Key Production – Europe’s largest physical music manufacturing agency – has revealed the strong growth in demand for vinyl so far in 2025.
From January to May this year, Key Production’s vinyl manufactured orders grew by 50%, compared to the same period in 2024. Data shows that the average order quantity of vinyl has increased by 41% per individual order.
Key Production provides manufacturing services primarily to the independent sector, which shows that vinyl consumption growth is not limited to major label big releases.
In January, the BPI reported that purchases of physical music in 2024 showed positive year-on-year growth (1.4%) for the first time in two decades, led by a 17th consecutive annual rise in vinyl album sales (9.1%) and a marked slowing in the decline in demand for CD (-2.9%).
Record Store Day in April this year was the largest and most successful yet in the annual event’s 18 year history.
While Generation Z (17-28 year-olds) has played a pivotal role in this resurgence and driving physical sales, recent consumer research by Key Production revealed that interest in physical music is extending into Generation Alpha (1-16 year-olds), who are now embracing physical music too.
In an age dominated by streaming, it’s the younger generations who are continuing to drive the demand for physical music
Karen Emanuel
Research of over 2,000 respondents across the UK found that 46% of Generation Alpha are listening to physical music. The findings also revealed that 46% of parents reporting that their child or children of up to 18 years listen to CDs.
Furthermore, when asked about vinyl, 38% of parents said that their child listens to vinyl, with 36% of them saying that they can use a record player.
Karen Emanuel, CEO of Key Production and Music Week’s Businesswoman Of The Year, said: “In an age dominated by streaming, it’s the younger generations who are continuing to drive the demand for physical music. Vinyl is more popular than ever, and it’s clear here there’s an appetite for CDs – fuelled by youthful enthusiasm. For many of these young listeners, physical music offers something digital formats can’t: a sense of authenticity, ownership, and emotional connection. It turns music into a tangible experience – something to hold, display, collect, and connect with on a deeper level. It is more than a passing trend; it reflects a deeper cultural shift.”
“Physical music is no longer considered a relic of the past – it’s firmly part of the future, and it’s here to stay,” added Emanuel.
Dr Jo Twist OBE, CEO of the BPI, said: “The BPI’s own analysis of market trends supports these latest findings in highlighting the enduring appeal of recorded music across all formats and with all generations. It’s wonderful to see the next wave of music fans already developing a love of vinyl and an appreciation of CD, that, sitting alongside streaming, is part of the amazing choice in music discovery and listening that we now all enjoy as dedicated fans.”
Key Production is known for its work with artists such as Oasis, Nick Cave, Alt-J, Idles, Little Simz, Ezra Collective, PJ Harvey and Raye on her BRIT-winning debut album.
PHOTO: Banquet
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