Gen Z is embracing the vintage charm of cassette tapes. However, despite their tech-savvy nature, many young people are finding it difficult to navigate these old-school devices. The NY Post spoke with Amy Campbell, a 26-year-old from Rockford, Illinois, who bought Kacey Musgrave’s album on cassette, admitted, “I struggled a little bit.” She borrowed her mom’s cassette player but found it confusing, not knowing how to insert the tape or shuffle through songs. “You have to keep fast-forwarding, rewinding, pausing, and playing to find the right song you want,” she shared.
Cassettes, nearly obsolete after the CD boom, are making a comeback, with over 430,000 sold last year, about five times more than a decade ago. The resurgence of cassettes is part of a larger trend of young people turning to old-school devices, inspired by the nostalgic sound and cultural references from shows like "Stranger Things" and books like "Thirteen Reasons Why."
As vinyl sales also surge, surpassing CDs in 2023, the trend reflects a growing fascination with vintage media among younger generations. Plus, stores like Urban Outfitters carry the products, so it's easy for young people to access.
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