The Nostalgia Factor

At the heart of Yeo's operation, aptly named OK Compact Disc—a clever nod to Radiohead’s celebrated album OK Computer—is not just buying and selling; it’s about fostering connections through shared musical experiences. With over 2,000 CDs to his name, Yeo offers a hands-on approach to music consumption by allowing potential buyers to test the audio quality of CDs on-site with a player he provides.

Interestingly, many customers find themselves confessing their lack of a CD player when they approach him. “It’s almost like a confessional,” Yeo says, smiling. Once they realize they can own a tangible part of music history, their nostalgia kicks in.

Connecting Through Music

Since launching his social enterprise in 2022, Yeo has welcomed hundreds of music enthusiasts—around 200 to 300—into his fold, with repeat customers proving that people crave that human touch in music shopping. Students like 22-year-old Justin Francisco rely on Yeo for guidance on curating their budding collections. Justin, a self-proclaimed music aficionado, loves the tangible experience of CDs, including the immersive artwork and lyric booklets.

Yeo goes above and beyond by hunting down specific requests from customers, charging only a small finder’s fee whenever he does. He has even traveled to places like Yokohama on a special mission to retrieve a Japanese CD for a customer. It’s this commitment that sets him apart in the digital age, where the allure of streaming is so dominant.

A New Wave of CD Collectors

Interestingly, many of Yeo's devoted patrons are young, with a notable percentage not having grown up with CDs. Collections might seem like relics of the past, but for them, owning a CD represents a personal connection to artistry that streaming simply cannot replicate. One of Yeo’s top customers, 19-year-old Blythe Gay Min, appreciates the unique vibe and memorabilia associated with owning a CD. “I’ve never sold any of my CDs and don’t plan to do so. It’s a whole different vibe,” she asserts.

Something Worth Listening To

Yeo acknowledges that although CDs may not be the technological wave of the future, they serve as “artefacts of cultural value.” He hosts free listening sessions titled Tuesdays With Raymond, where visitors can relax, read, sip drinks from a nearby café, and enjoy hand-picked selections of music. It’s about creating a community and embracing the rich experience of music rather than just consuming it.

In an era where music is often relegated to background noise, Yeo's sessions have the potential to transform listening into an event, a meditative and exquisite part of life. As an ex-educator, he believes in the transformative power of music to evoke emotions and spark discussions, making these gatherings feel pivotal and purposeful.

The Importance of Physical Media

While some may dismiss CDs as outdated, Yeo argues that they stand as the “gold standard” of audio fidelity and represent a tangible slice of our pop culture history. As technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed, music lovers can find joy in chasing down their favorite tracks on physical discs, allowing that nostalgia to wash over them.

In an age where convenience often trumps quality, Yeo's dedication to curating an authentic experience reminds us that sometimes, a little journey down memory lane might just bring us closer to the music we love.

So the next time someone suggests that physical media is dead, remember the vibrant community of CD lovers Yeo is cultivating—where stillness, nostalgia, and a shared love of music blend harmoniously, one CD at a time.