,” he said, though occasionally, when he purchases larger collections, he makes house calls.

Ultimately, one of the biggest benefits of the renewed popularity of vinyl records is the preservation of record store culture, which has inspired and sustained countless musicians and fans for almost 100 years. Here in Richmond, that passion has returned.

Egghunt Records

Perhaps even more impressive than the vinyl stores that proliferate the city is the rise of Egghunt Records more than 10 years ago, and its production of local independent musicians on vinyl. Egghunt, an independent record label based in Richmond and Brooklyn, was founded by Adam Henceroth and Gregory Gendron in the spring of 2014.

“I was always into music,” Henceroth said of his interest in starting a record label. “I had some time and plunged into the Richmond music scene, started organizing promotions, met a bunch of bands, and decided to start a record label.”

Egghunt Records focuses on independent artists and releases material on vinyl (as well as CD, cassette, digital downloads and streaming). In its decade of existence, Egghunt Records maintains an active roster of artists who have toured with notable acts such as The War on Drugs and Houndmouth. Egghunt alumni include Lucy Dacus, whose debut album, No Burden, was released on Egghunt Records in 2016.

In 2017, Egghunt Records signed Eric Slick of Dr. Dog to release his solo debut album, Palisades. Other notable releases have included Pearla's Quilting & Other Activities in 2019 and Camp Howard's Juice EP. In early 2024, Egghunt signed the popular Brooklyn indie pop-art band Rubblebucket. Egghunt Records has released 60 albums and continues to support up-and-coming indie artists.

Why does Egghunt promote their artists exclusively on vinyl?

“Street credit,” Henceroth said. “Small labels gain their reputation through vinyl.” 

Henceroth also saw the rise of the popularity in vinyl as a vehicle for starting Egghunt. “Having a vinyl copy is like purchasing a piece of art,” he said.

Henceroth said that the actual vinyl pressings are done elsewhere, as it is more cost effective. In the 1970’s and before the emergence of CD’s, there were approximately 30,000 vinyl factories in the country, but that has been reduced to about 3,000. 

“Our vinyl production is not done in Richmond,” he said. “Rather, the pressings are done primarily in the Czech Republic and shipped to the United States.”

Artists who are interested in procuring a contract and producing a record submit their music directly to Egghunt.

“They are guaranteed to receive feedback,” Henceroth said.

Once the contract is signed, 500-1,000 records are produced and are given allotment at live shows. Henceroth also notes that the means of production has changed, primarily for indie labels like Egghunt. “Back in the day, major record producers such as RCA owned the whole deal, paid for studio time production and shared a low percentage of profits. Today, indie labels don’t have budgets.”

Artists are expected to record in their own studios and hire publicists to get word out about their work. Henceroth’s focus at Egghunt is indie rock and folk music.

Because Egghunt is a small indie label, artists who have albums released tend to use the label to garner national attention and produce their next album on a larger label, as Dacus did.

“Another local artist we produced about four years ago was Abby Huston, a Richmond-based indie-pop singer and songwriter,” Henceroth said. With Egghunt. Huston released their first album Rich, which was a love letter to the local music scene in Richmond.

Huston’s latest album, AH HA, furthers a focus on crafting dreamy guitar compositions with graceful electronic production.

The rise of vinyl is a modern success story.

While some of its success is driven by nostalgia and attracting older consumers, many younger consumers have fallen out of love with the high-tech gadgets that are the hallmarks of our modern times in favor of simplicity and the tactile aesthetics of collecting vinyl records. 

Note: This article has been updated to correct misspelled names.