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Cassette comeback: Gen Z rediscovers physical media
12 Aug
Summary
- Physical media sales are surging, especially vinyl.
- Gen Z seeks tangible items due to digital saturation.
- Limited edition Pink Floyd cassette player sold out quickly.
Physical media is making a notable comeback, with vinyl sales in the U.S. surpassing $1.04 billion in 2025. This trend is fueled by a generation seeking tangible ownership in an increasingly digital world. Gen Z, in particular, desires physical items they can hold, contrasting with subscription services like Netflix and Spotify.
Romain Boudruche, CEO of We Are Rewind, emphasizes this shift, noting that holding a cassette player promotes focused listening. The company's WE-001 cassette player, a nod to classic designs with modern features like USB-C charging and Bluetooth, has become a collector's item. Its premium aluminum construction contributes to its art object appeal.
The limited edition We Are Rewind x Pink Floyd WE-001 cassette player, released in 2023, pays homage to the iconic album 'The Dark Side of the Moon'. Priced at $199/£159, it includes a remastered edition of the album. The initial batch of 3,000 units sold out within a week, with a second batch expected around November 2026.
Boudruche anticipates future collaborations with artists like The Beatles and Gorillaz. He observes a 50/50 split in buyers between older generations and younger audiences aged 17-25. While cassette sales are increasing, he believes they won't reach vinyl's popularity due to potential playback issues, but acknowledges their growing appeal as collector's items.
