In a world of instant downloads, some EDM fans are dropping small fortunes to spin history on a turntable.
Wax Before Waves
For the true connoisseurs of electronic dance music (EDM), streaming is for casuals. The real
magic, they argue, lies in owning the vinyl—a physical artifact of techno’s storied underground.
This isn’t about nostalgia; it’s about reverence. Rare 12-inch records from legends like Jeff Mills,
Richie Hawtin, or obscure Detroit pressings from Underground Resistance have become the
ultimate flex. For these collectors, it’s less about hoarding and more about curating a library that
reflects the genre’s roots and evolution.
Take, for instance, X-101’s self-titled EP, released on Tresor in 1991, a cornerstone of industrial
techno that’s now almost impossible to find in pristine condition. Or Basic Channel’s Phylyps
Trak II, a minimalist masterpiece whose original pressing is so coveted that sealed copies can
command upwards of $1,000 on secondary markets.
Vinyl as Artform
Why vinyl? “The sound is warmer, and there’s a tactile connection to the music,” says one
collector, who recently spent $500 on a rare Robert Hood test pressing. For DJs, spinning vinyl
is also a signal: you’ve done your homework. At underground clubs like Berlin’s Berghain or
Amsterdam’s De School, a vinyl-only set can elevate a performer’s credibility.
The exclusivity factor plays a role too. Small-batch pressings—often from labels like Perlon or
L.I.E.S.—add an air of scarcity. For fans, tracking these down involves equal parts detective
work and luck. It’s a lifestyle that blurs the lines between passion and obsession.
A Pricey Pursuit
This passion doesn’t come cheap. Collectors often trawl Discogs, an online vinyl marketplace,
where bidding wars for grail records can soar to dizzying heights. Some fans have even
reported spending their entire disposable income on records like Carl Craig’s 69: The Sound of
Music or Aphex Twin’s Analogue Bubblebath 1. “I could have bought a car with what I’ve spent
on vinyl,” one buyer admits with a shrug.
The Beat Goes On
For these vinyl purists, it’s not just about possessing music but preserving a culture. “It’s a living
history,” says another collector, “and we’re its caretakers.” As digital files pile up in the cloud,
these devotees remind us that sometimes the best things in life are worth holding onto—literally.
So, the next time you hear that crisp crackle of a needle on wax, tip your hat to the EDM vinyl
collectors: they’re keeping the beat alive, one rare record at a time.
Image: Photo by Artificial Photography on Unsplash
