What’s Next for Vinyl? Inside the Future of Records with the Vinyl Alliance
In this episode of BESPOKEN, host Scott Pollack speaks with Ryan Mitrovich, General Manager of the Vinyl Alliance, about the opportunities and challenges shaping vinyl’s next era. From new research on Gen Z’s love of records to behind-the-scenes collaborations that bring pressing plants and artists together, this conversation explores why vinyl remains one of the most exciting corners of the music industry.
Whether you’re a label, an artist, or a collector, this episode offers an insider’s perspective on the opportunities and challenges shaping vinyl’s future.
“Digital is the standard. Analog is new and exciting. I think that’s why young people are so excited about the format.”
The Vinyl Alliance: A Unified Voice
The Vinyl Alliance is a global industry association that connects pressing plants, labels, hardware makers, and retailers. Its mission is simple: support and grow vinyl as both an art form and a business.
Ryan highlights how even competitors work together under this umbrella. “At our meetings, you take off your competitor hat and put on your Vinyl Alliance hat.” This collaboration helps the entire ecosystem stay strong in the face of new challenges.
Gen Z and Vinyl Industry Trends 2025
One of the most eye-opening insights comes from the Gen Z Vinyl Report. The study revealed that nearly 25% of U.S. vinyl buyers are Gen Z, and 80% own a turntable. For many, vinyl is not just a collectible; it is part of their identity.
Price sensitivity remains a challenge. Still, almost half of Gen Z respondents said they are willing to pay more for vinyl because they see it as something to cherish. As Ryan puts it, “47% of Gen Z fans told us they don’t mind paying higher prices for vinyl because they’ll cherish it forever.”
These findings prove that younger generations are not only buying vinyl, they are deeply engaged with it.
Education, Sustainability, and Growth
Beyond research, the Vinyl Alliance is committed to education and sustainability. The organization helps new listeners understand how to care for their records and equipment. It also works with members to encourage more sustainable production practices.
“Gen Z is intelligently and earnestly engaging with vinyl — they want to listen, collect, and own something physical,” Ryan explains. By combining education with advocacy, the Vinyl Alliance strengthens the long-term health of the format.
Wax Works: A Peek Behind the Curtain
Another exciting initiative is Wax Works, a collaborative project where artists and creators experience the full record-making process. Participants see everything, recording to tape, lacquer cutting, and pressing records at a plant.
For many, this behind-the-scenes look turns curiosity into passion. Ryan notes how vinyl feels fresh to digital natives: “Digital is their baseline — vinyl feels new, magical, even futuristic to Gen Z.”
This kind of immersive experience is helping the industry connect with the next generation on a deeper level. The full film, in partnership with Audio-Technica, is essential viewing.
Join us every month for a new episode of BESPOKEN, the podcast where we delve into the world of independent music and physical media culture.
In each episode, your host, Scott Pollack (President of A to Z Media), speaks with industry experts and dedicated creators who bring music to life in every format imaginable. For 30 years, A to Z Media has worked with countless record labels and artists to meet their manufacturing and printing requirements. We hope that these conversations will educate, entertain, and inspire you.