The vinyl record revival has continued to sweep the globe, with searches for ‘vinyl records’ increasing 8% since 2022, and over 230,000 music lovers having searched the term across December last year. In recent years, vinyl sales have overtaken CD sales with 41 million vinyls sold, compared to 33 million CDs, further showing a vinyl revival*.

Audio experts, KEF and Audio-Technica, have collaborated to create ‘The Vinyl Lovers Gift Set’, combining KEF’s cutting edge LSX II Wireless HiFi Speakers and Audio-Technica’s first-class LP3X-BT Turntable to offer a remarkable audio experience, and the perfect bundle for both vinyl newcomers and experienced crate diggers alike.

To celebrate, KEF has released a complete guide to the world’s biggest vinyl loving destinations, the cities across the world where vinyl lovers can discover the best hidden gems and thriving independent music scenes whilst they’re ‘gig-tripping’ in 2024. Audio expert and founder of Naviar Records Marco Sebastiano Alessi also offers his insight on how the vinyl experience continues to reign supreme over modern music streaming services.

The top destinations in 2024 for vinyl lovers are:

Copenhagen

Capital of Denmark and electronic music hot spot, Copenhagen offers a booming live scene, and is widely known for the high quality and superb curation within its stores. Visitors can swing by more specialised locations such as Can Records and Second Beat, or delve into the vast collections in Sound Station or Mint Records.

Despite being valued on the expensive side, Copenhagen’s multitude of vibrant and immersive hidden gems offer an experience which audio expert Marco Sebastiano Alessi claims is second to none.

Marco explains: “The physicality of skipping through LPs to find something unexpected is an experience that’s not available in the digital realm, where all music is accessible and at your fingertips”

Tokyo

Often regarded as an audiophile’s dream, Tokyo is abundant with independent and second hand record stores, covering nu-disco right through to used-jazz.  Early birds beware, as a lot of the stores in the area do not open until the early afternoon.

For visitors seeking a more underground experience, Enban is regarded as the home of Japan’s most hidden artists, working on the most unique and experimental music genres for an experience like no other.

Melbourne

Over in Australia, Melbourne makes the list for a vinyl lovers must see destination, with its range of eclectic independent music stores. Amongst the most popular in the city, Greville Records is one of the oldest vinyl stores in Melbourne, featuring thousands of new and used records, signed copies, original masters recordings, and even hosting free live music events.

Vinyl lovers can also sample the city’s bustling live music venues, including the Corner Hotel,  a remodelled 19th century pub which has hosted artists such as Double Denim and Maple Glider.

Montreal

Canada’s second largest city, Montreal is host to a unique and spectacular breeding ground of artist expression. The birthplace of Leonard Cohen, the city features spots such as Sonorama, specialising in genres such as jazz, rock, and funk, and cementing the underground scene locals vinyl lovers have come to know and love to this day.

Audio expert Marco Sebastiano Alessi discusses the unmatched power of independent vinyl stores: “While streaming services are monopolising the way we experience music and helping the industry rise to its feet, independent record stores are playing a completely different game, showing the value of human touch and dedication in contrast with the power of the algorithm.”

São Paulo

The musical medley that is São Paulo is known for its vast music scene, from carnival and samba schools right through to the classic sound of the Symphony Orchestra.

For those looking for stores specialising in Brazilian music, vinyl lovers can head to the legendary Chico and Zico’s, a location popular with UK and US producers and described as having everything and more from your ‘want list’.

Just like the hotspots in Sao Paulo, audio expert Marco Sebastiano Alessi explains the power of independent stores: “independent record stores have something  megachains could never have, something you can’t just buy or acquire: a soul.”

Cape Town

Vinyl lovers searching for rich musical culture will find just that in Cape Town, with the lively rhythms and soulful sounds of genres such as Ghomea and Marabi dominating the area. In more recent years electronic dance music has taken over the capital, with the area hosting Africa’s largest electronic music festival ‘Ultra South Africa’.

Movie and vinyl lovers can head to one of the most iconic record stores in Cape Town, Mabu Vinyl, which was featured in the film ‘Searching For Sugar Man’. The motion picture is based on a true story about the owner, Stephen Segerman, and his search for songwriter Sixto Rodriguez in the 70’s.

Audio expert Marco Sebastiano Alessi explains how so many independent record stores across the globe have survived in the digital realm: “Independent music stores survived because they represent the most human side of the music industry, the one made by people who love music and their community and are on a mission to bring the best music to the ears of those who care.”