Why record fairs are so darn cool

Recently, I went to a local record fair with another FIBLAR writer Laura (a good friend of mine). Admittedly, as much as I was excited, I was wasn't really expecting a lot. My idea of what would be available was over priced LP's in bad condition and the odd spattering of 7" singles. However, on entry, I was very pleasantly surprised. The physicality of tangible music is always wonderful, whether in CD or vinyl form; the smell of old cardboard sleeves, the sound of the record as you take it out of the paper and the fact you can actually flick through rows upon rows of music until that moment when you find that gem that you've been searching after for years.

It takes time looking for CD's or records. For many, it would be a lot easier to download a song they like in less than a minute. And why not? 'Instant' music is brilliant in many ways because it is not only far easier to find (and eventually buy) it but to find other similar artists can be done in an instant. However, for many other people (myself included), taking the time to find new and old music alike is one of the most exciting activities to engage in.

Furthermore, the experience of finding like minded nerdy individuals is fun in itself; meeting people who share you obsession for Bowie and coloured vinyl reminds you that there are people out there weirder/cooler than your good self. I found myself talking to a man who shared by belief on the best Bowie 'era' (Ziggy Stardust... Obviously) and another record seller who dealt very well with my worrying inability to make decisions (The "Life On Mars?" picture disc or the limited edition yellow "The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy...." vinyl???). If you're interested, I went for the brightly coloured bad boy you can see somewhere around this paragraph (formatting terrifies me).

Sadly, myself and Laura were the only 'young people' (what a horrendous phrase) there. This meant we received quite a few "What on earth are you doing here? Has the internet broke?" looks off some of the more experienced vinyl collectors. In all fairness, the amount of spiel surrounding downloading music and teenagers means most people assume we have never gone out of the house to buy a piece of music in our lives. While this is true for many, it still feels sad that such a great event didn't bring along many young people at all. This begs the question of who will go to record fairs and records shops and the like when we're the 'older' generation? Better publicity could be a start; considering most music themed gatherings are either advertised (badly) on social networking sites or stuck to lampposts (the latter concept baffles me - who on earth stops to look at a lamppost?) While it feels good to be part of a niche group that gets a kick out of finding music, there is still a sense that it would all be a lot more fun if there were more people your own age there - to chat to and maybe flirt with etc...

Overall, record fairs are cool but where are all the young dudes!?