The Case for Vinyl in the Age of Streaming

In a streaming-dominated world, it’s easy to overlook physical music formats. But step into Rough Trade Berlin, Banquet Records in Kingston, or any other record store, and you’ll see a different story playing out. Vinyl bins are full, foot traffic is up, and younger fans are lining up for album signings, limited color pressings, and exclusive editions.

As Head of Physical Distribution at FUGA, I spend my days thinking about formats that many assume are relics of the past. The truth is, physical formats are thriving. And not just among legacy artists or niche collectors, but across genres, markets, and demographics. Vinyl sales are climbing, more women and younger fans are buying records, and pop artists are embracing the format to connect more deeply with fans.

At FUGA, we see physical as more than just a format. It’s a way to help artists connect with the people who care about their music. We work hand in hand with labels and managers to figure out when vinyl, CDs, or cassettes make sense, and how to bring them to life in a way that feels true to the artist. When it’s done well, fans feel a closer connection to the release by having an album they can hold, listen to and display. 

In 2025  alone, we’ve helped bring to life some truly standout releases:

– Viagra Boys’ latest album, viagr aboys, was named Rough Trade’s Global Album of the Year. We shipped over 32,000 units worldwide.

– Anna von Hausswolff’s ICONOCLASTS continues to land on Best of 2025 lists, with strong global CD and vinyl sales.

– Ocean Alley’s Love Balloon hit #1 on the Australian vinyl charts with multiple variants.

– Thornhill, Nova Twins, Hotwax, and André Rieu all found success by aligning physical formats with the fans who want them most.

Much of our work is turning physical releases into thoughtful moments for fans. That might mean exclusive colorways and an in-store signing campaign. Or a simple, beautifully packaged CD. We plan releases to align with tour dates and retail events, working closely with our marketing teams to make sure the right shops know when the artist is in town. 

What we’re seeing on the ground is reflected in the data. In the UK alone, vinyl sales were up 7.4% in the first three quarters of 2025, with 4.7 million units sold, according to BPI and Official Charts Company. Record Store Day 2025 delivered the strongest weekly sales for independent retailers in three decades, with 278 shops participating. Meanwhile, HMV reopened its iconic Oxford Street store, and Rough Trade now has a curated vinyl presence in 23 John Lewis locations across the UK.

At a time when so much of music discovery is algorithmic and invisible, physical formats give fans a chance to hold something. To build a collection. To be part of a moment. 

Sometimes, the best way to move forward is by holding onto what works. And for a lot of us, that’s vinyl.