Documentary Vinyl Nation Explores The Record Resurgence

There are not many mainstream outlets that audiophiles get recognition in. Aside from the very rare passing mention in Boogie Nights or that one clip from the British skit show, lovers of HiFi really fly under the radar. Now you may be saying to yourself, “Self, what about the movie High Fidelity?” Well, I think that would more accurately be a reflection of record collection – something that is impossible to miss as a very nice addition and supportive moment to the arena of high fidelity listening in current years. A new documentary is out now that explores this unusual phenomena called Vinyl Nation.

Even in the past few months, record purchasing continues to break into the mainstream media, with vinyl sales eclipsing CD sales for the first time in forever. Vinyl Nation explores the trend, even as it continues to rise year over year. The interview subjects are a diverse cast, each with an interesting perspective and reason for participating. It is an unique window into collector’s rationale, even when at times things may seem irrational to an outsider.

Partnering with Record Store Day, Co-Directors Kevin Smokler and Christopher Boone began working with the brick-and-mortar of the business during the release to help keep things going during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Vinyl Nation was filmed during pre-COVID spring 2019 at record conventions, record labels, record stores and pressing plants in 14 American cities. On April 18-19, 2020, on what would have been Record Store Day weekend, we partnered with the RSD organization and 200 independent record stores in 46 states to offer our movie digitally for one weekend with 100% of the proceeds going to the record stores. For the fall run of Record Store Day Drops, we opened Friday Aug 28th in virtual cinemas this weekend with over 100 ticket partners, including arthouse cinemas and independent record stores in 35 states plus D.C.”

Kevin Smokler, Co-Director Vinyl Nation

The documentary is available to watch now through November 30 via virtual cinema tickets which you can find in your area through this link. Trailer embedded below.