Why We Still Want Music We Can Hold
There is something satisfying about music that takes up space. A case to open. Artwork to study. A song chosen for Side A because you knew exactly who would hear it.
That feeling has a fresh news hook. In its September 2026 midyear report, the Recording Industry Association of America found that U.S. revenue from physical music formats rose 25.9% during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Vinyl revenue grew 17.7%, while CD revenue grew 58.6%. Streaming still accounted for most recorded music revenue, but people are also choosing objects they can keep. The report does not break out cassette sales separately.
What a mixtape can hold
A playlist can be edited in seconds. A mixtape asks for a little more: a mood, an order, a handwritten label, and the thought of someone pressing play. The cassette's spools, colorful shells, and imperfect little details have become shorthand for that kind of care.
If you want the backstory, we explored the handmade culture of tapes in The Origins of the Mixtape. What's striking now is how the idea keeps finding new forms. You don't need a tape deck to recognize the feeling of making something personal for someone else.
A little analog joy, every day
At Spot Studio, we bring that feeling into small objects: a cassette pin for your jacket, a charm on your keys, or a notebook ready for the next tracklist. They're playful reminders of songs, people, and moments worth holding onto.
What's the first song you'd put on a mixtape for someone you love?
