In an era where background noise squeals louder than ever, Jason Hoffer finds peace in the tunes flowing out of his record player.
The owner of Going Thru Vinyl Records on Ottawa Street believes it can help overcome the world’s “divisive” nature.
“My wife, daughter, and I go upstairs into the attic, we put on records, and we put all the devices away, and I just drop the needle,” Hoffer told CTV News.
On Saturday, Hoffer’s passion was shared with hundreds of customers who waltzed through his door in search of the newest record to add to their collection.
As part of Record Store Day, recognized in markets across the world, music aficionados celebrate independent brick-and-mortar businesses, and their collective passion.
In its 18th edition, shops like Hoffers are filled with unique offerings which include limited edition or new vinyl.
“It’s probably the best [release] list ever since the beginning of Record Store Day,” Hoffer said.
In previous years, Hoffer said releases were often smaller in significance, but it’s trended upwards as interest in the traditional music scene continues its comeback.
“There’s been bigger, expansive, amazing stuff that’s been released and it keeps drawing and getting bigger and bigger,” he noted.
“This year there was not that big one thing that everybody wanted. There was like a wide variety within different genres that people were excited about.”
Vinyl records “lost favour” as technology developed and music streaming services gained popularity, Hoffer said.
However, the demand and interest in vinyl records were revived particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hoffer attributes the meteoric return to a “pushback” against the digital scene.
“There’s something to be said about actually physically having it in your hand, looking at the artwork. People connect with it differently, but there’s a real connection with it when you actually own it,” Hoffer noted.
While it can serve different purposes for each listener, Hoffer enjoys the sense of “community” he feels each time he drops the needle.
“It transports you,” he said. “It’s just the best hobby in the world.”
