Hold onto your headphones, music lovers. There’s a plot twist in the world of music that’s got even the most diehard Spotify addicts doing a double-take. Vinyl records, those big black discs your parents swore by, are as popular with the old crowd as they are with the new.
Leading this vinyl revolution in the 305 is none other than Lolo Reskin, owner of Sweat Records. This Little Haiti gem has been spinning success since 2005, a welcomed, but unexpected business adventure.”We barely had a 3-year plan, much less a 20-year one,” Reskin laughs. “It’s awesome to have made it this far.”
While the vinyl resurgence has been around since 2006, it’s noticeable Gen Z, who probably learned to swipe before they could walk, are helping propel the popularity of these analog
treasures. “It’s absolutely the younger, digital generations wanting something real and analog,” Lolo says. And who can blame them? In a world of endless scrolling, there’s something deliciously rebellious about dropping a needle on a record.
And it’s not just Sweat Records feeling the love. Lucky Records, Technique Records and Yesterday &Today are also stops on Gen Z’s shopping lists, proving that Miami’s got room for all the vinyl vibes. “I firmly believe that record stores are an important ‘third space’ in society for connection and discovery. Sweat Records’ space is welcoming, colorful, filled with thousands of interesting things to look at, mystaff are amazing and we have cool events. You can buy anything online but people still want authentic IRL experiences and that’s what we provide,” Reskin says.
Those IRL experiences trickle into several other avenues for Reskin. “Since day one, we’ve been an all-ages event space and have hosted nearly 1,000 events, workshops, screenings, you name it. We also partner with a huge variety of organizations around Miami, just this week we’re collaborating with Tigre Sounds and hosting a listening event at The Standard,” she says
And just when you thought vinyl was the ultimate blast from the past, turns out cassette tapes and Walkmans, those chunky plastic time machines, are making a comeback, too, thanks to kids these days. It seems the ‘80s called, and they want their technology back, full force.
So, what’s behind this analog avalanche? Lolo’s got a theory: “Music is personal, and people always want to feel closer to the artists they love.” In other words, streaming might be convenient, but nothing beats the feeling of holding your favorite album in your hands. From classic crooners to today’s chart-toppers, vinyl’s got something for everyone. “That’s why artists like Sade, MF DOOM and Jeff Buckley are still on the vinyl charts,” Lolo explains.
So, whether you’re a seasoned vinyl veteran or a curious newcomer, it’s time to get your groove on. Dust off that turntable and get to your local record store. After all, in the words of the great Gloria Estefan, “The rhythm is gonna get you.”
