Arabic version: ميلبورن تحتضن ثقافة الفينيل من خلال معرض موسيقي جديد
Melbourne is making waves in the music scene, particularly with its vibrant vinyl culture. The city is hosting The Vinyl Factory: Reverb, an exhibition at Acmi as part of the Rising festival, where attendees can create their own live compositions using four turntables. This immersive experience highlights the city’s deep appreciation for vinyl records, offering a blend of music history and personal stories.
According to The Guardian, the exhibition features a curated selection of records in the Listening Room, showcasing artists from various genres, including Miles Davis and Ryuichi Sakamoto. The space allows visitors to engage directly with the music, breaking down barriers that have historically limited access to vinyl culture.
Melbourne’s reputation as the ‘vinyl capital of the world’ stems from a report by the Victorian Music Development Office, which claims the city has the most vinyl record stores per capita in the world (5.9 stores per 100,000 residents). However, comparisons with other cities like Tokyo reveal nuances in this claim. While Melbourne boasts 5.9 stores per 100,000 residents, Tokyo’s experience in record shopping offers a different perspective, with its own unique inventory and cultural significance.
Despite the debate over its title, Melbourne’s vinyl scene is thriving. Australians spent $44.5 million on vinyl in 2024, reflecting a growing interest in physical music formats. Events like the Independent Music Exchange, scheduled for June 7 at Northcote Town Hall, further showcase the city’s commitment to supporting independent labels and artists in the vinyl market.
The rise of ‘listening bars’ in Melbourne, such as LBs Record Bar, underscores the city’s embrace of vinyl culture. These venues focus on providing high-quality audio experiences, although the atmosphere can vary from the serene reverence found in Japan’s jazz kissa. Overall, Melbourne’s love for vinyl is evident, positioning it as a significant player in the global music landscape.
