Protect Your Hearing – Essential Tips for Music Lovers

As music lovers, our hearing is our most treasured sense, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the melodies and rhythms that bring us joy. However, with the rise in headphone usage and the tendency to listen at excessively high volumes, we are putting our hearing at risk. The good news is that there are practical steps we can take to protect our ears without sacrificing our love for music. Below, you will find essential tips and innovative solutions designed to help you enjoy your favourite tunes safely and sustainably, ensuring that you can continue to experience the magic of music for many years to come.

The Importance of Regular Hearing Checks

Regular hearing checks are essential for everyone, especially for music enthusiasts. Here’s why:

Early Detection Of Hearing Loss

Many people experience gradual hearing loss without noticing it. Regular hearing exams can catch early signs of hearing impairment, allowing for timely intervention and management. Early detection is crucial because once hearing is damaged, it cannot be fully restored. Regular check-ups enable us to take action before the damage becomes too severe.

Tailored Advice And Protection

Audiologists can provide personalised advice on protecting your hearing based on your listening habits and environment. This might include custom earplugs or suggestions for safer listening practices. For instance, they can recommend the best type of ear protection for concerts or give you targeted advice on safe headphone use, ensuring you protect your hearing without sacrificing your music enjoyment.

Why Do We Listen To Music Too Loudly?

If you’re anything like me, you want to feel the music as well as hear it. For those of us who consider music to be an all-encompassing experience that engages all the senses, headphones might not always be the best solution. In recent years, I made the switch back to using speakers and listening at more moderate levels, and the difference has been remarkable. The sound feels fuller and more immersive, and my ears are thanking me for it. However, to truly embrace healthier listening habits, it’s essential to understand why we tend to crank up the volume in the first place.

Immersion And Escape

Music is a powerful tool for escapism and emotional immersion. Louder volumes can enhance this experience, making us feel more connected to the music. When the volume is high, the details and emotions in the music can be more pronounced, creating a more immersive experience that helps us escape from our daily stresses.

Environmental Noise

Often, we increase the volume to drown out background noise. Whether in a busy cafe, on public transport, or when walking through a noisy city, higher volumes may be necessary to hear the music clearly. Noise pollution in our daily environment is a significant factor that leads to increased volume levels, which can inadvertently harm our hearing.

One of the most effective solutions for managing environmental noise is using noise-cancelling headphones. These headphones use advanced technology to cancel out ambient sounds, allowing you to listen to your music at lower volumes without being disturbed by external noise. By creating a quieter listening environment, noise-cancelling headphones reduce the need to increase the volume to drown out background sounds, significantly lowering the risk of hearing damage. This is particularly beneficial in noisy environments like public transport, air travel, or busy streets, where maintaining a lower volume while still enjoying clear, immersive audio can help protect your hearing over the long term.

Poor Sound Quality Of Earbuds

Basic or poorly designed earbuds don’t often provide the best sound quality at lower volumes. Turning up the volume can compensate for this, but at the cost of our hearing health. Investing in high-quality audio equipment can reduce the need for higher volumes, as better headphones or earbuds provide clearer sound even at lower levels. You don’t, however, need to spend a fortune, for one of the best budget options are Apple’s AUD$29 EarPods.

Speaking of Apple, if you’re an iPhone user, Apple has introduced the Headphone Audio Levels feature in the Health app on all iPhones. This feature monitors the audio levels of your headphones in real time and tracks your exposure to loud sounds over time while also providing notifications if you exceed recommended safe listening levels. By keeping track of the decibel levels and providing actionable insights, this feature encourages safer listening practices, allowing you to enjoy your music while protecting your hearing health. Knowledge of this is essential as, over time, our ears can become accustomed to loud volumes, making lower volumes seem insufficient, thereby creating a cycle of increased volume levels, which can lead to hearing damage.

Tips For Protecting Your Hearing Without Sacrificing Your Music Enjoyment

Here are some practical tips to help you protect your hearing while still enjoying your favourite tunes:

1. Follow the 60/60 Rule

Hearing experts recommend that we should limit listening to no more than 60 minutes at a time at 60% of your device’s maximum volume. This simple guideline is said to significantly reduce the risk of hearing damage. If you’re worried about the volume creeping up and not being able to comply with this rule, consider turning on the volume limits on your devices.

On an iPhone, for instance, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety. Within this section, you’ll find two core settings.

• Headphone Notifications: an automated feature where if the volume exceeds the recommended seven-day limit, Apple will notify you and will automatically turn the volume down.

• Reduce Loud Audio: When you turn this setting on, you can set the maximum decibel level for headphones and Apple gives a useful guide that associates common loud environments with the associated decibel level. Setting volume limits on your devices can help you adhere to this rule without constantly monitoring your listening habits.

2. Use Noise-Canceling Headphones

As mentioned earlier, investing in noise-cancelling headphones can help you enjoy your music at lower volumes by blocking out external noise. This reduces the need to turn up the volume to overcome background sounds. Noise-cancelling technology can provide a more immersive listening experience at safer volume levels and with plenty of Digital Sound Processing (DSP) you’ll likely find these headphones are tuned to accentuate reproducing the bombastic nature of the music, but at lower volume levels.

3. Opt for Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones generally offer better sound quality and isolation compared to earbuds, allowing you to listen at lower volumes while still experiencing rich audio. Over-ear models often have larger drivers and a better soundstage, making the music experience fuller and more enjoyable even at lower volumes. Plus, and perhaps more importantly, the speaker is removed just a smidgen further from your eardrum when compared to in-ear headphone models.

4. Take Listening Breaks

Give your ears a rest as continuous listening, via headphones, can strain your ears. Hence, taking short breaks can help reduce the risk of long-term damage.

5. Check Your Volume Levels

Many devices have built-in volume level warnings, such as the options referenced above for iPhones. Pay attention to these alerts and adjust your listening habits accordingly.

6. Use Volume-Limiting Apps

While built-in options are often available, they may not suit your subjective requirements. As such, there are third-party apps that can help control the maximum volume on your devices. Simply go to your preferred App Store and search for Volume Limit Control to see the available apps. Additionally, Bluetooth headphone manufacturers usually include Volume Limiting controls within their associated headphone app.

7. Protect Your Ears in Noisy Environments

When attending concerts or clubs, use earplugs designed for music lovers. These earplugs lower the volume without distorting the sound quality, preserving your hearing while allowing you to enjoy live music. Simply do a Google Search for Concert Earplugs and search for an option that best suits your needs.

8. Mind Your Listening Environment

Choose quieter environments for listening to music whenever possible. For instance, if you live in Sydney and utilise the train network, you may like to opt for travelling in a quiet carriage. Such quiet spaces, either at home or abroad, can enhance your music experience without the need for high volumes.

9. Stay Informed About Hearing Health

Educate yourself about the signs of hearing loss and the importance of hearing protection. Awareness is the first step in preventing hearing damage. Resources like the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) offer valuable information on hearing health. Additionally, keeping up to date with hearing studies, such as Apple’s Hearing Study, undertaken by researchers from the University of Michigan, can provide valuable information and offer up-to-date knowledge on what can be done to prevent hearing damage.

10. Regular Hearing Check-Ups

As mentioned earlier, you should schedule regular hearing tests with an audiologist. Early detection of hearing issues can lead to better management and preservation of your hearing. Many audiologists recommend annual check-ups, especially for individuals who frequently expose themselves to high noise levels.

The Benefits of Using Speakers Instead of Headphones

While headphones are incredibly convenient, especially on the go, using speakers can offer several advantages when it comes to hearing health:

Lower Volume Levels

When using speakers, you’re less likely to turn the volume up as high as you would with headphones. The sound is also distributed throughout the room, reducing the direct impact on your ears and this broader distribution helps protect your hearing by maintaining lower decibel levels by the time the music reaches your eardrums.

Reduced Ear Fatigue

Listening through speakers can reduce ear fatigue, as the sound isn’t directly entering your ear canal. This can make longer listening sessions more comfortable and less damaging to your hearing. Ear fatigue is a common issue with prolonged headphone use, but speakers can mitigate this problem. It also prevents sweating and ear canal discomfort that sometimes accompanies headphone usage.

Better Sound Quality

While the room acoustics need to be taken into consideration,  high-quality speakers often provide superior sound quality compared to headphones, especially in terms of bass response and spatial sound. This can enhance your listening experience without the need for high volumes. Additionally, the wider soundstage offered by speakers can make the music feel more immersive and natural.

Additionally, you can use rugs, curtains, and acoustic panels to reduce reflections and improve the acoustics of your room. This can enhance the sound quality and allow you to enjoy music at lower volumes. If the above options are not possible, or the sonic quality hasn’t improved, consider moving to speakers, or stereo systems, that allow for room correction.

Social Listening

Speakers allow for social listening, enabling you to share your music with friends and family. This communal experience can enhance your enjoyment of music and will reduce the tendency to listen at high volumes.

Customisable Listening Environment

With speakers, you can create a customised listening environment by adjusting the placement of the speakers. Install your speakers at ear level and at an equal distance from your listening position to ensure a balanced sound. This can provide a clearer and more immersive audio experience without the need for higher volumes. Proper speaker placement can make a significant difference in sound quality and listening comfort.

Creating A Safe Listening Environment At Home

Invest In Quality Equipment

High-quality speakers and amplifiers can provide better sound at lower volumes. While the initial investment is generally higher, the long-term benefits to your hearing health are worth it. Quality equipment ensures that you experience the full range of sound without needing to increase the volume.

Volume Control

Use a sound level meter to monitor the volume levels in your listening space. Keeping the volume below 70-80 decibels can help protect your hearing. Many smartphones have apps that can measure sound levels, helping you maintain a safe listening environment.

Listening Habits

Be mindful of your listening habits. Even when listening via speakers, you should avoid prolonged exposure to loud music and take regular breaks to give your ears a rest. While I don’t proclaim that you should set a timer to remind you to take breaks, as I listen to music for hours every day, I find that running my stereo, in my home office, between 40-45% is ideal and has helped me develop healthier listening habits.

Addressing Common Misconceptions About Hearing Health

As with many things in life, there are often misconceptions about hearing health that can lead to damaging habits. Here’s the truth behind some common myths:

Myth: If it doesn’t hurt, it’s not too loud

Many people believe that if the volume isn’t causing pain, it’s safe. However, hearing damage can occur long before you experience discomfort or hear the ringing or buzzing in your ears most commonly associated with Tinnitus. Noise-induced hearing loss often happens gradually, so you might not notice it until significant damage has occurred.

Myth: Earbuds are safer than headphones

Earbuds can actually be more damaging than over-ear headphones because they sit closer to the eardrum. Over-ear headphones generally provide better sound isolation and don’t require as high a volume to achieve good sound quality. If you’re worried about noise cancelling, don’t be as some of the best examples of this technology can be found in over-the-ear options.

Myth: Hearing loss is only a problem for older people

Hearing loss can affect people of all ages, especially those who frequently listen to loud music or are exposed to loud environments. Protecting your hearing from a young age is crucial to prevent early onset of hearing issues.

Myth: You can always restore your hearing with hearing aids

While hearing aids can help manage hearing loss, they cannot restore natural hearing. Preventing hearing loss in the first place is much more effective than trying to treat it later.

Myth: Hearing tests are only necessary if you notice a problem

Regular hearing tests are essential for early detection of hearing issues, even if you think your hearing is fine. Early intervention can make a significant difference in managing and preserving your hearing health.

The Long-Term Benefits Of Protecting Your Hearing

Investing time and effort in protecting your hearing now can pay off significantly in the long run. Here are some long-term benefits:

Enhanced Quality of Life

Good hearing is crucial for communication and enjoying social activities. Protecting your hearing can enhance your overall quality of life by ensuring you stay connected with friends and family.

Continued Enjoyment of Music

By taking steps to protect your hearing, you can continue to enjoy music well into your later years. Hearing damage can severely impact your ability to appreciate music, so preserving your hearing is essential for lifelong enjoyment.

Better Mental Health

Hearing loss can lead to social isolation and depression, as it can make communication more difficult and lead to withdrawal from social interactions. By maintaining good hearing health, you can reduce the risk of these issues and support better mental well-being. There’s little doubt that engaging in social activities and conversations becomes much easier with good hearing and will contribute to a more fulfilling life.

Professional Benefits

Good hearing is often essential for professional success, especially in fields that require clear verbal communication. Protecting your hearing can, subsequently, support your career and professional interactions.

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As passionate music lovers, safeguarding our hearing should be a top priority. By understanding why we tend to listen to music at high volumes and implementing practical strategies to protect our hearing, we can continue to enjoy our favourite tunes for years to come. Regular hearing check-ups, mindful listening habits, and investing in quality audio equipment are key steps in this journey. Using speakers instead of headphones, when possible, can also help reduce the risk of hearing damage. Most importantly, however, let’s cherish our hearing by remembering that protecting our hearing today ensures a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

Why You Shouldn't Use Your Smartphone When Attending a Concert

In the age of digital connectivity, where our smartphones seem to be an extension of ourselves, it's become increasingly common to see screens lighting up the darkness of arenas and concert halls like fireflies in the night. Yet, amidst the excitement of capturing every moment, we often overlook the profound impact that this habit has on our concert experience, both for ourselves and those around us, as well as the artists. In this tips article, I’ll delve into why you shouldn't use your mobile phone when attending a concert. As a bonus, you may find that some of these examples can be applied to your everyday life for as captivated as we all are with modern technology, sometimes less is more.

Live In The Moment, Not Through A Screen

In today's hyper-connected world, it's all too easy to become consumed by the constant stream of notifications, messages, and updates that bombard our smartphones. However, when we bring our phones into the sacred space of a concert hall, we not only carry this digital baggage with us, but we allow it to intrude upon our mental well-being. Instead of allowing ourselves to be swept away by the music, we find ourselves tethered to the outside world, unable to fully escape the pressures and distractions of everyday life.

Part of the problem is the convergence of technologies whereby the phone, an Internet communication device, and a camera are all intertwined. This becomes a problem when we're focused on capturing the perfect photo or video at a concert as we inadvertently distance ourselves from the live experience unfolding before our eyes. Instead of being fully present in the moment, we become spectators behind a screen, viewing the concert through a digital lens. The vibrant energy, raw emotion, and intricate details of the performance are ultimately lost in the quest for the ideal shot.

By setting aside our phones and immersing ourselves in the music, we can truly connect with the artists and fellow concert-goers, allowing the performance to resonate within us on a deeper level. Imagine attending a concert where every attendee is fully engaged, their eyes sparkling with anticipation, their bodies swaying in rhythm with the music. It's a collective experience and a shared journey of sonic exploration that is transcendent and a form of escapism.

Respect For The Artists

Every concert is a culmination of countless hours of practice, dedication, and passion on the part of the performing artists. When we choose to prioritise our phones over live performances, we not only diminish the value of their hard work but also display a lack of respect for their craft.

Consider the perspective of the artist standing on stage, pouring their heart and soul into every note, every lyric, every breath. They feed off the energy of the audience, drawing inspiration from the collective enthusiasm that fills the room. Yet, when faced with a sea of glowing screens, their connection with the audience is fractured and their performance is overshadowed by inorganic distraction.

The glare of smartphone screens can also be distracting for other audience members, disrupting the intimate connection that should exist between an artist and the fans.

By honouring the artists with our undivided attention, we create an atmosphere of mutual respect and admiration, fostering a deeper sense of connection between performer and audience. Plus, without further distractions, an artist is much more likely to give you the performance of a lifetime; one that is worthy of the price of admission.

Preserving The Intimacy Of Live Music

One of the most magical aspects of attending a concert is the sense of intimacy that comes from being in the same physical space as the performers. Whether it's the hushed whispers of a singer-songwriter or the thunderous roar of a rock band, there's a palpable energy that permeates the air, transcending the boundaries between artist and audience. Unfortunately, this intimacy is often compromised when smartphones are brought into the equation.

Imagine yourself standing in the front row of a concert, the stage just a few feet away, the music pulsating through your veins. You can feel the warmth of the spotlight, see the sweat on the brow of the guitarist, and feel the electricity in the air. Now imagine that same scene, but instead of being surrounded by fellow fans, you're surrounded by a sea of glowing screens, each one a barrier between you and the musicians. The intimacy is lost, isn’t it?

Human Connection

Concerts have long served as communal gatherings where strangers come together to share in a collective experience. However, the prevalence of smartphones has transformed these moments of connection into isolated bubbles of digital consumption and creation. Instead of engaging with our fellow concert-goers, we retreat to the virtual world of social media, scrolling through feeds and snapping selfies. By disconnecting from our devices and engaging with those around us, we open ourselves up to the possibility of forming genuine connections and forging lasting memories with like-minded individuals who share our love for music.

Think back to your most memorable concert experiences. Chances are they're not defined by the number of photos you took or the videos you captured, but rather by the connections you made with the people around you; even the quirky ones. Whether it's striking up a conversation with a fellow fan or sharing a spontaneous dance with a stranger, these moments of human connection are what elevate the concert experience from ordinary to extraordinary. By embracing the power of human interaction, sans electronic devices, we enrich our concert experience and create lasting memories that will stay with us long after the final encore.

Additionally, think about how many times you’ve captured video, in particular, at a concert and never looked at it again. I’ve certainly done it! You want to capture the moment, yet after you record and share it, if that is your intention, you never revisit it and even if you do, the magic of the moment is lost as the greatest device on earth simply can’t capture ethereal moments in time.

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While the temptation to document every moment of a concert may be strong, the drawbacks of using our smartphones far outweigh the benefits. By setting aside our devices and embracing the simplicity of being fully present in the moment, we can reclaim the magic and intimacy of the live music experience. So, the next time you find yourself reaching for your phone at a concert, remember the words of legendary musician Bob Dylan: "The times they are a-changin'," and perhaps it's time for us to change our habits too. Let's put down our phones, lift our voices, and let the music carry us away on a journey of intimate connection, inspiration, and pure unadulterated joy.

Why Songs On Apple Music Are Greyed Out And How To Fix It

Listening to our favourite tunes has never been easier since the introduction of music streaming. With the click of a button, we can immerse ourselves in vast libraries of songs, albums, and playlists that span all genres and eras. However, there's a frustrating phenomenon that many of us encounter: greyed-out tracks that are unavailable for playback. 

In this guide, I'll delve into the reasons behind this issue and detail ways that you can fix it (albeit at an additional cost) so it no longer plagues your music-listening experiences.

Reasons Why Music Becomes Unavailable On Streaming Platforms

Licensing Restrictions

One of the primary reasons for unavailable tracks, on streaming platforms, is licensing restrictions. Music licensing is a complex web of agreements between artists, record labels, publishers, and streaming services. Unfortunately, whenever there’s a disagreement between any of the aforementioned parties, music lovers will likely find themselves unable to stream certain music for an undisclosed period of time. We often find ourselves directing the blame and frustration towards the service provider, such as Apple Music, yet in the majority of cases they only showcase, and make available, the music that license holders have permitted them to stream. While network and service outages can occur, they’re usually resolved rather quickly, hence, most of the time if a song is unavailable, it will be because of legalities behind the scenes. 

Depending on how you prefer to listen to Apple Music, you’ll either come across missing tracks from your playlists or albums. In fact, if a song has been greyed out in a playlist, you can guarantee that it has also been removed from the associated album. In some instances, another album, such as a Greatest Hits compilation may still have the song available, as each release is subject to different agreements, but it isn’t a guarantee and does little to resolve the problem without user intervention. 

While it may seem strange that a single song is missing, while other songs remain readily available, it could be an issue relating to a guest artist’s contribution, to a particular song, or a copyright infringement claim; one that results in the offending tune being removed while the legal process takes its course. For instance, Prince’s masterpiece “The Most Beautiful Girl In The World”, from his 1995 studio album The Gold Experience was notably missing from streaming services, and digital download stores, due to a long-running plagiarism case that has, thankfully, since been resolved. 

As it pertains to a guest artist’s contribution, they would have been permitted by their record label to contribute to a recording and its subsequent releases. For instance, the lending out of an artist by a record label may have allowed for the music to be released on formats such as Vinyl, CD, or Cassette, but perhaps the agreement predated the streaming era, hence, no such permission was given for other delivery methods. Should an artist, or their label, reissue a collaborative effort, without getting every rights holder to sign off on it, they’d be liable for damages if there wasn’t an updated agreement. 

An example of this can be seen with Kenny Rogers’ exceptional duet, Islands In The Stream, with Dolly Parton on his magnificent Eyes That See In The Dark album. While Islands In The Stream is still available on Dolly Parton releases, via Sony Music, Eyes That See In The Dark is distributed by the competing Universal Music Group (Capitol Records) and as Sony owns the copyright to the song, an agreement has yet to be made relating to ensuring it is available on Rogers’ album. 

Copyright licensing is such a convoluted topic that you can’t even buy a copy of Rogers’ album, with the song included, on either the iTunes or Qobuz stores. While we’ll discuss the digital download options, later in this article, this is one example whereby the physical release of the product ensures the availability of the music, as legacy releases are unaffected by these issues post-sale.  

If you think that’s bad, music lovers who appreciate Original Motion Picture Soundtracks will quickly inform you of the pitfalls relating to streaming albums comprised of music from various artists as they, more often than not, have several songs missing. It’s another case of licensing agreements not extending beyond initial releases. While this can be incredibly challenging, for the modern music lover, one can respect the need to ensure that all artists are adequately compensated for their creative works. 

A core example of this can be seen with the 1977 soundtrack release for Saturday Night Fever whereby the Tavares version of More Than A Woman and MFSB’s K-Jee are absent from the album’s stream on Apple Music; despite the album still being readily available and in print on traditional music formats such as the vinyl record. Incidentally, those aforementioned tracks are most certainly present on the vinyl reissues. 

It isn’t, however, just the collaborative releases for some artists or labels may choose to restrict certain tracks or albums from streaming platforms for various reasons. These restrictions could be temporary or permanent and are most notable with greatest hits compilation releases. One example is Aerosmith’s Tough Love: Best Of The Ballads which was initially released in 2011 by Geffen Records. Despite Aerosmith’s back catalogue amalgamation in 2022, music released during their Geffen years (1985-1993) remains segregated, in publishing rights, on streaming services, from that released during their Sony Music / Columbia years (1973-1982, 1997-2012). It would be nice for Universal Music (Aerodisc Partnership) to fix the streaming edition to represent this new unified approach. Unfortunately, I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing, Pink, Sweet Emotion, and Dream On are still absent from the Tough Love compilation on Apple Music at the time of publication. 

Additionally, while they appear absent here in Australia, they may be visible where you live, for licensing agreements often have geographical limitations; a by-product of traditional music distribution models. As mentioned earlier, it’s a complex web to navigate and while we will get to a solution for this issue, other factors can also contribute to music being unavailable. 

Exclusive Deals And Windowing

While not as common as it was some years ago, exclusive deals between artists/labels and streaming platforms can lead to certain albums, or tracks, being made available exclusively on one platform for a specific period.

For instance, one of the most successful Country music legends, Garth Brooks, has only allowed Amazon Music the rights to sell and stream his catalogue. While Brooks’ approach and decision are beyond the scope of this article, it’s a clear example that showcases that the music you love may simply not be available on your preferred streaming service. Disappointingly, for those of us who live within Apple’s ecosystem, Brooks’ music isn’t even available to purchase on iTunes; an incredible omission for an artist that has sold over 170 million albums.

It isn’t only Brooks that has tested the waters of what can be done via streaming and what fans will tolerate for the once majority artist-own TIDAL music streaming service was, for a while, the exclusive platform for Jay-Z’s entire catalogue. It also played host to exclusive windowing for releases that included Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo and Beyonce’s Lemonade. Prior to his passing, Prince had also declared his vision was best suited to TIDAL, arranging an exclusive deal with the streaming service, thereby preventing his vast catalogue from being available on competing platforms.

There are, of course, numerous other examples but sometimes music may be missing simply because an artist, or their record label, has made a business decision based on idealistic principles. Kanye West tried with the Stem Player; a device that allows the listener to remix the music. Interesting, certainly, however, while his 2021 Donda record was available widely, the follow-up 2022 Donda 2 remains exclusive to the Stem Player. While I’m a proponent of artistic intent, moves such as this have the potential to send music lovers to disreputable methods of attaining music; a counterintuitive position for not only the artist in question but for the entire music industry.  

Neil Young has similarly been divisive at times, raising concerns over the quality of digital music, be it streamed or purchased from the iTunes Store. It resulted in the intriguing, but failed Pono Music Player and associated digital music store. Of course, things were different in 2012 when Young founded the project. Lossless, and particularly, Hi-Res Lossless streaming was largely a pipe dream. 

Following Pono, Young would go on to work on his streaming archive service; a repository of just about every recording Neil Young has ever made. It’s a treasure trove for fans with a plethora of exclusive content that simply isn’t available on mainstream streaming platforms or digital download stores. 

All of this is interesting because while Young was vilifying the quality of music streaming, and mainstream digital download stores, his music remained on the associated services, in lossy quality, and it took Joe Rogan’s podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, and Rogan’s polarising views on the COVID-19 situation, for Young to remove his music from Spotify (the then exclusive platform for Rogan’s podcast) in protest on January 26, 2022. 

Interestingly, Young didn’t remove his music from Spotify in protest of their legendarily poor artist payouts. Nor did he remove it because they have failed to embrace higher quality streams; a core point of contention for Young throughout the years. He removed it because the podcaster offended his perspective. Right or wrong, it goes to show just how fickle artists can be and how their actions can impact the availability of their music. 

Note: As of the time of writing, Young’s core catalogue is once again on Spotify as Rogan’s podcast, while still contracted to Spotify, is no longer exclusive to the platform and Young making a stance against all platforms would likely result in a fundamental disruption to his ability to be financially stable in the modern era. 

Of course, it isn’t just established artists that make decisions as to how, and where, their music can be listened to as independent artists may opt for exclusive distribution deals, with platforms such as Bandcamp, or choose to sell their music directly through their websites, rather than relying on streaming services and digital download stores. While I applaud this approach, I also feel it is short-sighted and will only get noticed by the most dedicated of fans, thereby limiting an artist’s reach. 

Changes In Catalogue Availability

Back catalogue availability can change over time due to renegotiations of licensing agreements, label disputes, or other factors such as an artist’s body of work being acquired by a new record label. You may have noticed that a track or album that was once available on a streaming platform may become unavailable due to these changes. Most of the time it’s temporary and the music returns within a few days. Sometimes it can be due to a reissue and remaster being released. Any of these aspects can cause a disruption and sometimes when a song is greyed out, it’s due to a reissue or re-release that has been given a new unique link. 

This aspect is further complicated with playlists as link changes are not automatically updated. As such, you may find that the song is still available, but needs to be re-added to your playlist.

Technical Issues

How many of us truly understand how the Internet works? We often take it for granted, don’t we? It suddenly becomes a first-world problem if our favourite music streaming service is inaccessible the moment we wish to listen to music, but the truth is that it’s a miracle that it works at all. While I would strongly recommend that you download music from your preferred streaming service, that isn’t a solution to the greyed-out music issue as any change made to an artist’s catalogue will be applied to any downloaded music the moment your smartphone connects to the server. 

Frustrating, yes, but we must remind ourselves that we’re paying for a service, that has terms and conditions that very few of us read, so we have to be somewhat pragmatic when dealing with such issues as ensuring the music never stops is beyond our control when we succumb to the allure of music streaming. 

If greater control, and a sense of ownership, are important to you, then you’ll likely appreciate the following strategies to ensure uninterrupted music enjoyment. 

Enjoy Nonstop Music: Simple Ways To Fix Greyed-Out Music

Explore Alternative Platforms

Depending on why certain songs have become unavailable, you may find it useful to consider competing streaming services. While there’s no guarantee that they will have the music you’re looking for, and they may be missing other releases that you consider essential, it is worth exploring as when Neil Young removed his music from Spotify, it remained readily available on all other platforms. Given some services, such as Qobuz and Spotify, allow you to search and sample their libraries without needing to be a paid subscriber, that will give you the opportunity to scope out their offerings and determine if switching platforms would offer a solution for your specific situation. 

Of course, the thought of changing platforms can be a daunting prospect as we get used to the way our chosen streaming platform operates. Yes, software updates can alter the user experience, and interface, but they generally bring about minimal shifts, compared to moving from one platform to another.

Apps such as Soundiiz purport to transfer playlists and favourites between streaming services and can, therefore, provide vital assistance should you choose to consider that path. As I’ve never used one of these services, and most are plan-based, with free offerings being extremely limited, I can’t vouch for their functional accuracy. What I can say is that I would much prefer to take the time to manually migrate my music library. Yes, it’s a chore, but it allows me far greater control over my music library. It also, simultaneously, allows me to become more accustomed to the user interface of the new streaming service.  

Additionally, some of you may also consider subscribing to multiple streaming services, in order to gain access to a broader variety of music. For instance, a local independent band may not be available on Apple Music, but their music may be readily available on Bandcamp. I’ve even come across independent artists who are only on Spotify as they believe that it is the place to be. Granted, Spotify’s user base is massive but it doesn’t help those of us who choose, or can only afford, a singular streaming platform; particularly if you’re not interested in Spotify’s free tier.  

Purchasing Music On The iTunes Store

To avoid disruptions caused by unavailable tracks on Apple Music, consider purchasing albums or songs directly from the iTunes Store. Yes, dear reader, it still exists in 2024 and likely will for some time as some music is only available to purchase. A great example of this is Michael Jackson’s compilation The Ultimate Fan Extras Collection. This 159-track release isn’t even available on CD or listed on the Apple Music streaming service, nor is it available on Qobuz’s download store. Yet, if you purchase this particular release from the iTunes Store, it will automatically be added to your Apple Music library. As iTunes, since 2009, no longer has Digital Rights Management (DRM) applied, you can also play the purchased music everywhere, on any device, and you don’t even need to be an Apple Music subscriber to enjoy your purchases. 

While that example is for an entire album/compilation, what happens if, for example, Air Supply’s compilation The Ultimate Collection is missing a few tracks that were previously available for streaming? Well, in this example, I’ve noticed a change happened about a month ago and it has not yet been corrected. When I go to the iTunes Store, the songs that are missing from the Apple Music stream are labelled as Album Only; indicating that to hear these songs again, I need to purchase the entire album. Incidentally, the aforementioned missing songs from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack can also be attained by purchasing the album on the iTunes Store.

No doubt, some music lovers will be perturbed by this, but again when we stream we are only renting our music library and we have no control over what happens behind the scenes. An iTunes Store purchase mitigates that problem and I’d prefer to pay an additional amount, every now and then, than never hear the songs again. 

In the case of this Air Supply example I could, if I wanted to, take the songs from other albums and construct a Playlist to replicate this compilation’s linear structure at no additional cost to my monthly Apple Music subscription. I could also use Apple Music on the Mac to change the meta tags from other releases so it flows as if it were the complete album. That process, however, is cumbersome and is subject to change the next time an update is pushed through. In many respects, it is easier to make a small purchase if the music is that important. 

It’s these instances that should remind us why owning music, even in 2024 and beyond, isn’t the worst idea in the world for it gives us far greater control over our music libraries, thereby ensuring uninterrupted access, regardless of licensing restrictions or technical issues on streaming platforms. 

Speaking of ownership, you could also pick up a physical release of an album. Who knows, you might even find a love for collecting the tactile artefact once again, with the knowledge that no matter what decision is made by the artist, their estate, the record label, or the streaming service; the music will reside in perpetuity on the physical medium. You can also rip a CD into Apple Music and add it to your library as Apple Music supports matching your CD collection, or uploading the 256 kbps AAC files, thereby allowing you to listen to the music you add, wherever you go. Additionally, iTunes Match is still available for anyone who doesn’t wish to subscribe to Apple Music but wishes to have streaming access to their music collection, on all their devices; nifty! 

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There’s no doubt that encountering greyed-out tracks and unavailable music on Apple Music et al can be frustrating, but understanding the reasons behind this issue can help us navigate this bump in the road more efficiently. By exploring alternative platforms, and purchasing music via the iTunes Store, or physical releases, music lovers can better ensure uninterrupted access to their favourite tunes.

How To Find New Music In 2024

In today's digital age, the sheer volume of music available at our fingertips can be overwhelming. With streaming platforms, social media, and personalised algorithms, discovering new music has never been easier, but it’s also become more complex. But fear not! In this article, we'll delve into the numerous ways for you to discover new music in 2024 and unearth the musical gems that will become not only essential to a well-curated music library but will contribute to the soundtrack of your life.

Streaming Services And Algorithms

The logical place to start in a modern exploration of finding new music is with streaming services as they dominate the music industry, in most markets, in 2024.

Personalised Recommendations and Curated Playlists

Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Qobuz utilise sophisticated algorithms to suggest new music based on the music you’ve listened to in the past. The more you listen, the more the algorithm gets to know your likes and dislikes. As such, you’ll likely find that after a certain period of time, the personalised recommendations represent your subjective tastes rather well.

Make sure to check out areas, within the streaming apps, such as “Discover,” “Recommended For You,” and “You May Also Like.” Each platform will have its own wording, but the principle remains the same whereby personalised recommendations will show up within these areas. Additionally, when scrolling to the very bottom of the screen, within your preferred streaming platform, you’ll also come across “Similar Artists” which can provide an invaluable resource for searching out new-to-you music.

Many streaming platforms also offer curated playlists created by both human editors and algorithms. These playlists cover a wide range of genres, moods, and themes, making them an excellent way to stumble upon new music. From "New Music Mix" to "Genre Spotlights," there's a playlist to suit just about anyone.

Artist Radio

Delve deeper into your favourite artists' catalogue by exploring artist radio stations. These stations play a mix of the artist's songs with similar tracks that will introduce you to similar artists and musical styles.

Streaming Radio

While artist radio options are extremely useful for seeking out music that is similar to that which you already appreciate, radio stations such as Apple Music 1 offer a modern-day, ad-free, alternative to traditional radio broadcasting.

Concerning Apple’s flagship show, you’ll find there’s a focus on pop, rap and indie music. Delving deeper into Apple’s offerings, however, will yield greater rewards as other genres are explored via other streamed radio-styled programming. Hence, it’s important not to assume that Apple’s radio offering is limited to only what is popular as doing so will prevent you from finding a station that may be more suited to your subjective tastes.

Social Media And Online Communities

While streaming services will use every technique they can to retain your attention, so that you remain subscribed, there’s information, conversations, and other online locations that can offer an even more evergreen experience when seeking out new music.

Follow Artists And Labels

Stay updated on your favourite artists' latest releases by following them on social media platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook. Artists often announce new music, collaborations, and tours through these channels. It’s also not uncommon for them to talk about music that inspires them.

Record labels are an even greater treasure trove; particularly as it pertains to variety and their incredible legacies. While record labels aren’t the pinnacle of the music industry that they once were, each label, generally, works within similar genres, thereby allowing music lovers to delve further into their specific music offerings.

If you’re into Classical then consider following Deutsche Grammophon, Decca Classics, and Sony Classical. If Jazz is your jam, Blue Note and Verve Records are fantastic starting points. If you’re hip to the hop then Def Jam, Death Row, and Interscope Records are ideal launching points. Of course, head-banging, mosh-pit aficionados, should start their musical journey with Nuclear Blast Records.

For broader musical interests, unlimited to specific genres, Universal Music Group, Sony Music, and Warner Music Group offer a diverse range of signed artists and associated releases for you to explore.

Exploring Niche Platforms

If your music tastes align closely with those of independent musicians, one of the best places to help you find a hidden gem is Bandcamp. This platform allows artists to sell their music directly to fans, making it an excellent resource for discovering underground and niche genres that normally wouldn’t receive exposure on mainstream streaming platforms. As a bonus, Bandcamp is renowned for supporting artists by giving them a higher cut of sales when compared to their counterparts.

Music Discovery Apps

Explore dedicated music discovery apps like Shazam. Don’t know the song that’s currently playing at the party, Shazam it! Before you know it, your music library will be filled with a selection of songs that have become the soundtrack to your life; allowing you to relive every significant moment through the music that was playing at the time.

While omitted from the streaming section, classical music lovers can also check out Apple Music Classical; a dedicated app for not only lovers of classical music but for those of us who are just starting our journey into one of the oldest and most expressive musical art forms. Plus, if you’re already an Apple Music subscriber, you already have unlimited access to this app at no additional cost.

Music Map, a web-based solution, is one of those hidden gem sites that doesn’t look like much but can provide you with an endless supply of similar artists to consider. Simply enter the name of an artist you like and you’ll be presented with other similar artists. Click any of those recommendations and before you know it you’ll be down the artist recommendation rabbit hole.

Join Music Groups And Forums

Online communities, such as Reddit's r/MusicRecommendations, offer a plethora of user-generated content. The advantage is that should you ask for recommendations, there is likely a selection of members who will be more than happy to suggest artists, albums, or songs that you may also find compelling.

It isn’t only Reddit, however, as most mainstream social networks will have communities built around music and the appreciation of the art form in its various formats. For instance, if you’re into vinyl, check out the #vinylcommunity everywhere.

If you’re an audiophile, looking to not only get the very best out of your stereo setup but are looking to actively explore your love of music and the very best masterings available, the Steve Hoffman Forums can be an invaluable resource.

As with anything user-generated, your experience and expectations will differ from someone else’s. You can always be a passive observer, rather than an active participant, thereby allowing you to explore your interests either privately or publicly.

Music Blogs and Online Publications

Explore music blogs, such as this one, and other online publications and podcasts that cater to your musical tastes. Many independent bloggers and websites curate in-depth reviews, interviews, and features that relate to both mainstream and independent artists. While Subjective Sounds aims to explore the history of recorded music; one album at a time, there is no shortage of other music-focused blogs, podcasts, and websites ready for you to explore.

Record Stores, Live Events, And Your Local Music Scene

While streaming continues to dominate the modern music landscape, local record stores are still invaluable for music discovery. From tapping into the expertise of passionate staff, to exploring curated selections and attending in-store events, these brick-and-mortar establishments offer a tangible and immersive experience that transcends algorithmic recommendations.

Immerse Yourself In The Atmosphere

Step into your local record store and immerse yourself in the unique ambience. Browse through rows of vinyl records, CDs, and cassette tapes, and allow yourself to get lost in the tactile experience of flipping through album covers and liner notes. Sometimes you may find yourself compelled by the album artwork or you’ll overhear new-to-you music playing on the sound system.

Tap Into The Expertise Of The Staff

One of the most valuable resources a local record store has to offer is access to knowledgeable staff. These music aficionados are often passionate about sharing their love for music and can provide personalised recommendations based on your preferences.

Record stores, such as Utopia Records in Sydney, focus on particular styles. In this case, Utopia is the home of metal. Down the road, Birdland is your go-to Jazz store. While Sydney’s Red Eye Records deals more broadly than their genre-focused counterparts. The aforementioned retailers all have online stores, so don’t fret if you’re not a Sydney local.

If you can make it to one of the stores listed above, or perhaps one in your local area, don't hesitate to strike up a conversation with the staff as they’re there to help and will be able to guide you in finding new discoveries, obscure gems, while also informing you about music that has yet to make it to streaming services. Yes, dear reader, despite streaming services touting catalogues in the millions, not everything is available to stream.

Attend In-Store Events And Performances

Keep an eye out for in-store events, live performances, and artist signings hosted by local record stores. These events provide an opportunity to experience music in an intimate setting, interact with artists, and connect with fellow music enthusiasts. Whether it's an album signing event, a stripped-down acoustic set, or a DJ performance, in-store events offer a unique opportunity to discover new music and engage with the local music community.

Support Independent And Local Artists

By purchasing music from local record stores, you directly support independent artists, labels, and the vibrant local music scene as well as the record store itself. Many record stores prioritise stocking releases from independent artists and local labels, offering a platform for emerging talent to reach a wider audience. By exploring the shelves of your local record store, you'll not only discover new music but you’ll also contribute to the sustainability of the music ecosystem within your local community.

Attend Concerts And Festivals

Experience music firsthand by attending concerts, music festivals, and local gigs. Discovering new artists in a live setting can be exhilarating and memorable. Arrive early to experience up-and-coming acts that open for established artists and don’t forget to talk to those around you; you’ve got something in common, after all!

Explore Local Venues

Support your local music scene by frequenting small venues, bars, and clubs that host live music events. These intimate settings often showcase emerging talent and provide an opportunity to interact with artists and fellow music lovers.

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While the avenues for discovering music in 2024 are diverse and plentiful, it’s important to not restrict oneself to a singular method of discovering new music. While not mentioned above, terrestrial radio is alive and well and can offer a refreshing blend of music, depending on the station’s musical direction.

Whether you prefer algorithm-driven recommendations, live experiences, or curated content from fellow music enthusiasts, fans, or staff at your local record store, there's a plethora of ways to find new music. You can even workout with Apple Fitness+ and link the trainer-curated playlists, from the workout you’ve just done, to your Apple Music library. Nifty, huh?

By embracing a combination of streaming services, social media, live events, and niche platforms, you can embark on an exciting journey of musical exploration and uncover the soundtrack to your life. So, crank up the volume, open your ears to new sounds, and let the adventure begin!

The Benefits Of Owning Multiple Copies Of An Album

In the age of music streaming, we have instant access to vast libraries of songs, albums, and playlists. In truth, there’s more music available, via streaming, than anyone will ever be able to listen to in their lifetime. Hence, the concept of owning multiple copies, of the same album, might seem peculiar to some. Yet, there are compelling reasons why music enthusiasts and collectors often find themselves amassing multiple copies of their favourite albums. 

From exclusive bonus tracks to unique mixes and collectible artwork, each copy can offer a distinct and enriching experience that goes beyond the core album experience. Plus, the various masterings available mean that there are slight differences to be heard and that, for fans of an album, can be justification enough to own more than a singular copy. Yet, there is more to it. Please join me as I delve further into why you might want to consider owning more than one copy of an album you truly appreciate.

Special Bonus Tracks

One of the primary motivations for owning multiple copies of an album is the potential for exclusive bonus tracks. Artists, and their record labels, tend to release deluxe editions, anniversary reissues, or international versions of their albums that include bonus songs not found on the original release. These bonus tracks could be rare B-sides, unreleased demos, or even live recordings that showcase a different side of the artist's creative process, usually around the same time as the album was conceived. Some bonus tracks are interviews with the artist; an annoying option for music lovers, certainly, but an essential addition for those of us who want to know everything there is to know about the music. 

If it’s audible and considered valuable to the work, there’s a good chance that this bonus material will be released. Owning multiple copies, subsequently, allows you to enjoy these hidden musical gems and gain a deeper insight into the evolution of the artist and the album.

However, what one person may consider valuable may be a drawback for another. For instance, I appreciate the unaltered original linear sequencing of albums as it takes me to the era and allows me to easily experience what one must have felt the very first-time one listened to a record upon its release. While I appreciate some bonus content, I much prefer to see any addition added as a separate disc from the core album experience. That, disappointingly, doesn’t always happen. Take for example the case of Elton John’s 90s reissue campaign. The bonus material was added to the backend of the respective albums, thereby forever changing the albums’ core linear structure. While these songs may well have been recorded around the same time, I’ve yet to find an example from his catalogue where the bonus material adds substance to the original album experience. In many cases, the bonus tracks detracted from an otherwise perfect album. It’s in these cases that I’d much rather see bonus material released on a second CD, in a similar manner to Queen’s Deluxe Editions from 2011 which included the bonus material on an EP as a second disc.  

ABBA has done a similar reissue campaign to that of Elton John’s but it isn’t nearly as distracting as ABBA had non-album singles, that were released around the same time; hence there’s often a deeper correlation to be heard via their 2001 reissue campaign. That said, you’ll never convince me that Happy Hawaii was a worthy addition to Arrival as it fundamentally changes the album experience. Adding this bonus material, as a bonus disc, not only offers fans a more substantial package, considering the prices that are often charged, but it keeps the original album’s sequencing intact. 

Different Mixes And Masterings

Music production is a dynamic process. As a result, artists and producers often experiment with different mixes and masterings of an album. Owning various copies of a record can introduce you to alternate sonic landscapes, highlighting nuances and subtleties that might have been overshadowed in the original release. 

Different mixes for mono, stereo, or surround sound releases can emphasise various instruments, vocal tracks, and sonic effects, offering a fresh perspective to familiar songs. The same can be said for different masterings where each mastering engineer will master an album differently, depending on their own tastes. 

Some music fans even follow the careers of mastering engineers because they value their perspective. Hence, if you find yourself not enjoying the sonic presentation of an album, it could be worthwhile exploring other versions, mastered by different engineers, to see if they sound closer to the way you would ideally like to experience the music. Perhaps that is achieved by attaining the vinyl release, for its warmer smooth analogue sound, which has more stringent mastering requirements, may be more attuned to your tastes. Of course, you may prefer the clarity of the CD format. Classical music lovers, in particular, will undoubtedly agree that the lack of pops and clicks via the CD format is beneficial to the appreciation of that style of music. 

While you will likely prefer one format over the other, if you’re fortunate enough to be able to own both, you can have the best of both worlds and with it different experiences from both a tactile and audible perspective. Of course, with both being available, it gives the music lover choice; a much more important element than we give credence to, especially in the era of streaming whereby music can be altered, or removed entirely, without our input or permission as we’re only renting access to the music rather than retaining it in a physical collection.

A perfect example can be seen following the reissued remaster of Guns N’ Roses’ 1991 classic, Use Your Illusion I, in 2022. This particular reissue included a new mix of their masterpiece November Rain whereby they added a 50-piece symphony to the song that hadn’t been there on the original release. Disappointingly, all physical copies, released henceforth, have this new mix and the original mix is unfortunately lost to history, or limited to attainment via the secondhand market. Yes, Apple Music and the associated iTunes Store still have the original mix, but there is no guarantee that it will remain available as many other remastered releases have become the official release. Now, I don’t have a problem with them releasing the reissue, but the original release should have remained in print given this change.

Similarly, should an album have been remastered, to louder standards, then that is the version that is readily available until the album is remastered again which may, or may not, be subjectively better. It’s a double-edged sword because remastering is not the enemy of the creative arts if done properly. With respect for the original material and artistic intent, and a little common sense, remastering can produce wonderful results. It’s just that, as with many things, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, it is merely a different shade of green. 

Additionally, if you’re just getting into this hobby, may I suggest you don’t compare the sonic variances and simply enjoy the one you have access to. Yes, I acknowledge that that goes against the very ethos of this article, but you’ll often send yourself insane researching and comparing editions only to find that you can’t conclusively decide which version you prefer. I’m speaking from personal experience, so what I tend to do these days is listen to the version of the album I have available. If I don’t like that edition, I’ll look for others to compare it against. If I find it's non-offensive and enjoyable, then that is the only version I need to concern myself with.

Unique Artwork and Packaging

Album covers are often iconic and present a visual accompaniment to the music held within. Collecting multiple copies of an album can provide you with a diverse array of cover art and packaging designs. Limited editions, vinyl releases, and special box sets often feature exclusive artwork that complements the music within. There are also regional differences, particularly with regard to classic album releases, whereby the US and UK editions are considerably different. One example of this would be ABBA’s The Album whereby the original UK release is designed differently to that of the broader international release. 

A more contemporary example showcasing the benefits of owning multiple copies of an album would be the Foo Fighters Sonic Highways, from 2014, whereby fans who wanted the amalgamated album artwork would need to pick up all nine copies of the vinyl record to create the larger puzzle-like artwork. Similarly, Taylor Swift, upon releasing Midnights in 2022, released the album with four different covers allowing fans to choose the artwork they preferred. 

Naturally, some of us (myself included) would likely attain each cover if money were no object, for that is the collector’s mindset. We must remember, however, that these releases, more often than not, come about because of marketing departments rather than artistic intent. Record labels are well aware that certain fans will buy multiple copies and it’s a way to generate greater sales. Nevertheless, these multiple versions allow fans to further appreciate the visual artistry, that accompanies the auditory element, and can enhance the experience. Of course, these multiple copies could just sit on the shelf gathering dust; a problem that I’ve got firsthand experience with.

Although, nothing gave me more pleasure, in the 90s, than to attain the CD and prerecorded cassette of an album I loved. Yes, it was a waste of money, by other people’s standards, but the shift in the designs between the CD and cassette often fascinated me as much as the music itself. Hence, I still consider owning multiple copies of an album I truly love, on multiple formats, as it expands the experience as the artwork isn’t always uniform between the vinyl and CD releases. 

Support Your Favourite Artists

Streaming is fantastic, isn’t it? It’s affordable. Readily available. Yet, it isn’t really part of our collection as music on any streaming platform can be changed without our knowledge, or acceptance, for we’re only renting the music. Hence, when you own music, particularly multiple copies of an album, you’re not only benefiting yourself by knowing that baring some incident, the music will remain the same throughout your lifetime. 

An additional benefit is that the artist will be paid fairer, from the purchase of a record, than they will if you stream the album. Of course, there is no reason why, in the modern era, you couldn’t do both. Both vinyl and CD formats are perfect for home listening while streaming will help you traverse the world, while also offering access to more music than the majority of us could ever afford to own. 

Speaking of the cost, one major disadvantage of owning multiple copies of an album you love is the cost. While it’s your money to spend how you wish, please remember that this hobby is a lifelong pursuit and as much as we enjoy it, it isn’t worth going into debt over.

In conclusion, owning multiple copies of an album is not just about redundancy; it's about enriching your musical journey. Whether it's discovering hidden tracks, exploring different mixes and masterings, appreciating visual elements, capturing nostalgia, or supporting artists, each copy of an album offers a distinct perspective and a deeper connection to the music you love. So, the next time you contemplate acquiring another version of a beloved album, remember that you're not merely adding to your collection – you're enriching your sonic journey. 

Why You Should Reject FOMO When Building Your Record Collection

In this age of endless music releases, reissues, limited editions, collectors’ editions, super deluxe edition box sets, and audiophile pressings, it’s imperative to embrace subjectivity and reject the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). Doing so will ultimately result in a collection that is authentic, diverse, and representative of your unique musical tastes. 

Succumbing to FOMO can lead to an unsatisfactory record collection. Seriously, take a look at your current collection. How many of those titles really speak to you? How many have you played recently? Do you even remember why you purchased some of the titles? Don’t worry, we’ve all experienced that moment where we’re left scratching our heads as to why we have an album, or albums, that we don’t truly love. 

Perhaps it’s a Record Store Day (RSD) release or an album that is touted by many as one that you really must hear on vinyl; a suggestion I’m sure I’ve been guilty of sharing as well. Nevertheless, it really doesn’t matter why you acquired an album. What does matter is that you create your own library of incredible music titles that speak to you, no one else. 

When I put together my list of the Best Albums of a particular year, I reject common assumptions as to what should be on the list and instead listen to, and love, the music I present via the ranked lists rather than regurgitating the same old titles in a different order. I do this because music is personal and while I appreciate sharing my lists with you all, it is also the reason why this site is called Subjective Sounds for it represents the music I hold dear and near to my heart; music that may, but likely won’t, appeal to everyone and that’s okay. 

However, please don’t think that I haven’t been influenced by FOMO. There was a time when audiophile releases, limited numbered editions, and fancy reissues and box sets were a priority for me and you know what, they’re not always that great and often don’t live up to the hype. It was as if I put a higher price on the mastering and the cost of the album along with others’ opinions and forgot that it’s about the music I love, not the attainment of a recommended artefact. Plus, those limited releases are artificially created to drive us collectors to impulsively buy. It’s consumerism and corporate greed taken to another level entirely and it makes fools out of all of us.

As I alluded to earlier, I’ve often found those highly sought-after albums to be considerably overrated and I’ve purchased enough, throughout the years, to be able to speak frankly on the subject. Many are, however, excellent and I have appreciated audiophile pressings, released by reputable labels and mastering engineers, but I’ve found that I often don’t get any more enjoyment out of collecting these than I do from listening to the albums via Apple Music.

I know, blasphemy, but with rarity and cost comes worry, anxiety, and a lack of pleasure for I fear accidentally dropping the record; something that I’ve never done…yet! I also find that I sit and “seriously listen”, a term I abhor, to these releases. The result is that I notice more elements of the recording, mastering, or overall production that I don’t like for I’m looking for flaws amongst what is touted to be absolute perfection. It really is the antithesis of an enjoyable hobby at that stage. 

Music is supposed to be entertainment and should be relaxing and while some may thoroughly appreciate vinyl for their own subjective reasons,  I much prefer to simply enjoy the music without the associated worry and rollercoaster of emotions I experience when collecting and playing the physical artefact. As such, I find that I am continually moving towards a digital-first approach with regard to my music library, thereby freeing myself from the pressures associated with building, growing, and maintaining a physical record collection filled with artificial rarities that were attained because I feared missing out.

How To Prevent Unnecessary Purchases And FOMO When Growing Your Record Collection?

Obviously, you could go and live off the grid, in a hut in the middle of the woods, and while that sounds rather serene it’s highly impractical. Plus, if you disconnected, you wouldn’t be able to check out all the reviews, feature articles, lists, and tips right here on Subjective Sounds. I’ve gotta give myself a shameless plug now and then, don’t I? That aside, let’s take a look at tips to improve how you collect the music you love and cherish henceforth without external pressures. 

1. Define Your Musical Preferences: Take the time to identify the genres, artists, and styles that genuinely resonate with you. This will help you establish a strong foundation for your collection based on your personal tastes rather than external influences.

2. Set Clear Collection Goals: Determine what you want your record collection to represent and the type of music you want to explore. Set goals such as focusing on specific eras, genres, or artists. Having a clear vision will help you stay focused and will prevent impulsive purchases.

3. Create A Wishlist: Maintain a wishlist of albums you genuinely desire. This allows you to prioritise and evaluate potential purchases. Before buying an album, refer to your wishlist to ensure it aligns with your goals and preferences.

4. Practice Mindful Listening: Take the time to truly engage with, and listen to, the albums you already own. This will help you appreciate your current collection rather than constantly seeking new additions; a practice I’ve found to be invaluable. It may also help you weed out those albums that don’t truly speak to you and therefore are not deserving of inclusion in your collection. 

5. Use Streaming Services For Exploration And Discovery: Utilise music streaming platforms to sample music before committing to a purchase. This allows you to discover new artists and genres without immediately buying every album that piques your interest. Plus, the sonic quality of services such as Apple Music and Qobuz is matching and in some cases surpassing that of the physical counterpart. A controversial opinion, perhaps, but I’m simply telling it how it is from my own experiences.

6. Set A Budget: Establish a record-buying budget that aligns with your financial situation. This will prevent impulsive purchases and encourage you to make more thoughtful decisions about which albums to add to your collection.

7. Embrace Delayed Gratification: Avoid making impulsive purchases by implementing a waiting period before buying an album. Even a few days should be sufficient. Allow yourself time to reflect on whether or not it genuinely aligns with your collection goals and if it's a record you will truly enjoy for years to come.

8. Prioritise Quality Over Quantity: Instead of amassing a large collection for the sake of numbers and bragging rights, focus on acquiring albums that are of high quality and hold significant personal value. A smaller collection filled with cherished albums will always bring about greater satisfaction than a vast collection lacking meaningful connections.

9. Seek Recommendations From Trusted Sources: Once you’ve applied all of the above, instead of following every popular recommendation, seek guidance from individuals or sources whose musical tastes align with your own.

At a time when we’re continually bombarded with recommendations and trends, it's crucial to resist FOMO when building and growing a record collection. Embracing subjectivity and rejecting the fear of missing out will result in a collection that is authentic, diverse, and representative of your unique musical tastes. Remember, the joy of collecting records lies in the personal connections you form with the music, not in merely checking off a list of popular titles or attaining physical artefacts. So, tune out the noise, trust your instincts, and embark on a musical journey that truly speaks to your soul. Record collecting should be a joyful and personal experience that truly reflects your musical journey and tastes. 

Why A Playlist Of Albums May Offer You A Superior Listening Experience

I’m an album guy, first and foremost. Nothing quite compares to sitting down, tapping play, and listening to a beloved album in its linear format. While many people no longer listen in this manner, instead choosing to listen to individual songs via playlists, that are thematically similar, there are times when such diversity detracts from the singular musical experience of an artist or album. 

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve listened to my fair share of playlists, and some are exceptional, but when I decided to scrap my entire music library and start again, only selecting the very best albums that meant something to me, my saved playlists were also deleted. I’m sure that statement would have sent panic through many of you who have laboured extensively to create the perfect playlist. Don’t fret for I’m not going to suggest you follow my lead. Although, the process of rediscovery and, in some cases new discoveries, is incredibly rewarding. That said, music is subjective and this tips article merely offers another perspective on how to utilise playlists and playlist folders in Apple Music to nicely present a year-by-year arrangement of the Best Albums Of….

When I started rebuilding my music library, I wanted to utilise Apple Music to its full extent. The reasons why I chose Apple Music, over other services are best left for a future feature article on Subjective Sounds, but if you find yourself drawn to the Apple ecosystem, then it’s incredibly compelling. Some may wonder what this shift means for my physical music collection. Well, I’m rebuilding that also, but at a much slower rate. It comes down to a cost issue and thankfully streaming music permits sampling before purchasing thereby ensuring that I no longer attain every album by an artist I love; only their very best. 

One of the advantages of Apple Music is that it is rather feature-rich and much of the functionality will appeal to most users. However, one frustration that I came across was that there was no easy way to sort albums by the year they were initially released. Plus, don’t get me started on reissues that change the release date to be that of the reissue, thereby throwing an album out of an artist’s chronological order. Nevertheless, I wanted to see my favourite albums from 1979, 1980, 1981 etcetera. 

When adding an album to the Library in Apple Music, it should be easy to sort and filter by year of release. Yet, I found no straightforward way to make that happen. Yes, you can filter by Year and then Artist, but what if I just wanted to see all the albums from 1979? Yes, you can type in 1979 into the search window but that doesn’t work either as the year of release is not part of the search parameters. I guess I could always go in and modify the album’s title, on Apple Music for the Mac, so that it includes the year. However, changing metadata that can be changed without notice by the streaming service isn’t the most logical approach. If, for instance, I was still purchasing music from the iTunes Store, then changing the metadata may very well be an option to consider as I would own the files. 

One additional issue is that the smartphone and tablet apps are even more limited than their desktop counterpart with regard to managing your music collection the way you would ultimately like it to be presented. For instance, while Playlist Folders work within the mobile apps, and you can create a Playlist from within Apple Music on your smartphone or tablet, you cannot create a Playlist Folder from within the mobile apps. Subsequently, you will need to have Apple Music for the Mac to create Playlist Folders. As I don’t use Windows, I don’t want to say that the PC version would also have this feature, but I would hope it does. As to why Apple hasn’t implemented it on the mobile versions of Apple Music, I’ve no idea. Let’s just say it’s frustrating; especially if you use a smartphone or tablet as your only, or primary, computing device. 

How To Create A Playlist Folder

1. Open Apple Music on your computer then, from the top menu bar, choose File > New > Playlist Folder

2. Give your folder a title and add a relevant description.

Once that initial step is completed, you’ll notice that the folder has shown up in the Playlists area of the lefthand sidebar. 

Now that the folder is created, when you go to your phone or tablet, you’ll be able to see the Playlist Folder you just created from within the Library > Playlists area.

If you don’t see it immediately appear on your portable device, go back to the desktop application and go to File > Library > Update Cloud Library. Within a few seconds of doing this, you should see the Playlist Folder appear on your device. 

Now that we’ve created the folder, we can start adding albums. You can also add various playlists to this folder as well as additional folders. 

For instance, you could have 1991 as the main folder name and within it have folders for Soundtracks, Compilations, and Albums. While it’s quite flexible, for this example I’ll be looking exclusively at adding albums, as Playlists, to the 1991 – Best Albums Playlist Folder.

How To Add Albums To Playlist Folders

Find an album you wish to add to the folder you’ve just created, then:

1. Tap the More Options icon. 

2. Then tap Add to a Playlist > New Playlist

3. Decide if you want the playlist to show on your profile; I choose not to show these particular playlists.

4. Give the playlist a name; I title it with the artist and album name.

5. Tap Done. 

Simply repeat the process for as many albums as you wish to add. 

This process can also be done on the Mac, but from my own experience I find myself creating more playlists on my iPhone than any other device. The only frustration with the Mac version is that the New Playlist will be added below all your folders and you’ll need to drag and drop it to the folder you wish for it to reside within. While it may seem a little confusing at first, after you create a couple of Playlist Folders the process becomes second nature.

As we’re so often bombarded with endless music choices and algorithmic recommendations, utilising a Playlist can set you free by giving you complete control over your music library and how you prefer to group the music you love the most. If you’ve never been focused on the cohesive body of work that albums represent, then why not take an exploratory jump and set up a Playlist Folder with a few albums that truly speak to you? You’ll uncover hidden gems, embrace the artist’s vision, and you may just find that an album-based playlist offers an enriching musical experience. 

Why You Should, Or Shouldn’t, Use Outer Sleeves With Your Vinyl Records

Vinyl records have experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, captivating music enthusiasts with their warm sound and nostalgic appeal, but care needs to be taken to ensure your treasured collection maintains its pristine condition. One useful accessory for safeguarding your treasured vinyl is the outer sleeve. In this article, we will explore why using vinyl outer sleeves are vital but also why you may choose not to use them.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING VINYL OUTER SLEEVES?

Protects against dust and dirt

Vinyl records, as well as their artwork, are incredibly susceptible to dust, dirt, and other contaminants. Outer sleeves act as an additional barrier, shielding your records from potential hazards. By storing your records in protective sleeves, you significantly reduce the risk of dust settling on not only the album artwork but the vinyl surface itself.

Preserves album artwork

Vinyl records often boast exquisite album artwork, which is an integral part of the overall aesthetic experience. Outer sleeves help to preserve the visual appeal of your record covers by preventing damage from handling, storage, and even accidental spills. Keeping your albums in outer sleeves can help to maintain the artwork's vibrant colours, thereby ensuring your collection remains visually captivating.

Minimizes ring wear and edge damage

Ring wear and edge damage are common issues that vinyl records can face due to improper storage. Ring wear occurs when vinyl records are stored without sleeves, causing the album cover to rub against the record next to it, resulting in circular marks. Outer sleeves provide a protective layer that prevents this friction and minimises the risk of ring wear. However, if you stack your records too tightly in your Kallax unit, or stack records in piles, ring wear can still occur. Additionally, outer sleeves can offer some protection to the easily bent and dinged edges of a record jacket, thereby reducing the chances of edge damage.

Facilitates easy handling and transportation

Vinyl records should always be handled with care to avoid accidental damage and no more is that true than when moving your records around. Whether you’re transporting your albums from your shelf to the turntable, or moving home, outer sleeves provide an additional step of protection that some people will value.

Enhances long-term durability

Vinyl records are precious artefacts that can last indefinitely if properly cared for and outer sleeves play a vital role in maintaining the long-term durability of your records. By shielding them from potential hazards, such as scratches, dust, and sunlight exposure, outer sleeves can help ensure your vinyl collection remains in pristine condition.

DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WHICH OUTER SLEEVES TO BUY?

When choosing outer sleeves, opt for high-quality polyethylene or polypropylene sleeves, as they are anti-static and provide excellent protection against dust and static buildup.

While I’ve had mixed experiences with known and reputable brands, forgive me for not recommending a specific brand to purchase. If possible, next time you’re at your local record store, have a look at the options they have for sale and if they sell outer sleeves individually, pick up a couple of different ones and give them a try for each sleeve is different and some may appeal to you while others may not.

Additionally, regularly inspect your outer sleeves for any signs of wear or damage as even the most reputable sleeves can wear over time or in some cases sweat your collection if you live in an area with fluctuating climates. If you notice any problems, replace them as soon as possible or when necessary in order to maintain continuous protection for your vinyl records.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF USING VINYL OUTER SLEEVES?

While using outer sleeves with vinyl records is generally recommended for optimal protection and preservation, it's important to acknowledge that there might be certain scenarios where individuals may choose not to use outer sleeves. Here are a few potential reasons why someone might opt against using outer sleeves:

Accessibility for frequent use

If you frequently play your vinyl records and prefer quick and easy access to them, using outer sleeves might add a frustrating extra step in removing the record from its outer sleeve. Some collectors, such as myself, prioritise convenience over the added protection provided by outer sleeves.

Limited storage space

Outer sleeves, while rather thin, can slightly increase the overall thickness of a record, which may become a concern if you have limited storage space. In such cases, individuals may choose to maximise their storage capacity by opting not to use outer sleeves.

Display purposes

If you enjoy displaying your records, you may prefer to showcase the record covers without any additional sleeves. This approach allows for a more direct viewing experience that won’t detract from the album artwork and can be more aesthetically pleasing.

Budget constraints

While quality outer sleeves are reasonably affordable, the cost can become excessive if you have a large collection or are new to collecting. If budget constraints are a factor, some collectors may decide to invest in other aspects of their setup or collection.

It's essential to note that while there are pros and cons for the utilisation of vinyl outer sleeves, any decision should be considered, and respected, in the context of individual preferences and circumstances. Yes, it's generally advisable to use outer sleeves to protect and preserve vinyl records, as they offer significant advantages in maintaining longevity and the visual appeal of your collection, but I choose to no longer use them.

WHY I DON'T USE OUTER SLEEVES?

Throughout the years, I’ve been a staunch believer in outer sleeves for all the positives initially outweighed any negative aspects. It wasn’t until I was culling some records from my collection recently that I came across an intriguing aspect. All of my records were in mint condition. Like minty mint condition. I had been so overprotective that I realised I wasn’t enjoying the collection. I was preserving it. For what, for whom? I do not know.

Perhaps I wanted to retain the value in case I wanted to sell the collection. Still, that means that in the meantime, I wouldn’t be enjoying my records.

I know, I wanted them to be in pristine condition so that my children will inherit a magnificent record collection that they can thoroughly enjoy. Yet, I’m still not enjoying my collection, am I?

Records are meant to be played and the addition of a plastic sleeve makes the process even more cumbersome. Plus, who cares if a cover gets damaged? I know, I know, blaspheme! But seriously, if I can’t enjoy my records then why do I have them?

It was this thought process that spawned an experiment whereby I decided to take a small collection of cherished records and remove the outer sleeves. After so many years, it was a little disconcerting, but then over a series of weeks I started to appreciate the collection more and I even found myself spinning more vinyl due to the ease of access.

There is no denying that the spines look far better when displayed without the pesky outer sleeves and the thinner covers are now easier to find and read than they were before which, of course, adds to the appeal.

I also found that I can still look after my collection as I normally would. I would pull them in and out carefully and wouldn’t overpack a cube. So far nothing detrimental has occurred and even if it does, it will be my damage, my crease, my blemish and I’ll have the pleasure of knowing that I created a memory with an album that I love.

I soon came to think of my vinyl collection as a series of CD digipaks, only bigger. The problems that can occur with digipaks are worthy of an article on their own, but if you take care of your digipaks, they tend to hold up pretty well; certainly as well as any record without an outer sleeve. And, yes, I am well aware of CD outer sleeves but that is a whole other level of music-collecting care that I’m unwilling to entertain.

In conclusion, using outer sleeves with your vinyl records can effectively shield them against dust, dirt, and other potential hazards, thereby helping to protect album artwork, and minimise wear and tear. Whether or not you choose to use outer sleeves is a subjective preference and is yours alone. Yes, there are some lively discussions online about such topics, but you’d do yourself a favour by ignoring them and enjoying your record collection, your way, either with or without protective sleeves.

Why You Should Download Music From Your Preferred Streaming Service

In the digital era, music streaming services have revolutionised the way we listen to and discover music. With a vast library of songs, albums, and playlists at our fingertips, we can access our favourite tunes anytime, anywhere. However, many streaming platforms now offer the option to download music, allowing users to enjoy their favourite music offline. In this article, we’ll delve into the benefits of downloading music from your preferred streaming service and explore how it can enhance your overall listening experience.

What Are The Benefits Of Downloading Your Music?

1. Uninterrupted Listening

One of the key advantages of downloading music is the ability to listen without an Internet connection. Whether you're commuting, travelling, or simply in an area with poor network coverage, having your favourite songs, albums, or playlists stored on your device ensures uninterrupted listening pleasure. You’ll no longer experience buffering or interruptions due to weak signals, thereby giving you the freedom to enjoy your music wherever you may roam.

2. Save Data and Battery Life

Streaming music consumes a significant amount of data, especially when you're constantly on the move. Plus, it only gets worse if you decide to stream Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless offerings. By downloading music, you can save your data for other important tasks and avoid hitting data caps imposed by many cellular providers. Additionally, streaming music requires a stable internet connection, which can further drain your device's battery. Downloading songs lets you conserve battery life by playing music directly from your device's storage.

3. Enhanced Sound Quality

While streaming services typically offer high-quality, or in some cases Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless audio, downloading music takes the listening experience to another level. By downloading songs, you can enjoy them in their original, uncompressed format, thereby ensuring that you're not limited by the stability of your Internet connection. Audiophiles and music enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the improved sound quality that downloading music offers.

Now, you may be sceptical for surely a stream should be the same quality as the downloaded counterpart. Yes, it should be, but in the case of Apple Music, for instance, you’ll notice when you go to Settings > Music > Audio Quality > Wi-Fi Streaming (or Data Streaming) that at the very bottom of that screen, there is a statement that says:

Support varies and depends on song availability, network conditions, and connected speaker or headphone capability.

Interestingly, none of these statements are present in the Downloads subsection. Nevertheless, the core element to focus on here is network conditions.

Using Apple Music as an example, when I’ve had limited cellular coverage and been trying to stream with Lossless (ALAC up to 24-bit/48kHz) selected, as the car would drive in and out of strong coverage and dip down to a single bar, the stream would switch from Lossless to Lossy on the fly. In my opinion, this is done because Apple doesn’t want you to have an interrupted experience if it can help it and automatically determines that if you have limited cellular coverage and signal strength, then you will be delivered a lower quality stream rather than leaving you with no music at all or one that drops in and out throughout your journey.

Logical, isn’t it? You could almost call it a feature. The problem is, without downloading, you’re not guaranteed to get the music delivered to you at your preferred level of quality. Whether or not you can hear a difference, particularly in a moving car, is a discussion for another day. However, by downloading the lossless version, you can avoid that possibility entirely.

You may also notice in cellular options that Apple has an even lower option than their regular lossy AAC 256 kb/s stream. Yes, dear reader, this automatic downshifting of quality may even dump you down to High Efficiency (HE-AAC) at ~64 kb/s and trust me, you’d notice that difference. For a point of reference, Apple Music Radio streams use the HE-AAC audio codec and it is so audibly different to their AAC 256 kb/s streams that I rarely listen to the radio option because it is, noticeably, sonically compromised; a shame considering some of the shows are otherwise well-produced and entertaining.

4. Overcome Geographical Restrictions

Music licensing agreements can vary across different regions, resulting in geographical restrictions on certain tracks or albums. However, by downloading music from your preferred streaming service, you can bypass these limitations when travelling abroad. Once downloaded, the songs, albums, and playlists are stored on your device, granting you access to your favourite music, regardless of where you are in the world.

Are There Any Disadvantages To Downloading Your Music?

As with anything, there are counterarguments to be made and this topic is no exception.

Before taking a look at the one big disadvantage of downloading your music it’s important to note that sometimes if you don’t have any cellular data, at all, the app on your phone can’t touch base with the server to confirm that your subscription is still valid. At those times there is a possibility that the music you have downloaded won’t play. It isn’t, however, a regular occurrence but it happened to my son recently. Once he reconnected to the Internet, I was never able to replicate the issue again, but it is something to be aware of. Hence, if you feel you’re going to be without Internet for an extended period, then it is advisable to buy music digitally or continue to rip your CD collection as those options are not reliant on an Internet connection.

Lack Of Storage

As much as many of us, myself included, value our iPhones the one nagging element is that there is no way to increase the internal storage post-purchase. Android users most certainly have the advantage here for they have traditionally been able to add high-capacity microSD cards to their phones in order to expand the available storage, but things are changing.

Flagship Android phones, such as Samsung’s Galaxy S23, no longer offer a microSD card slot. Subsequently, it’s fair to say that most people opt for a phone with a modest amount of storage, perhaps not paying attention to their storage needs, instead looking at the associated costs for these devices are far from affordable. Of course, it depends on what you choose to store, as well as the quality of the music you choose to download, for you may be completely fine with modest storage options.

If your storage requirements exceed the entry-level storage options, then take the time to carefully consider how much storage you require. A good rule of thumb is to buy a device with twice the amount of storage you’re currently using on the device you have today. For instance, if you have filled up 128GB then it is logical to aim for 256GB of storage next time you upgrade your device.

Now, I’m not suggesting that you spend money that you don’t have, but if you can comfortably afford a device that has more storage, then there is a very good chance that the freedom and flexibility you’ll achieve will outweigh the exorbitant price tag.

If, for whatever reason, additional storage is not an option, but you’d still like to download your tunes for offline listening, then consider downloading only certain albums and playlists; the ones you couldn’t imagine living without. For instance, I’d take a look at my ranked lists for the best albums and download them accordingly. Following this approach, I would then swap the music out on a weekly or monthly basis so that while I was focusing on a few of my absolute favourites, there was always a new selection of music to enjoy.

Regardless of how you prefer to listen to music from your preferred streaming service, downloading can be, and is for this writer, a game-changer in the world of music consumption. It provides the flexibility and freedom to enjoy your favourite songs, albums, and playlists anytime, anywhere, without being tethered to an Internet connection. By saving data, while also ensuring sound quality remains paramount and uninterrupted, downloading music enhances your overall listening experience by ensuring that your favourite tunes are always just a tap away.

Why A Carbon Fibre Brush Is A Must-Own For All Vinyl Record Collectors

For many vinyl record collectors, the pursuit of perfect sound is a never-ending journey. From carefully selecting a high-quality turntable and speakers to meticulously curating one’s collection, every aspect of the vinyl experience is carefully considered and refined. However, the carbon fibre brush is one tool that is often overlooked but including one in your vinyl toolbox can make a significant difference to the sound quality of your records.

What Is A Carbon Fibre Brush?

A carbon fibre brush is a small tool designed to clean the surface of your vinyl records. It consists of a handle and a brush made from thousands of ultra-thin carbon fibres, which are densely packed together. When used correctly, a carbon fibre brush can remove dust and debris from the grooves of your records thereby reducing surface noise and improving the overall sound quality of your records.

Why Is A Carbon Fibre Brush Necessary?

Like it or not, vinyl records are extremely sensitive to dust and debris. Every time you play a record, dust and other particles accumulate on the surface and in the grooves of the record. Over time, this build-up can cause unwanted surface noise. A carbon fibre brush is designed to gently remove debris and prevent it from accumulating on both the record and your turntable’s stylus. The result is usually perceptible in that it can improve the sound quality of your records by reducing unwanted pops and clicks as well as reducing static.

When dust and debris accumulate in the grooves of a record, it can interfere with the stylus' ability to accurately track the grooves, resulting in additional surface noise and distortion. By using a carbon fibre brush to remove debris, you can ensure that your stylus can accurately track the grooves, resulting in a cleaner and more detailed sound.

Don’t get me wrong, using a carbon fibre brush isn’t the final word in keeping your record collection clean, but it is your first line of defence when playing the records that make up your cherished collection. By regularly cleaning your records with a carbon fibre brush, you can ensure that they remain in excellent condition for years to come.

How Do You Use A Carbon Fibre Brush?

While there are no hard and fast rules pertaining to correct usage, and everyone will have their own method, here's a step-by-step guide on how I use a carbon fibre brush when playing my vinyl records:

Step 1: Remove the record from its sleeve and place it on the spindle on the turntable.

Step 2: Get the record spinning; but don’t drop the needle just yet.

Step 3: Hold the carbon fibre brush by its handle and gently place the brush on the record surface. Be sure to hold the brush perpendicular to the surface to ensure that the fibres get into the grooves.

It's important to note that you should never apply too much pressure when using a carbon fibre brush on a vinyl record. Excessive pressure can damage the record and push debris further into the grooves resulting in distortion or skipping.

Step 4: Allow the record to spin for approximately three rotations then gently move the carbon fibre brush to the edge of the record and off the turntable’s platter. Check the brush for any dust or debris that has been collected. You can use a soft cloth or your fingers to gently remove any debris from the brush, but I’ve found that flicking it (away from the record, of course) against the brush’s handle is usually all that is needed to keep the brush clean.

Step 5: Play Side A of the record and then when it’s time to flip it over, repeat the process for Side B.

Does It Matter Which Carbon Fibre Brush I Buy?

When selecting a carbon fibre brush, it's important to consider the quality of the brush and the materials used to make it as not all brushes are created equal. A high-quality carbon fibre brush will have a dense array of carbon fibres, which are thin enough to get into the grooves of the record and remove debris effectively. The handle should also be sturdy and comfortable to hold, and the brush should be easy to clean and maintain.

Do You Have A Recommendation For Which Carbon Fibre Brush I Should Buy?

I can only speak from personal experience and can subsequently recommend Project’s Brush It as Project’s vinyl cleaning accessories have yet to let me down. There are, however, plenty of notable alternatives and it’s recommended that you go for a known brand rather than the many generic options available. Your turntable manufacturer or dealer should be able to help you choose a carbon fibre brush that will last you for years; provided you look after it, of course!

While a carbon fibre brush may seem like a small investment, it can make a significant difference in the quality of your vinyl listening experience. By using a carbon fibre brush to clean your records regularly, you can ensure that they remain in excellent condition and that you're getting the most out of your turntable, speakers, and most importantly, your record collection.

Moreover, taking care of your vinyl collection with a carbon fibre brush can save you money in the long run. If you neglect to clean your records properly, you may find that you need to replace them more frequently due to wear and tear and the build-up of dust and debris on your stylus will also lessen its life. Plus, who doesn’t like a nice clean surface; it just makes the experience that much more enjoyable, doesn’t it?

In conclusion, a carbon fibre brush is a must-have tool for all vinyl record collectors. It offers a range of benefits, from improving the sound quality of your records to extending their lifespan and results in a more satisfying and rewarding vinyl listening experience.