If you’ve been buying albums recently, you may have been confused as to why bands are now offering cassette tapes. Cassette tapes are making a comeback and it is time to embrace it!


In a trend that has flummoxed the nation, cassette tapes have had a 103% sale increase in 2020 compared to 2019 (according to The Official Chart Company). It is a similar trend seen by vinyl records which have now surpassed CD sales in the US this year. Physical copies of records are becoming more popular than downloads. But, it begs the question why someone would choose a cassette rather than CD or vinyl. When comparing the cassette tape to CD format, there are many reasons not to buy a tape: the poor audio quality; the smaller file space and let us not forget the faff of having to switch sides! Perhaps it is because they are cheap to make. Yet, if you are an upcoming band, I can’t imagine releasing music on a cassette would increase your popularity.


Some music companies (NME, Official Charts, Billboards) have suggested that the new trend for cassette tapes is because many fans enjoy collecting physical copies to display in their homes. Cassettes have become a music fan’s commodity. And, since they are so cheap, it is an easy option for fans who cannot afford the expense of vinyl.


Recently, to tackle the competition between cassette to digital formats bands have released their music on cassette and advertised them as a collectible. For instance, Glass Animals have released four cassettes for their new album with different artwork on each one. To entice their fans, they liaised with record stores and offered fans tickets to a limited release concert if they pre-ordered a CD, vinyl or cassette. The cassette being the cheapest option for fans to access these tickets. An easy way to persuade loyal fans to buy physical copies of their music.


What is fascinating about the rise in cassette sales is that it is mainly under-25’s who are buying them! After the release of Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014 (which based their soundtrack off a mixtape saved on a cassette) the sale of cassettes began to rise and a trend began to set. A pursuit of films and television series followed (Stranger Things, Baby Driver, 13 Reasons Why to name a few) which defined their setting through the legendary audio tape. There is a nostalgia for the 80’s and 90’s – and perhaps, a novelty for those who never owned a tape.


So, what does all this mean for you?


Well, if you are in possession of cassettes now would be the optimum time to rekindle your love for them! Since cassettes are now a collectible, you might be in possession of a rare tape which will sell for a small fortune. Although it is the aesthetic of a cassette attracting people into the market, the crackling audio has a charm to it as well. Transferring your audio tape to CD or download file will give you the option to listen to the music without needing a cassette player and give you the chance to relive your favourite albums in the car again.


 


At Digital Converters, we offer a premium cassette to CD service to help make transferring music into digital formats easier for you. This service is particularly handy if you are wanting to listen to and share old recordings you made before the new millennium. Now is the time to pull out your tapes and revive all those recordings you saved – follow this link to get started.