Where The Music Lives

by Chris Ulack

Listen

Read Along

For me, comfort is settling in and just listening to music—especially on vinyl. I love music in any form (radio, streaming, CDs), but records bring something special that feels both joyful and cozy.

When I put on a record, it’s not usually to have background noise (I just throw on Spotify for that). It’s for those intentional listening moments, where I can just sit and be present. There’s something meditative in it, like I’m focusing fully on each song, in a way that screens or playlists don’t always let me.

Vinyl feels refreshingly analog. No screens, no algorithm predicting my mood—just music. And listening to records is such a sensory experience, from choosing an album off the shelf to feeling the weight of the record, carefully dropping the needle, flipping sides—it all connects me to the music in a unique, physical way. Plus, watching the record spin and hearing the occasional crackle reminds me that these records have stories of their own, with previous owners and years of music history.  My kids are still amazed by the whole process, and they love watching the needle trace the grooves where the music “lives.”

Listening to records has even become a family ritual, something to share with friends and with my kids, who are building their own collections. This holiday season, I’m especially excited to dig into the shelves with them, finding new and old favorites to listen to together. Cozy, joyful, and comforting—vinyl brings it all.

Sing a song of gladness and cheer
For the time of Christmas is here
Look about around you and see
What a world of laughter this world can be. 

– Kurt Elling “Sing a Christmas Carol”