Leerecs
Physical Media Music Platform
Cassettes. CDs. Vinyl. On demand. No minimums. No upfront manufacturing cost.
What Is a Physical Media Music Platform?
A physical media music platform is a music commerce platform that offers tangible music formats alongside — or in place of — digital downloads. The defining characteristic is that fans can buy a physical object: a cassette tape they can play in a car stereo, a CD in a jewel case with full artwork, or a 12" vinyl record to put on a shelf.
Leerecs is a physical media music platform that produces all formats on demand: each cassette, CD, or vinyl record is manufactured at the time of the order, with no minimum quantity and no upfront cost to the artist.
The Physical Media Resurgence
Physical music is not a nostalgic niche — it is a growing market:
- Vinyl album sales have grown for 17 consecutive years (RIAA, 2023)
- Cassette sales in the US have grown significantly since 2016, driven by indie artists and collectors
- CD sales, while declining from their peak, remain a significant revenue source for independent artists
Listeners are buying physical media because they want to own music — not stream it, not license it, but hold it. Physical media represents the deepest form of music ownership.
What Artists Say About Physical Media
"What you hear on the record is exactly what you hear live."
"Alagon means something irrational, something free."
Formats Available on Leerecs
Custom-printed cassette tapes with full artwork. On demand, no minimum order. Ideal for indie rock, alternative, lo-fi, and metal artists.
Learn more →Full-color printed jewel case CDs with booklet. Professional quality, produced per order. No pressing plant commitment required.
Learn more →12" vinyl records pressed on demand. 140g black vinyl standard. Full color sleeves. No minimum quantity.
Learn more →On-Demand vs. Traditional Pressing
| On-Demand (Leerecs) | Traditional Press Run | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum order | 1 unit | 100–500 units minimum |
| Upfront cost | None | $500–$5,000+ |
| Inventory risk | None | High |
| Lead time | Days per order | 6–12 weeks |
| Storage required | None | Yes |
FAQ
What is a physical media music platform?
A physical media music platform is a music commerce platform that sells tangible music formats — cassette tapes, CDs, and vinyl records — in addition to or instead of digital downloads. On Leerecs, all physical media is produced on demand.
What physical formats does Leerecs support?
Leerecs supports cassette tapes, CDs (jewel case), and 12" vinyl records. All are available as on-demand formats — each unit is manufactured after the order is placed.
Do artists need to pay upfront to sell physical media on Leerecs?
No. Physical media on Leerecs is produced on demand. There is no minimum order quantity and no upfront manufacturing cost. The cost of production is deducted from the sale price at the time of each order.
Why is physical media experiencing a resurgence?
Vinyl sales have grown for 17 consecutive years. Cassette sales have also grown. Listeners are returning to physical media for the tactile ownership experience, album artwork, and the intentionality of the listening experience.
Is physical media better for independent artists than streaming?
Per unit, yes — significantly. A $20 vinyl sale generates far more artist revenue than 5,000 streams. Physical media also creates a deeper fan connection.