In recent years, the LP vinyl market has experienced a resurgence, shaking the music industry thrived since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) 2022 Music Industry Revenue Report, LP sales in the United States reached 41 million copies, surpassing CD sales, which stood at 33 million copies.
The driving force behind this LP craze is the MZ generation, known for their enthusiasm for ‘Newtro’ trends—rediscovering and enjoying past popular trends. This trend is also visible in the domestic music market, with limited edition LP albums gaining popularity. Artists such as Stella Jang, Naul, Baek Yerin, BTS, Taeyeon, and IU have released exclusive LP albums, with some selling out on the day of their release. However, despite the growing interest in vinyl records, the domestic LP market’s infrastructure is still limited, hindering broader public accessibility.
In response to this challenge, a South Korean startup ZEEZIK is capturing attention by addressing the pain points of the domestic LP market. ZEEZIK offers an LP subscription service that recommends and delivers LP albums to subscribers based on their taste preferences. Recently, ZEEZIK became a customer member of CAPA, an online manufacturing platform. The decision to partner with CAPA was influenced by the platform’s ability to streamline the manufacturing process, making it convenient for ZEEZIK to outsource the production of LP-related equipment.
ZEEZIK aims to improve the LP infrastructure that has hindered the entry of the MZ generation into the market. The startup’s name, inspired by the ‘creeping’ noise accompanying playing LP records, reflects their vision to revive the authentic LP culture that once dominated the music market. Interestingly, despite never experiencing LPs since birth, the MZ generation shows a significantly higher interest in vinyl records than other generations.
However, the lack of infrastructure in the domestic LP market hampers the MZ generation’s enthusiasm from translating into business growth. Obtaining information about unfamiliar LPs and the high price of turntables are major obstacles preventing wider adoption.
To address these challenges, ZEEZIK facilitates easy access to LP records for the MZ generation while offering reasonably priced turntables. Through data collection and direct manufacturing efforts, the startup provides LP recommendations using IT and produces turntables to ensure affordability.
For a minimal initial cost of 16,000 won and a monthly subscription fee of the same amount, subscribers to ZEEZIK’s LP subscription service receive two new albums each month. An exciting offer is that subscribers who maintain their subscription for three months receive a free turntable. The turntable becomes the subscriber’s property if the subscription continues beyond three months. This development is particularly good news for those interested in LPs but find the cost of purchasing a turntable prohibitive.
In addition to providing a wide selection of LP records, ZEEZIK plans to enhance the LP experience through features such as a ‘Smart Turntable’ that connects with an app and a ‘Music Magazine’ that recommends diverse music. By encompassing content, IT, and hardware, ZEEZIK aims to ensure anyone can easily and conveniently enjoy the LP experience.
ZEEZIK’s CEO, Song Dong-hun, highlighted the convenience offered by CAPA as an online manufacturing platform, which provides all the necessary processes for outsourcing manufacturing. With plans to use CAPA to mass produce smart turntables, Song envisions expanding the business further. One such plan includes producing various merchandise.
The source for this article is a Korean piece located at CAPA website. This version has been translated into English with additional revisions for clarity.
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