The return of vinyl has been widely covered in recent years, with the format experiencing a massive resurgence in sales and popularity. But, alongside vinyl’s return, another unexpected trend has emerged: the comeback of cassette tapes. Once written off as an obsolete format, cassettes are now finding their way back into the hands of collectors, artists, and music fans – but the question is, have cassettes become the new vinyl?
The cassette tape was introduced by Philips in 1963, and by the ‘70s, it had become one of the most popular formats for music. With its compact size, affordability, and portability, the cassette quickly became a favourite for music fans, dominating the market throughout the ‘80s and through to the early ‘90s. However, the rise of CDs, with superior sound quality and the convenience of skipping tracks, gradually pushed cassettes into obscurity. By the late ‘90s, the digital revolution had arrived, and MP3s and streaming services swiftly prompted the decline of physical formats – including cassettes.
For a moment, it seemed that cassettes were a relic of the past. However, about ten years ago, something changed. Indie musicians and labels began to revive cassette production, viewing the format as a cost-effective means of releasing music. Cassettes appealed to collectors and those interested in retro technology, and gradually, they began to gain a foothold once more.
While it’s unlikely that cassettes will ever reach the level of vinyl in terms of mainstream acceptance, the format is undoubtedly having a moment. According to CNET: “It’s unlikely that we’ll see a vinyl-like boom for cassette players, but this doesn’t mean that the format isn’t worthwhile.” Cassettes offer a unique listening experience that evokes a sense of nostalgia, and for those who were introduced to music in the ‘80s and ‘90s, they can provide a sentimental reminder of their childhood.
Sales Manager at Runway Pro Audio Andy Wildy attributes much of the cassette revival to this nostalgia: “Consumers like the retro aspect of the format, which was familiar when they were younger and therefore evokes an emotional response,” he explains. “Bands and artists also like the idea that a physical product that is much cheaper to produce than a CD can be available to sell online and at concerts.”
What’s more, cassettes have become a popular choice for both established and emerging artists. Big names such as Kanye West, Billie Eilish, and Harry Styles have all released albums on cassette, showing that the format is still relevant in the modern music industry. Releases such as these will often accompany vinyl and digital versions of their albums, letting super-fans engage with their music in multiple formats.
Cassettes aren’t a niche product anymore – they’re slowly edging into the mainstream. In 2023, Olivia Rodrigo became the top-selling cassette artist with her latest release, beating out Ed Sheeran’s Subtract, which came in close behind at number two. Kylie Minogue’s Tension, Inhaler’s Cuts & Bruises, and Blur’s The Ballad of Darren made up the remainder of the top five, as announced by Official Charts. The fact that these kinds of high-profile artists can successfully release albums on cassette shows that the format is thriving.
Despite the resurgence of cassette tapes, the vast majority of music is still distributed digitally. Streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube have made it easier than ever for artists to reach global audiences. Many musicians, especially independent ones, rely on these platforms to get their music heard.
MN2S Label Services specializes in digital music distribution, helping musicians navigate the digital landscape to ensure their music reaches listeners around the world. Whether you’re looking for guidance on digital distribution or strategies to build your online presence, MN2S can help you succeed in the music industry. Get in touch with our team today to learn more about how we can help.
While it’s unlikely that cassette tapes will experience the same kind of global resurgence that vinyl has enjoyed, it’s undeniable that they’re making a spirited comeback. For collectors, nostalgic listeners, and indie artists, cassettes offer a unique proposition: a physical connection to music in a world dominated by digital. And while most music will continue to be distributed online, the return of cassette tapes is a reminder that there’s still a demand for physical formats in today’s music industry. Whether or not they become the next vinyl, cassettes have secured their place as a beloved, if niche, format.
Want to get your music heard? Contact MN2S Label Services today.