2020 saw a massive increase in cassette sales.
I know, this is a bit of a nerdy post today, but it’s also cool for all you lovers of records and cassettes.
According to the British Phonographic Industry, 157,000 cassettes were sold in the U.K. in 2020. This is the highest number of sales since 2003. For some perspective, the best selling cassette tape in 2003 was NOW 54, which featured songs by Oasis, Busted and Girls Aloud.
Fast forward to 2020, some of the best selling cassettes this year in the U.K. included new albums by BLACKPINK, Yungblud, The 1975 and The Streets.
But why the increase? Granted, the sales of 157,000 cassettes is pitted against 4.8 million vinyl records, the highest record sales since the 90s. Could these increased sales be down to a change of heart in music lovers?
80% of music in 2020 was streamed through services such as Spotify, however it is common debate as to whether streaming is the best practice in order to ensure your favourite artists receive decent royalties. But given that loads of gigs were #cancelledby2020, it would seem that the public has opted for buying “physical” music, to ensure their fave artists get more back in their pocket.
All I will say is that I am pleased that cassette sales are increasing, along with the ever-growing popularity of vinyl records. I knew they would make a come back again, to be enjoyed by music lovers.
Also, after reading the following information on the post from local Withington record store and bar Wilderness Record Store, they have collated some pretty interesting stats about the benefits of buying physical music over streaming services.
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Here’s to hoping that at the end of 2021, we will see less data from Spotify Wrapped, and more sales in Physical Music.
