The New York Times has published a piece detailing the closing of New York City’s last remaining large-scale record store. This past weekend, the remaining Virgin Megastore shop in New York (and North America) shut down, sending out yet another sign signalling the death of the physical media format.
Though, as one employee noted, record stores are great social gathering places to talk and learn about music – so we’re wondering where and how this kind of conversation will pick up in the physical space?
New York Times: “Retailing Era Closes With Music Megastore “
[via HRO]
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As a DJ, sharing tips on the best new tunes down at the record store used to be the highlight of my week. The social element was a key part of record shopping, and I met a lot of great people hanging out in tiny, specialised vinyl stores.
But I think that a big part of that was because it was so hard to meet like-minded people before web communities. Now, I can chat with people on 5 continents who love the same tunes, on music forums or shopping sites like http://www.beatport.com. It doesn’t feel quite the same, but the breadth of music I’ve discovered in the online world balances that.
Music will always be about community though, so it’s just a matter of time before the community finds a way to recreate that ‘old-school’ interaction via the web.
June 19th, 2009 at 1:44 pm