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The San Francisco Frontier | Est. 2025
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Tiny Vinyl: The Pocket-Sized Record Bringing Music Collectors Back to Physical Media

A friend brought over a number of his old 78rpm records in the original sleeve books that people collected way back. So fun to capture and try to get a vintage look on the images.

Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash

In a world dominated by streaming services and digital music, a new format is challenging the status quo and rekindling the joy of physical music collection. Tiny Vinyl, a 4-inch record format, is set to revolutionize how music fans interact with their favorite artists’ music.

Launched in collaboration with Target, this miniature vinyl record aims to bridge the gap between digital consumption and tangible music experiences. The format allows artists to release singles and short collections without the commitment of a full album, perfectly aligning with how modern musicians create and share music.

The brainchild of Neil Kohler and Jesse Mann, Tiny Vinyl isn’t just a novelty – it’s a strategic response to changing music consumption habits. With vinyl record sales reaching $2 billion annually and growing, there’s clearly a market hungry for physical music experiences.

What makes Tiny Vinyl unique is its flexibility for artists. Bands can now release two-song collections that chart on Billboard, create affordable merchandise, and give fans a collectible piece of their musical journey. For emerging artists like The Band Loula, these 4-inch records have become a way to connect directly with fans, offering a tangible memento from live shows.

Technically impressive, these miniature records are manufactured using the same precision process as standard vinyl, just scaled down. They play on standard turntables and offer high-quality sound despite their compact size.

With Target committed to launching over 40 titles and artists like Rainbow Kitten Surprise already planning repeat releases, Tiny Vinyl seems poised to carve out a significant niche in music collecting. It’s not just about nostalgia – it’s about creating a new, more flexible way for music fans to own and experience their favorite tracks.

Whether you’re a hardcore vinyl collector or a casual music lover, Tiny Vinyl represents an innovative approach to physical media in the streaming era.

AUTHOR: mls

SOURCE: Ars Technica

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