FOCUS SUR WAX BUYERS CLUB
Vinyl records pressed exclusively for its subscribers
IS EVERYONE IN THE ROOM READY? ALL RIGHT, LET'S GO!
*clap !* 🎬
🎤 Hello everyone, and welcome to this very first edition of Kopo Creation's favourites!
Today, music is in the spotlight as we welcome a guest who has launched his musical concept in digital format to please YOU.
Music is the rhythm of your daily life and soon it will invade your home every month, you can be sure of that.
On the programme, you will learn about the history and motivation behind this new way of having fun musically.
Digital is good, but nostalgia persists.
⚖ Between modern and vintage love... no need to choose! ✨
Make discoveries with your fingertips and get today's treasures under the roof of the past. Originality, from sound to medium.
For those who want to know more about our guest, here is Edouard!
👏👏👏
Hello ED!
Before we begin the presentation of your successful concept, can you introduce yourself in a few words?
"I am Edouard, a 41 year old music lover. My passion was born at the beginning of my schooling in college, when I got my first "hi-fi system"; and since then I have never stopped enriching my listening, be it on CDs, Vinyls, Napster in the great era of MP3s and on Streaming platforms."
Music is enriching.
It accompanies us and makes us live unforgettable moments, putting words and melodies on the present moment. A complete culture and one that will never run out of steam thanks to people like you.
Your project "Wax Buyers Club" is a brand new concept, isn't it?
What is the origin of this?
"When I first had the idea of creating a "record club", I was driving to work in early September 2014. It was the heyday of 'subscription boxes' and I was wondering if this existed for vinyl records. I soon discovered the existence of "Vinyl Me Please", in the US. If the shipping costs for shipping across the Atlantic hadn't been so high, I would never have created the Wax Buyers Club."
It was a good opportunity to close the end of the good days.
Do you have an explanation for this name?
"Why the name? I had seen the movie "Dallas Buyers Club" a few weeks before, starring Matthew McConaughey, which tells the story of Ron Woodroof. While the story has nothing to do with music and vinyl records, it's a great story and the name is very cool. So Wax Buyers Club was born at that point. A few months later, in February 2015, the first vinyl was sent to our first 27 subscribers!"
It was a small start, but there were some pleasant surprises in store for you later on, as the concept's plot ended up appealing.
A meeting for enthusiasts but also for young people who love vintage
Why this attraction to vinyl (the object)?
"There's a famous and very funny cartoon where a guy asks another guy why he collects vinyl records. The collector replies: 'because it's expensive and bulky'.
In 2021, vinyl record prices are rising dramatically due to raw material shortages and high demand. I'm not a big collector, but I can tell you that my records take up far too much space in my house. And yet, I think vinyl records have far more appeal than any other medium. I think it's a beautiful object, picking a record off the shelf is really satisfying and putting the needle of the record player on the vinyl is always a pleasure. Of course, the large format covers are great."
In a few words, vinyl is a great source of satisfaction. Many people must agree with you.
Through this project, you also make and press little musical nuggets that you happily share with your subscribers.
What does this originality that you give to your records when you press them for your subscribers bring to you?
"There are more records released every week than I could listen to in a year. Some albums come in dozens of different versions, there's Disquaire Day, other "vinyl box" offerings started to flourish after Wax Buyers Club. Le Wax Buyers Club propose plusieurs choses qui sont uniques en Europe.
Firstly, we work exclusively and directly with independent labels and artists. By subscribing to Wax Buyers Club, you are financing the work of the artists.
Secondly, the pressing that our subscribers receive is an exclusive pressing, it is always in a colour that you can only find with us. The consequence of this is that the vinyl you have in your hands is a collector's item. It is very common for our records to be found on Discogs at a much higher price than the subscription price (from €23 including shipping), sometimes even up to €90.
It is also possible to exchange the vinyl of the month for free and without limit, if you don't like it. This is called the "Swap", and is done in 2 clicks a few days before the vinyl is sent. Our subscribers have access to a page allowing them to discover the vinyl of the month if they wish, and can choose a replacement record from a list of 15 to 20 vinyls. It's always a bit frustrating for me when subscribers make a switch, but it's impossible to satisfy everyone every month.
Finally, our price offer is clear. How many times have I been lured by a low price on a website only to be disillusioned when I get to the shipping page! Well, at the Wax Buyers Club, the subscription price includes shipping. We are the only ones to offer this."
In a few words, vinyl is a great source of satisfaction. Many people must agree with you.
Through this project, you also make and press little musical nuggets that you happily share with your subscribers.
What does this originality that you give to your records when you press them for your subscribers bring to you?
"We are not strictly speaking a label, although we have promoted and financed the pressing of several artists without a record company. Clearly the aim is to share the music we love."
A sharing filled with kindness towards those who live from a common passion.
You are a human being, with a big heart, what is your source of satisfaction at work?
"Carrying hundreds of pounds of vinyl every month? No. Not sleeping because pressing deadlines are making it harder and harder to schedule our records each month? No. No more. I have a personal satisfaction, 6 months before our subscribers, to be the first to listen to the vinyl of the month on a test pressing. It's a real thrill. But my favourite part, without a doubt, is when I see a picture of one of our records on social media with a nice comment."
It is an equivalent exchange that seems fair. It is true that recognition through sharing is something that encourages us to continue on the path that has brought us this far.
If your subscribers love your vinyl records so much, do they ask you for advice on how to maintain them?
"Yes indeed, I am often asked how to stop a broken record from skipping, which unfortunately is impossible. So I take the time to send them back to the blog, and this article in individual. The best way to maintain your vinyl records is to store them carefully upright and listen to them on a well-tuned turntable!"
These are new golden rules that will surely help many.
Kopo Création possède sa Hi-Fi range.How would you describe it?
"I dream of buying one. I would love the model called "L’Amateur“.
I find it airy and perfect for setting down your turntable and having a few records ready to listen to."
Indeed, L'Amateur is, as its name suggests, perfect for those who are just starting their collection. It is a piece of furniture that combines organisation, practicality and originality for the happiness of your favourite albums.
And finally, a musical touch: what is the song that makes you happy?
"I'm really into it at the moment Chesterfield of SupaChill, our vinyl of June. It's absolutely brilliant.
Stand on the Worldby the Joubert Singers in 1982 made me particularly happy, but it has been heard in so many synchro ads that it is less so today.
It will therefore be Feeling Good of Nina Simone!"
Indeed, L'Amateur is, as its name suggests, perfect for those who are just starting their collection. It is a piece of furniture that combines organisation, practicality and originality for the happiness of your favourite albums.
And finally, a musical touch: what is the song that makes you happy?
Thanks to Edouard for his participation, we look forward to spoiling you again with a little contest.