We Asked People Who Still Use MP3 Players: Why?

MP3 gamers: Keep in mind them? The long-forgotten relic of a pre-smartphone period, from again within the day, when the iPod was Apple’s most recognizable product, and gently thumbing the wheel of the Traditional was a tactile odyssey.

In the present day, Y2K vogue has come rolling again with gusto whereas wired earphones are making an It Lady revival. MP3 gamers haven’t fairly achieved the identical cult standing, with solely a distinct segment demographic aware of it, to this point.

Meet the folks toting their moveable music gamers towards the barrage of smartphones: college students making an attempt to work round classroom rules on digital units, audiophiles on a hunt for excellent audio high quality, and Kind A podcast listeners trying to curate their content material consumption. Seems, there are tons of fine the explanation why persons are nonetheless urgent play on  their MP3 gamers.

From Gen Z to retirees, individuals who nonetheless swear by MP3 gamers informed VICE a few of their causes behind the nostalgic alternative.

Max, 19

Worker at a video games firm, United Kingdom

I by no means actually owned an MP3 participant as a child. I type of missed out on it at the moment. However across the age of 16, I began to love loads of previous retro issues—from retro computer systems to retro consoles and music.

I feel the enchantment of [MP3 players] is the retro type. For example, I really like the type of the sixth Technology iPod Traditional—chunky boy with a wheel management—but in addition its worth. The value was the principle purpose that I received it. I used to be initially utilizing Spotify, however not solely was it actually costly and unaffordable for a child with no job, it additionally drained my battery so quick. And the advertisements—the advertisements drove me insane. On an MP3 participant, you can have any MP3 file. For example, you can have any music, from any website, be it an official music on Spotify or a fan-made mashup from YouTube, and even audio books. The alternatives are countless.

Adam, 45

Prepare dinner, United States

Adam’s MP3 gamers. Photograph: Adam

I’ve a smartphone however nonetheless choose to make use of a devoted system for music and podcasts. Utilizing a devoted system permits me to extra rigorously curate the content material I’ll be listening to. Apps are inclined to overwhelm me with unlistened-to episodes of podcasts that I’ll not wish to hearken to.

I normally have three to 6 hours per day to hearken to music or podcasts. Most podcasts I hearken to are on the longer aspect, so solely two or three normally make it to my ears on any given day. I can decide any that curiosity me that day to obtain as MP3 information to load on the participant.

Linda, 38

Artist, United States

I’ve owned a number of iPods prior to now, together with the Traditional, and a few Nanos. I completely adored my sixth Technology Nano—the design was simply so freaking cool. That mentioned, I at present actively use the iPod contact and the FiiO M7, and the remainder are only for emergencies. Generally I really feel like Child Driver with all of these items.

Linda’s MP3 participant assortment. Photograph: Linda

My present employer permits us to hearken to music with headphones, however forbids telephones (and something with a digital camera) on the manufacturing flooring, so having a non-iPod, non-phone was important. At house, I like to make use of one so my music doesn’t get interrupted by notifications or calls. Plus, it’s useful for exercising as a result of I don’t have to make use of information to stream or solely have a part of my music assortment clogging my cellphone storage.

I’d a lot somewhat run the chance of my participant dying on me than my cellphone. So for me, it actually is basically sensible. I’m sufficiently old that an MP3 participant isn’t actually nostalgic for me. That mentioned, loads of the digital audio gamers do think about aesthetics, which I actually respect. The FiiO M7 I’ve has a steel physique with a pleasant heft to it, properly outlined button controls on the aspect for skipping tracks or pausing, and—my private favourite contact—an precise wheel that clicks to manage the quantity. It’s very nice to have a tactile expertise with every little thing transferring to touchscreens.

Prashanth, 42

Software program engineer, United States

Prashanth’s previous iPod Contact, with a touchscreen that solely partially works. Photograph: Prashanth

So I’m a self-confessed music snob and a little bit of an audiophile. A lot of the music I hearken to are cinematic in nature, so I choose listening to lossless digital music codecs equivalent to FLAC and AAC. Most digital streaming companies provide compressed audio and for the longest time, I by no means had a premium subscription to any of them. So I’ve at all times most well-liked carrying my MP3 participant with me, figuring out that I’ll have my music with me even when there isn’t a mobile service round. It was only in the near past that I received a six-month trial for Apple Music. A variety of their stuff is lossless, and I type of prefer it, however I nonetheless choose having my MP3s round, be it on an iPod or on a USB stick.

I’d wish to suppose that for most individuals who hearken to most of immediately’s “industrial,” “radio-friendly” music, there gained’t be a big purpose to go lossless. However when you like stuff like classical, orchestral, or jazz, it’s the technique to go.

Kyle, 26

Scholar, United States

Kyle’s MP3 gamers. Collage: VICE / Photos: Kyle

I’ve a smartphone however the execs of an MP3 participant outweigh the cons of music companies. As a pupil, I’ve little or no extra cash, so having the ability to use the music I have already got is a assist. I additionally don’t should take care of the annoying advertisements that include radio and free apps. Most professors may also let you might have them out as a result of you possibly can’t search for solutions on it, however you possibly can document the lectures and repair your notes later.

The primary MP3 participant I ever obtained was a SanDisk Sansa Fuze that I regularly repainted as a child and nonetheless works to this present day. Prior to now few years, I’ve been making an attempt some low cost MP3 gamers to see if I can discover a alternative. At the moment, I’m utilizing a MYMAHDI M230.

Suzanne, 69

Retired simply earlier than the pandemic, Canada

I do know I might use the smartphone in my pocket, however I don’t for a few causes: Apple did away with the headphone jack! I discover the wired headphones that include the iPhone very uncomfortable in my ears. I spend loads of time exterior in my avocation as a wildlife photographer and I’m at all times afraid to make use of and lose costly AirPods while traipsing by way of the woods.

I do—or did, grrr COVID—loads of worldwide journey. Usually, each 18 months I’d head abroad for 2 weeks, primarily London, strolling in all places with my MP3 participant going. I get a cellphone plan for the iPhone however primarily use it for the requirements of journey: wanting up information, Google Maps, and texting images to associates. Even—or particularly—when in a overseas metropolis, I have to immerse myself within the tradition by listening to the native radio.

Mainly, in a nutshell, if I have to look issues up I take advantage of the iPhone, however for each day leisure and information on the go, I take advantage of the MP3 participant radio.

Interviews have been edited for size and readability.

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