The Sound of Fandom: Vinyl Edition

The final Mustafar battle scene in Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith, the pan across Jurassic Park as audiences see the dinosaurs for the first time, and almost every anime duel ever all sound better when there’s no risk of buffering or interruption from ads. With this (and so much more) in mind, fans are returning to physical media like vinyl records to immortalize their favorite characters, scenes, and musical interludes. Or, they’re in tune with their inner Lilo (of Lilo & Stitch) and just want to be left “alone to die” as a record turns nearby.

When it comes to adding a pop culture-inspired vinyl to your collection, companies know it’s about form as much as function. Fandom-inspired records often include art with Easter eggs, exclusive images, and impressive designs that make the listener feel like they’re exploring their favorite brands in a new way.

Whether fans purchase vinyl records at an independent record store, from the vinyl manufacturer, or at a larger retailer, they’re almost guaranteed a constant stream of their favorite music and a thoughtfully designed collectible.

While streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music provide recognizable songs like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’s “Hedwig’s Theme” at a moment’s notice, physical records provide a more intimate, comforting, and dependable way for people to connect with their favorite fandoms. 

Even if fans aren’t record collectors themselves, they’ve likely noticed the semi-recent resurgence of vinyl through expanded offerings at mass retail locations, greater attention to Record Store Day (April 12), and the growing number of general and limited-edition record offerings. Barnes & Noble debuted its record section in 2014, known as The Vinyl Store, and it’s been growing ever since.

“We saw this trend beginning even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but when the pandemic hit we saw a huge surge in popularity [in vinyl purchases] as people sought comfort in nostalgia and activities that they could do at home,” says Crissi Bariatti, senior merchandise manager of music and video at Barnes & Noble. “That time period created a lot of vinyl fans, who are still collecting vinyl to this day.” 

At Mutant Records, supporting the growing interest in records as physical media from younger fans (and the maintained love from older listeners) is not just a task, but a mission — literally. The record design and manufacturing company’s mission statement reads that they “aim to celebrate the served and underserved areas of pop culture to be a reminder that physical media is not dead.” The team designs records featuring the soundtracks for film and TV shows, such as The Monkey and Over the Garden Wall, with attention to detail that fans will appreciate. 

“First and foremost, we’re both fans … being in fandom helps us create things for fandoms. You can only really make something that adds to its presence out in the world if you are into it. Otherwise, it’s just a cynical kind of cash grab,” says Spencer Hickman, Mutant’s creative director and co-founder.

Mo Shafeek, Mutant’s other creative director and co-founder, adds that creating fandom-inspired vinyls is “really just because it is a format that we love and it’s a bigger canvas for art, but really we just want to be able to have people have the music because studios are not really doing any physical anything anymore.”

Both directors noted that it can become difficult to access the scores and soundtracks behind your favorite fandoms. Movies and music from films, series, and even video games might not be uploaded online in high quality, and projects on streaming platforms can easily be removed, denying fans access. Hickman mentions, “I think fandom is a beautiful thing. It should be celebrated,” and it’s easier to celebrate when fans have 24/7 access to iconic scores via records. Plus, it helps when it doubles as a shelf-worthy collectible.

Translating a lengthy movie or multiseason show into a collectible vinyl is not an easy task. Creators must consider the color (and sometimes special effects) of the vinyl, the shape, disc images, sleeve designs, potential inserts, and more. Sometimes, records might house different liquids, like the milky white substance featured in Bad World’s viral Saltburn Bath Water Edition LP. 

These design choices must accurately reflect the content, representing multiple themes throughout a single brand. Plus, the packaging needs to look great on the shelf (and the record should look amazing while spinning).

LP, collectible, and poster manufacturer Mondo incorporates more than just the movement of a record spin with Flow — Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 2XLP ($45), available to preorder now. This product features the Mona Lisa effect; when fans tilt the vinyl, the cat’s big black eyes appear to move. This small detail pays homage to the film’s unique animation and lack of dialogue, as the characters’ expressions and specific sounds do the talking.

“What might seem like a minor detail to most can take multiple revisions to get right,” explains Cameron Dean, record label manager at Mondo.​​ “It can be a lengthy process, but it’s always the best feeling ever to know you got it right, so I’m grateful for the lore experts of the world that make us go back for ‘one more revision.’” 

Mutant’s Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith record ($50), which was announced in June as part of a celebration of the film’s 20th anniversary, emanates a different kind of flow. Fans will notice that the lava-colored vinyl looks like the hot flowing element that served as Anakin and Obi-Wan’s battle stage and helped turn the young Jedi Knight into a vengeful Sith Lord. While there are only 3,000 lava-colored records available, fans can also find a black vinyl edition. Both editions are available to preorder now with an anticipated Oct. 3 release.   

The company’s other recent vinyl launches include the Sinners Original Motion Picture Score and Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Both albums, available to preorder now on 2x 140gm color vinyl, encapsulate the blues-, gospel-, and folk-driven nature of Ryan Coogler’s film. The soundtrack ($45) comes pressed on one blue and one red vinyl, connected through wisps of a darker color, representing twins Smoke and Stack. It features Preacher Boy’s (Miles Caton) generation-binding song “I Lied to You” and more.

Some records are only available in limited quantities, making them hard to secure, but variants that are exclusive to specific retailers make things even more complicated. With different pressings available at different retail outlets, listeners have an opportunity to make their collections more unique and personal as they select their favorite design or buy every edition to secure a complete set.

Barnes & Noble offers different versions of the same record within its own stores as a way to expand its assortment and get creative. “These exclusives are often limited-edition color variants, but we also love to get creative with our vendor partners to bring other special features like alternate covers, premium art inserts, signed copies, or picture discs,” Bariatti says. 

Bariatti also noted that, in light of Peanuts’ 75th Anniversary, some exclusive items are in store this fall. For Snoopy enthusiasts who favor streaming services, a record player may be on an upcoming list of purchases.  

Fans can also search for specific details when building their collection of exclusive spins. According to Dean, “Insider secret for anyone looking for the ‘rarest’ version of Mondo releases: It’s usually the black or solid-color variant.” 

Fans can expect their vinyl collections to grow with new titles and smooth sounds. Avid gamers in particular should keep an eye — and ear — out for new Mondo records featuring music that elevates epic battle sequences or provides tranquil notes for planting, cooking, and other simple-yet-satisfying tasks. 

“While we like to explore different types of genres, and don’t really specialize in just one — I can say that the genre we’ve seen the most growth and demand for, has been video game music,” Dean says. “We’ve been actively expanding that portion of our repertoire, and I think fans of the genre will be pretty stoked about what we have in the pipeline over the next few months and years.”

The company’s recent World of Warcraft: 20 Years of Music 4XLP ($90) is a perfect example — it includes four exclusive colored records housed in slipcases that showcase detailed art inspired by the online game. Recorded live at the Théâtre de Beaulieu in Lausanne, Switzerland, the music features a 190-performer ensemble and more than 10 songs. 

If your video game console or computer collects dust while your AMC membership sees constant use, you’re also in for new records that will scratch that musical itch. Mondo’s upcoming Superman, The Last of Us Season 2, and JAWS 50th Anniversary records will be perfect post-movie-going purchases. Cinema experts can soon experience a clear stream of John Williams’ haunting score at home (toothy antagonist not included).

For media that doesn’t yet have a pressed counterpart, there’s a chance it will come down the line, and fans could be the reason why. 

“We love recommendations. There is no one reading our social media except us,” Hickman says. “We are the people digging into our Instagram, Facebook messages … even if you don’t know what it is or you’re not into it, it’s interesting seeing what people are asking for and how many people are asking for it.”

With companies like Mutant, Mondo, and more dedicated to delivering double-sided discs, fans’ favorite scenes can gain new life with each stylus drop. Listeners might even discover something new about the fandom years after the record first meets the turntable. 

When Mutant’s Shafeek designs records, his passion infiltrates the projects. While creating these film, show, and video game extensions, he expresses, “I got to really make something that feels so special that 10 years from now someone will notice an Easter egg that they didn’t even know that they were looking for.” While waiting for the next musical addition, fans should look through their records’ sleeves and artwork — there might be something they missed. 

This article was originally featured in the Summer 2025 issue of The Pop Insider. Read more articles from this issue and subscribe to The Pop Insider here!