Gen Z has pressed pause on binge-watching popular shows like Love Story and The Pitt, and is instead embracing the nostalgia for 90s culture by collecting records of their favorite artists and purchasing physical book series.

Colorful paintings decorate the walls, racks of vintage coats and t-shirts pack the room, and music flows through the doors of Laams on 74 Orchard Street, a diverse store located in Lower East Side Manhattan that sells vintage clothing, records, magazines, and art. 

Travis, better known by his artist name DNTWATCHTV, is a 36-year-old visual and performing artist who works at Laams. 

 DNTWATCHTV collects records, prints, and clothes. He also makes several of his own pieces such as CDs and visual artwork, and works across mediums.

“Anything that I can impose my art on really,” said DNTWATCHTV.

DNTWATCHTV explained that there is a fine line between being a collector and being a hoarder.

“Be intentional and do research,” said DNTWATCHTV. “Simple things can give something value.”

DNTWATCHTV explained that his favorite part about working in a store like Laams is being able to connect with the people who visit. 

“Giving never diminishes,” said DNTWATCHTV who enjoys learning about other people’s interests and looking beyond the surface.

G, who also works at Laams, started collecting vinyls, books, and comic books when he was a teenager. 

Now at 22-years-old, G is surrounded by many different artists and their work. G explained that a main aspect of collecting physical media is about preservation, especially during a time where censorship is heavily influencing what people produce and consume.

While G isn’t opposed to using streaming platforms for music and movies, he prefers the permanence of physical media.

“You don’t own anything, things can be taken away,” said G. “You should have something that someone can’t change.”

G said that his favorite piece of physical media that he owns is an original painting made by his sister that she gifted to him a few years ago. He explained that wherever he goes, the painting is with him and allows him to feel more connected to home.

On the second floor of Laams is Rotten Island Records, where 18-year-old friends Daniel and August browse the boxes of immense record collections ranging from 80s rock and 90s hip-hop to Latin classics.

Daniel studies Applied Math at UCLA, and August studies Business at NYU. They became interested in collecting physical media once they started college. 

August recently started collecting vinyl to decorate his room.

“It’s easier to show off your personality,” said August.

August recently purchased his first two records, Bad Bunny’s new album, DtMF and Daniel Caesar’s new album, Son of Spergy.

Daniel also collects Blu-ray discs and movie posters.

Daniel’s favorite piece of physical media that he has collected is his Fight Club poster.

Daniel and August both said that younger generations are becoming more interested in physical media because it brings a sense of nostalgia and trendiness.

“You make yourself feel special and show you have niche interests,” said Daniel.

Daniel explained the significance of having something tangible instead of continuously scrolling on a phone.

“Physical touch is super important when connecting yourself to the media you own,” he said. 

Vinyls and visual art are not the only pieces of physical media to make a comeback. Teenagers have become more engaged in going to bookstores and purchasing the latest fantasy book or piece of classic literature.

Eve Ramlogan, a 19-year-old sophomore and Forensic Psychology major at John Jay, said that while she enjoys film and television, she finds a similar experience in reading books.

“When I’m reading books it feels like I’m actually the characters,” said Ramlogan. “It’s like a movie in my own head.”

Ramlogan said that her favorite book genres are dystopian and fantasy. She is particularly fond of the book Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi.

Ramlogan is not a huge fan of audiobooks and prefers to have the physical book in her hands. Ramlogan said that she likes having actual books to display in her home, especially when people come over and she can show off her collection.

Ramlogan likes to think that others are impressed by the range of books she owns.

“Oh she likes to read, she must be smart,” Ramlogan said.

Layla Mani, a 17-year-old high school senior, said that she started collecting books during the 8th grade.

“I grew up in a house where my mom was always reading, and it was encouraged to read,” said Mani.

Mani didn’t like reading books when she was younger because she had trouble with staying engaged while reading. Eventually, she found a book that captivated her.

“I read They Both Die at the End and that’s when I got into reading,” said Mani.

Mani said that she prefers to read physical books because it helps her to see her progress and it feels like an accomplishment.

Mani thinks that kids her age are becoming more interested in reading because it’s a way for them to escape whatever is going on in their lives. She said that her and her friends are into reading newer books that pique their interest like fantasy and teen dramas.

“I really like this book called Twisted Games, but my favorite series right now is the Fourth Wing series,” said Mani.

From fostering community, to accessorizing bedroom walls, and being immersed into mythical worlds, Gen Z has illustrated how physical media maintains an influential presence in a world enthralled by online streaming platforms.