Stories
The Business of Vinyl — From Napster to Spotify...
Vinyl has re-emerged as music’s slow revolution. Rafi Mercer traces its journey from Virgin shop floors to the era of streaming, and why listening bars are restoring weight to sound.
The Business of Vinyl — From Napster to Spotify...
Vinyl has re-emerged as music’s slow revolution. Rafi Mercer traces its journey from Virgin shop floors to the era of streaming, and why listening bars are restoring weight to sound.
Two Ways of Hearing
There are many ways to devote yourself to sound. This essay explores the difference between the solitary pursuit of the audiophile and the communal ritual of the listening bar.
Two Ways of Hearing
There are many ways to devote yourself to sound. This essay explores the difference between the solitary pursuit of the audiophile and the communal ritual of the listening bar.
Kissa — The Japanese Origins of Listening Culture
Explore the Japanese concept of kissa, from post-war cafés to the foundations of modern listening bars. A Tracks & Tales essay on sound, ritual, and devotion.
Kissa — The Japanese Origins of Listening Culture
Explore the Japanese concept of kissa, from post-war cafés to the foundations of modern listening bars. A Tracks & Tales essay on sound, ritual, and devotion.
The Elements of Listening: Notes 7 — Texture
The seventh essay in the Elements of Listening series explores texture — the grain and tactile quality of sound that makes listening vivid and human.
The Elements of Listening: Notes 7 — Texture
The seventh essay in the Elements of Listening series explores texture — the grain and tactile quality of sound that makes listening vivid and human.
The Elements of Listening: Notes 6 — Resonance
The sixth essay in the Elements of Listening series explores resonance — the lingering echo of music in space, memory, and emotion.
The Elements of Listening: Notes 6 — Resonance
The sixth essay in the Elements of Listening series explores resonance — the lingering echo of music in space, memory, and emotion.
The Elements of Listening: Notes 5 — Fit
In the fifth essay of the Elements of Listening series, Rafi Mercer reflects on fit — the mysterious alignment of music, time, and place that makes listening transformative.
The Elements of Listening: Notes 5 — Fit
In the fifth essay of the Elements of Listening series, Rafi Mercer reflects on fit — the mysterious alignment of music, time, and place that makes listening transformative.