Vinyl Records

The passage of time is unceasing. We arrive and depart, carrying with us a cultural heritage rich in folk ballads, melodies, and music.

This heritage remains significant to us, resonating with our emotions, bringing joy and reverence.

The technical ability to faithfully reproduce beautiful songs and music wasn't always a given. For generations, ballads flourished in their own unique way, with each generation preserving and passing down this legacy, similar to the Kingo hymns which are also firmly embedded in the Faroese musical tradition.

Technological advancements eventually made their way to our shores, leaving our ancestors in awe as they for the first time witnessed a magical device reproducing speech and songs. By 1906, general stores in the Faroe Islands began promoting the sale of gramophones and records. The debut of a record featuring Faroese songs, produced by the renowned global company "His Master's Voice," marked a significant moment. This record was made available in shops in Havn and Tvøroyri in 1928.

In 1937, the "Polyphone" record company released three records in an initial effort to pique the interest of the Faroese population in purchasing records featuring Faroese content, but all of which featured foreign female vocalists.

In the late 1940s, the Faroese audience was eager for Faroese song content, leading to an increase in record production in the subsequent years. Over time, various foreign record companies entered the scene, resulting in a greater diversity of records. These releases predominantly highlighted patriotic songs, choirs, and spiritual music.

In 1948, the first Faroese record label was established, known as "Grammofonupptøkan" (The Gramophone Recording Company), closely affiliated with the Open Brethren congregation in Klaksvík. This record company became a prolific producer of numerous records, primarily featuring spiritual songs and music.

In 1957, the Faroese Radio, Útvarp Føroya, commenced regular broadcasts, heralding a significant transformation. It brought both Faroese and international music into every household in the Faroe Islands.

This development opened up fresh possibilities, leading to a rapid surge in entertainment music. Over the following years, a plethora of records were created, several of them becoming enduring hits that can still be enjoyed today.

The initial recordings of entertainment music, the pop music of that era, were quite rudimentary. These recordings were made with resourcefulness, skill, and unwavering enthusiasm, often taking place in kitchens, living rooms, or basements. Two pioneering entrepreneurs in Tórshavn paved the way and provided young artists with the opportunities to experiment with material suitable for recording.

During this period, proper recording studios for music and songs were not yet accessible in the Faroe Islands. This limitation posed challenges for the recently established radio and led to most music recordings being conducted throughout the country. It wasn't until the seventies that a recording studio was finally established.

The first LP records emerged in the latter half of the sixties, prior to which only singles and EP records were manufactured.

During the early nineties, vinyl records vanished as CDs emerged as the latest technological breakthrough. This ushered in a transformative era where the musical landscape underwent profound changes. Despite the prevailing culture in the music industry, this shift also gave rise to new needs and a renewed curiosity for the old ways. Many musicians and bands began to view producing LP records as a cherished endeavour.

The stamp collection showcases album covers that played a pivotal role in the musical landscape during the 25-year period when vinyl records were produced in the Faroe Islands. This era spanned from the latter half of the sixties to the early nineties, encompassing a wide range of genres such as spiritual music, folk and fiddler's tunes, jazz, children's music, and rock. This music continues to evoke joy and reverence among listeners.

Hans Egholm