Music Industry

Uh-oh, vinyl fans. Here come the UGLY price increases

Canadians bought just over one million new vinyl albums in 2022, down about 3% from 2021 but that decrease doesn’t indicate that the boom is over. I’m of the belief that we bought less vinyl because it’s now so damn expensive. Blame it on supply chain issues and backups at vinyl pressing plants.

More bad news. Starting next month, Canadians are going to start paying more.

Record retailers got work this week that both Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada are set to raise prices on vinyl on February 16. Don’t be surprised if Sony follows along and also jacks prices by 30% or so. This was posted by indie story Millpond Records & Books in Cambridge, Ontario. Note the sku indicating a price increase from $29.90 to $51.18. That’s a bump of 58%.

Bottom line? If you have your eye on some new vinyl and you can find the releases you want, buy it before February 17.

(Via Toronto Sun)

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 37984 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

3 thoughts on “Uh-oh, vinyl fans. Here come the UGLY price increases

  • Wow, leave it to the record industry to destroy itself. I will be buying less at least from the majors. It’s ridiculous that the going rate is $40 in Canada, if that goes up to $50 – $60 I’m out. You wonder why people are starting to buy cassettes again, it’s because of this.

    Reply
  • Agree with Shane. When the records were around $20 it was alright. More expensive than other formats but worth it. Then prices went up and so did my spending. If they jump 30%, it’s going to be a rare event that I pick up new vinyl. The music industry can always find a way to hurt a good thing.

    Reply
  • Wow, leave it to the record industry to destroy itself. I will be buying less at least from the majors. It’s ridiculous that the going rate is $40 in Canada, if that goes up to $50 – $60 I’m out. You wonder why people are starting to buy cassettes again, it’s because of this.

    Reply

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