How Alliance Entertainment Is Helping Drive the Physical Music Boom

Alliance Entertainment, the leading indie distributor and wholesaler for physical music in the United States, is playing a significant role in fueling the recent surge in vinyl and CD sales. According to the RIAA's mid-year report for 2026, vinyl sales in the country rose by 17.7% compared to the same period in 2025, reaching a total of $544 million.

This growth marks the second consecutive year where vinyl sales have crossed the $1 billion mark, a first since 1983, and represents the record-breaking 20th year of growth for this format.

Moreover, CD sales have also shot up by 58.6% year over year, primarily driven by the K-pop industry and a growing inclination among consumers to view physical media as a collectible item. Alliance's CEO, Jeff Walker, attributes part of this boom to the company's two-pronged strategy. On one hand, Alliance acts as a traditional one-stop shop, stocking and selling all music titles from major labels and independent distributors.

On the other hand, its AMPED Distribution division has emerged as the largest independent distribution company in the U.S., serving as a backbone for vinyl and CD needs of the country's labels.

Walker's statement highlights the driving force behind this shift towards physical media. He explains that while digital platforms offer countless listening options, fans are increasingly drawn to physical products as tangible representations of their love for the artists. Vinyl and CDs are seen as collectibles, much like trading cards or any other collectibles.

To capitalize on this trend, Alliance maintains a vast inventory of vinyl and CD titles, both independently and from major labels, which are stocked and sold across all sales channels, including direct fulfillment to consumers.