TEXAS — Music fans are turning back to compact discs, with CD sales increasing as younger listeners embrace physical music collections.
CD sales rose 16% in the first half of 2026, according to data from Luminate. They are now outpacing vinyl sales, according to the company’s midyear report.
Brad Sigler, who has worked in the music industry for 40 years, said he did not expect CDs to make a comeback.
At Dead Wax Records’ downtown Garland location, CDs now account for nearly 30% of sales, an over 20% increase, Sigler said.
“It’s mainly kids; it’s crazy. It’s, uh, 13 to 24-year-olds buying new and used CDs,” Sigler said.
Leigha, who went out to shop at Dead Wax Records, says she started collecting in the last few years.
“Found my way back to it a couple of years ago, and I first started collecting CDs probably three years ago,” said Leigha.
For some listeners, the appeal is partly nostalgia. Others say they want to own their music rather than rely solely on streaming services.
“It’s like technology advanced a little too much, I want to say, but I don’t know. I think it’s really cool…I love it,” Leigha said.
Sigler said physical media offers something streaming cannot.
“It’s something very cool, you know, to be able to read liner notes, pictures, own something other than just streaming,” said Sigler.
Korean and Japanese pop are among the bigger sellers at Dead Wax Records, Sigler said. But younger customers are also showing interest in older artists.
“Still Jeff Buckley, which is crazy, you know? I mean, Jeff is still selling like crazy,” Sigler said.
Sigler said it is difficult to predict where physical media trends will go next. For now, he is happy to watch the resurgence unfold.