If it’s not already apparent, we are currently living in the golden age of streaming. At our fingertips is access to our favorite movies, television shows, and almost every music catalog in existence. For a monthly subscription, apps like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, and a multitude of others, provide unprecedented hours of entertainment from their databases to our devices. The combination of assortment and accessibility make for a convenient alternative to physically storing music in the forms of cassette tapes, CDs, and vinyl records.
And yet, online music marketplaces like Discogs are seeing an increase in the purchase of physical music - more specifically vinyls. Discogs saw a reported 40.75 percent increase in the sale of vinyls compared to 2019 for a grand total of 11,961,998 records sold in 2020. In a February 2021 article from Pitchfork, vinyl sales reportedly rose to $619.6 million last year from a 2019 total of $479.5 million. In fact, 2020 marked the first year that vinyl sales surpassed those of CDs.
None of the pros of streaming match the description of playing vinyls on a record player. It is nearly impossible to own a catalog of records that measures to the collection of music offered from of a streaming app. The task of playing a record does, indeed, become a task - from taking the record out of the sleeve, placing it on a turntable, and even flipping it halfway through. Whereas with music streaming apps like Spotify, with the tap of a finger, you can play music for hours. A growing vinyl collection can also quickly take up much more space than an iPhone and a portable speaker.
However, all of these things make collecting records an experience that streaming has not, and may never be able to match. The thrill of walking into a record store, hunting for that latest addition to the collection. Getting home and seeing the inner sleeves and album artwork. And, of course, then storing it alongside a growing collection that soon turns into room decor and a great conversation piece.
Audiophiles that enjoy said experience will be participating in one of the biggest days of the year for the vinyl community - Record Store Day. Began in 2007 by way of independent record stores, the goal of the annual celebration is for shop owners, employees, and collectors alike to be able to join together and share their commonality - a love for music. Dozens of exclusive records are also released on Record Store Day annually. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Record Store Day was postponed and split into three days. This year, due to the continuation on the pandemic, record stores have divided the releases between June 12th and July 17th.
With the first Record Store Day today, I had the pleasure of interviewing six collectors about how they began collecting vinyls, occupying space in the community as Black collectors, and tips for shopping on Record Store Day and building a collection.
Q: What first got you into collecting records?
A: I was studying science in college and didn’t really have the time to put all my energy into [producing]. But I really did enjoy the learning process, learning how to use Ableton. For me, it was more so the discovery of music. I have an Irish record, it’s random, but stuff like that. Wanting to listen to music and the different instrumentation of it all.
Q: What is your favorite story you have attached to a record?
A: The one that’s standing out to me is Hiroshima. When I found that, I was in college. For me, I knew [record collecting] was going to be an adventure of discovery. I knew no clue who they (Hiroshima) were, I didn’t even listen to the record before I bought it. I just kinda went off of the cover of it. And it’s one of the best records I have in my collection. I’m really super connected to that record and now appreciate more Japanese funk music because of that discovery. Playing it in school, during rough times, it just really kinda shapes my life. When I moved to LA, I was modeling my record collection and that was one of the covers I recreated.
Q: Being that you’ve been collecting for so long, what changes have you been able to see in the vinyl community?
A: it’s very interesting to see the trend and how much it has grown. Even before I was collecting, I would go to the record store. I would never but them; I would buy CDs and stuff. It was kinda a thing where your grandparents had [records], or you just saw them around. Now, it’s a whole thing. Like I’m in a group chat now about Record Store Day. Everyone is up to date on this. It’s weird, but cool at the same time. It’s amazing to see the music industry buying physical copies of music again and the equipment to do so. But when I first started I kinda felt alone. I had friends that were producers and we’d go to record stores, but I’m happy now that there are communities especially on the social media side of it where you can connect with people and your favorite kinds of music. People are meeting up, and there’s Record Store Day, and all of these cool things around records now. Playlists are cool, but having those physical records and having conversations around records feels really good.
Q: How did the blackgirlslovevinyl page come about?
A: So before I started BGLV, I would post me at record stores and my friends would take pictures of me while I as digging. I was kinda hesitant about posting on my personal page…I really didn’t notice anyone that looked like me or a lot of women that were posing [with records]. Then I came across vinylettes, and they post a lot of women. And womeninvinyl. But I just never saw Black girls. I found that interesting because when I would go crate digging, I would see a couple of women here and there but not a lot. I felt like that community needed to be highlighted, so I started the page. I really wanted to show that Black women are into music, we know music, and we should be highlighted and showcased. Those pages are great, but I just know I identify with this group of women - and I wanted to showcase that. And I love that I’ve started this community.
Q: What are some of the highlights that you’re proud to have accomplished thus far with BGLV?
A: I think what really helped grow the page this year is when we did the “Best Afro on a Record Cover Challenge,” and that was for Black History Month. A lot of the collectors on social media really gravitated to that. The feedback came back really well. People thought that was a really cool challenge to do. Now, we do the collector of the week which is a bi-weekly showcasing of the women showing their record collections and talking to the community about music that they’re into…It doesn’t matter how big or small the collection is - it’s about all the Black women who collect records and engaging with the community.
Q: What impact has the platform had on you and the other women in the community?
A: We’re showing that we have a voice. Women’s taste in music is being put out there. I’m seeing Black women have their personal page and then their vinyl page. And for me to see that, it’s made me feel amazing. Guys always want to talk about music, but now we’ve created a space for women to do that. I feel like, now that the space is there, we’re always in conversation. I’ve made friends from this. It keeps me going. I want to create more ways to bring the community together and make an impact.
Q: What are some of your favorite record stores to visit?
A: Vintage Vinyl in St. Louis - I was able to find a lot of good jazz records and oldies. When I was in college, Hunky Dory in NC. Of course Amoeba, and the Record Parlour - the people are super nice in there. They always have different events and sales. When I went to Coachella, they also had a record store there.
Q: Have you ever participated in RSD?
A: This will actually be my first RSD. I normally don’t do the crowds. When I like to dig, I have a process -laughs-.
Q: What on the list for RSD this year made you want to participate?
A: Slum Village’s Fantastic Volume II - I needs that. And of course Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor Series. And then EARTHGANG’s Strays With Rabies - I definitely want to get that in July. MF Doom’s Meddle With Metal, Above The Rim - I have that on CD, so I want it on vinyl.
Q: What made you start collecting records?
A: I have probably been collecting now for almost 10 years. The first year I collected, I didn’t have a record player. I went thrifting with my mom and I saw a Michael Jackson album for $19.99. It was the year after he passed and I was like “I don’t think we should leave this here.” We brought it home, and then I just kept picking up records from there and it became my thing.
Q: What is the current count of your record collection?
A: -laughs- In the summer of 2019, I counted and I was at about 2,000. Since the pandemic, I've just been ordering [records] and I’ve lost track since then. I try to keep up with it, but the count is just not important to me.
Q: What is your favorite era of music to collect?
A: Disco & House music. They like to say that House music is Disco’s revenge. I am born and raised in North New Jersey. I grew up listening to House music and I love Disco. I’m a huge Donna Summers fan, huge Larry Levan fan. I just like to dance. People always ask “do you listen to your records?,” and I’m like “yeah - a couple times during the week.” It is my self care when I come home from work.
Q: What has been your favorite find thus far?
A: At this book store in New Jersey that also has records, I found The Color Purple soundtrack. I’m really into collecting motion picture soundtracks because I feel like it’s a forgotten art with how important soundtracks are.
Q: What records are still on your list to track down?
A: Love Jones and Love & Basketball soundtracks. Right now, I’ve been really into soundtracks.
Q: What are some of your favorite record stores to visit?
A: Dusty Groove in Chicago, IL is my favorite place to be in the city; I typically go with my girlfriends in the summer for the House Music Festival. I always crate dig in Chicago. I have been to Trax On Wax in Catonsville, MD. I’m hoping to do the second RSD drop [in July] in DC and Maryland. I’ve been to Sound Garden [in Baltimore, MD] too. Atlanta has really good record stores. There’s one in Atlanta called Wax ‘N Facts as well. I’ve done some record shopping in Canada, and I explored Toronto by visiting record stores with my friend who is not a collector, but she tolerates me -laughs-.
Q: What are some of your favorite Black-owned record shops?
A: Iris Records in Jersey City, A1 Record Shop in New York, Hasley & Lewis in Brooklyn, Cool Kids Vinyl in DC, and the World Famous Pyramid Music in Atlanta.
Q: You mentioned your friend, and a couple of collectors said their desire to create an Instagram page dedicated solely to their record collections came from not having anyone in their lives that collect records. What inspired you to make Tay’s House of Vinyl?
A: My IG started as my personal page. Around the time I joined [Instagram]. I started collecting. I was just sharing [my records]. I have a few friends that collect, I have a few friends whose collections I’ve started for them, and friends that have started recently just from seeing me share my records or go shopping with me. In the beginning though, I think I just wanted to share. I don’t think I knew anybody that was collecting, but I just wanted to share. From there, it turned into @tayshouseofvinyl. I will say, though, during the pandemic I’ve seen the community grow and I’ve enjoyed it. Even with pages like @blackgirlslovevinyl, they’ve been doing lives now and so I got a chance to be on there a couple weeks ago. I think it’s important to even see just Black women in general collecting because [the vinyl community] at times can feel like it’s just a bunch of white men; even when you go shopping. So I think it's nice that everyone has built this community.
Q: How important to you is the representation not just of Black record collectors, but Black women that collect records?
A: We have power in numbers. It’s just been inspiring just for us in music to share that we have this. It’s also uplifting and a motivator to keep doing it and building connections. For me, it’s about community and fellowship. It’s important to see ourselves in this space and realize that we have a voice. It’s also about the artists and keeping their music alive, no matter what genre you love.
Q: What advice would you have for anyone looking to begin record collecting?
A: Collect what brings you joy. I would describe my collection as the soundtrack to my soul. Collect and build your life’s soundtrack.
Q: What first got you into collecting records?
A: As a kid, I was always curious. I liked to figure out how things work. So when I saw a record player and these records, the idea of seeing something and hearing music out of it - almost like hearing music that you can see - it was really interesting. I always wanted to collect records, but my parents knew I was destructive. My aunt had moved away and left all of her records, but my parents just never let me use [the record player]. We had all of her records just sitting in the garage. Then, in 2015, I got kinda sick and had to stay home for the summer from college. While I was home, I figured I wanted something that made me happy and I started collecting records.
Q: What was the first record you added to your collection?
A: I was in Rehoboth Beach in Delaware and I got the original broadway recording of Dreamgirls.
Q: What is your favorite genre to collect?
A: The one I get most excited about is R&B, specifically early 2000’s. I’ll be like “oh, I remember seeing that as a kid” or “I had that CD - now that it’s a vinyl, let me get it.” I definitely started with musical theater because I’m a theater major. Every musical ever is on vinyl so I thought “oh, let me get those” and then I found out that Pop and R&B [vinyls] existed, so I was really excited to get those too.
Q: What are some of your favorite records in your collection?
A: John Legend’s debut album (Get Lifted); that album has been in my life since I got it. I heard it, and just fell in love with his voice. Kehlani’s SweetSexySavage is my relationship Bible, unfortunately -laughs-. And ANTI by Rihanna; I have the white Urban Outfitters pressing - it sounds good, it looks good.
Q: What’s the best story behind a record in your collection?
A: The Broadway cast recording of The Wiz. You can’t stream it. You can’t find it. You have to own it. And that was one of the first pieces of music where I realized I have to get the vinyl. During the summer of 2016, I was living in Bigfork, Montana. I was doing musicals. One day we took a trip to Missoula and I found some record stores I wanted to go to so I broke off from the group. Not only did I find [the record], but I found the movie soundtrack, Pippin broadway cast recording, and Golden Boy.
Q: What are some of your favorite record stores that you’ve visited?
A: Grimeys in Nashville, TN; Guestroom Records in Louisville, KY; and High Fidelity Records in Los Angeles, CA.
Q: What is your current audio set up?
A: My turntable is an AT-LP120XBT and my speakers are AudioEngine A1 - they’re these small, grey ones. They’re a great size, great sound, and exactly what I needed - they’re perfect.
Q: What has being apart of the online vinyl community meant to you and your collection?
A: I made this page because I don’t have anyone in my life that collects vinyl. I don’t have any in-person friends that do that. I posted an album on my Instagram one day saying “I’m so excited I got this album” and all my friends commented and said “Chaz, I love you, but please don’t post one of these boring stories on here ever again - this was dumb” - laughs-. So I figured what if I made a separate page so that I could share what I thought was cool. [The Instagram account] only had like 18 followers; like this was not a thing when I first started. I didn’t realize there was a community until a whole year later. I wanted to see pictures of albums I was thinking about getting. Albums come in different colors and variants and I wanted to see what they looked like before I bought them. As I started looking through hashtags and people’s accounts, I started being informed of actual releases. It’s a whole entity in itself now and I think it’s really dope. Especially in the last year how it really took off. I want people to get the music that makes them the most excited because that makes the most interesting collection. I want to be able to see people through the music and those are the people I want to see.
Q: What’s on your Record Store Day wishlist for this year?
A: There are four things that I definitely want to get - dvsn’s SEPT 5TH, Arianna Grande’s live concert album, Biggie duets, and the Songs For You, Vol. 1 by VANS to support Black record stores.
Q: What was your RSD experience like last year?
A: That was my first RSD and it was everything - that first day especially. I woke up early, it was raining and not convenient, but I was so excited. I was in northern VA, and I got everything that I wanted on my list. It was so exciting, and when I got back to my car I made this long, ridiculous post -laughs. It was just so fulfilling.
Q: What advice would you have for anyone looking to start a record collection?
A: Be true to yourself. It’s not even about Instagram, because this was a thing before Instagram. Buy music that makes you feel good, that excites you to own. If you decide to make an Instagram, share why they make you happy, why you’re excited to own them. That way, people that gravitate towards your page can make an authentic connection with you.
Q: How did you first get started collecting records?
A: Somebody bought me a record player in 2015. I didn’t buy my first record until December of that year. I barely used [the record player], but I thought I could start collecting records and get a better record player later. The first record I bought was Childish Gambino’s Because The Internet and it was the version that came with the screenplay. That was my first record, and then I had a couple records here and there. It wasn’t until 2019 when I started getting serious about it. I stumbled across a sale on Urban Outfitters website. From there, I was on their email list, they kept sending me coupons, and I figured I’d keep building my collection.
Q: What record in your collection has the best story behind it?
A: When Urban Outfitters put the white pressing of ANTI out, I wasn’t super into collecting so I missed out. I later saw a couple of places selling the Rihanna box set [of her discography] for $300. I figured it made more sense to buy the box set because people were selling ANTI for $300 by itself. Cash App had a boost that was 99 percent off of any one item, up to $50 off. They gave you 15 minutes to use the code, and I got [the Rihanna box set] from Walmart with the boost.
Q: What is your favorite genre to collect?
A: R&B. I love songs about love. I’m a very nostalgic person.
Q: What impact has the online vinyl community had on you and your collection?
A: The people that I’ve connected with, especially the Black collectors, they’ve been really helpful and love giving tips. They love sharing things for sale, links, and put things on my radar I would’ve never realized. A couple months ago we did a “Black Queens of Vinyl Challenge” and that was so much fun. I love seeing the different ways that the Black creatives showcase their records too. Some people have their face [in their pictures], some people have different set ups - it’s been really cool.
Q: What’s on your radar for Record Store Day this year?
A: The Lupe Fiasco Food & Liquor box set, September 5th by dvsn, and Majiid Jordan [self-titled].
Q: Do you have any tips for Record Store Day that you can share?
A: Know the procedure of the store you’re going to, and make sure they’ll have what you’re looking for. Getting first in line somewhere is cool, but if you get there and they don’t have what you’re looking for then there’s no point. Call the stores ahead of time and see if they’ll tell you what copies they got in. Follow the Instagrams [of the stores] and turn on post notifications so that you can stay updated.
Q: What first got you interested in record collecting?
A: My grandmother had this old record set up. It was a turntable and two large speakers - she still has it to this day. That’s what kinda first got me into it.
Q: What records did she have?
A: She was mostly into Gospel. I don’t think she ever listened to secular music as I was growing up. She had some Clark Sisters, Andraé Crouch, records like that.
Q: What was your first record when you decided to start your own collection?
A: I can’t even remember my legit first record, but one of the first ones was John Legend’s Get Lifted.
Q: How long would you say you’ve been collecting?
A: Since 2017.
Q: What is your total at now?
A: I believe like 95.
Q: What are your favorite records in your collection?
A: Orange Season by Larry June, Free Nationals, Urban Flora by Alina Baraz, Brown Sugar and Voodoo by D’Angelo, The Weeknd’s Beauty Behind The Madness, and UGK’s Ridin’ Dirty.
Q: What has been your favorite moment during your experience collecting records?
A: Coming up on a Lil Kim Hard Core album. I was going crazy. I was looking for new records and found that one. It’s the limited edition pink one from Vinyl Me, Please. I’m also a huge Free Nationals Fan, too. It took me a long time to find [their self-titled album]. It was on backorder and it took me a few months to get it.
Q: Have you ever participated in Record Store Day?
A: This will actually be my first one. I usually go a little bit later and pick some stuff up. Believe it or not, I only want one record from RSD this year - the PARTYNEXTDOOR box set.
Q: What are some of your favorite places to shop for records?
A: Urban Outfitters has always been that girl for me. Amazon comes in clutch every now and again. Discogs holds me down through everything. I can also go to Vinyl Me, Please if I’m looking for something super new, exclusive, or in a different color - I know they’ll have it. And of course, the record stores. I’ll go in the record stores maybe once or twice a week to see if they have anything new.
Q: As Black woman who collects records, what are your thoughts on the vinyl community and the importance of that representation of Black women who collect records?
A: I started the vinyl page last year during the pandemic. I was like man, I want to start a vinyl page - let me just tap into it and see what it’s like. The vinyl community has accepted me and accepts people rather quickly. They gonna put you on, they gonna make sure you’re good. As far as representation though, as far as Black women, there’s very few of us that collect like we do. So it’s always good to see those pages like blackgirlslovevinyl posting us with our favorite records because there’s not many of us. And there’s not many of us that are super popular in it. There’s so many different women whose vinyl pages I just love. They’re amazing and just willing to help each other.
Q: What advice would you have for anyone looking to start their record collection?
A: Buy the music that speaks to your soul. Buy the music that you vibe to, that you listen to, that reminds you of your childhood just in case you need a little nostalgia or a pick-me-up. Go everywhere, look wherever - the records are going to be at the garage sale, at the record stores, on Discogs, on Instagram and Twitter, Target, Walmart - records are everywhere.
Q: How did you first get into collecting records?
A: I’ve always been a lover of old vintage things growing up. My grandmother was really into music and record players. I figured that since I’ve always been around records that I would get my own around 2011.
Q: What was the first record you purchased on your own?
A: Take Care by Drake. "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough" was the first one given to me out of my grandmother’s collection.
Q: How many records do you currently have?
A: I have about 150 records that are more so up to date. Then I have a couple of crates of records of other things that I may have found that are in no order whatsoever.
Q: What would you say is one of your favorite records that you’ve found?
A: I actually found an original copy of Thriller. I really just like to find a good album on a great deal. I also found Late Registration this year for like $14.
Q: Have you ever participated in RSD?
A: I actually have never participated in one. I just always knew that it was this magical thing. Last year, I found out right after it happened and I missed out on My Dear Melancholy, [by The Weeknd].
Q: What’s on your list for this year?
A: Of course I need that PARTYNEXTDOOR box set. I also want Songs For You, Vol. 1. I have to be able to listen to “Damage” [by H.E.R.] on my record player over and over again.
Q: What impact has the vinyl community had on you and your collection?
A: When I first started collecting, I never thought that it would really become like what it is today. I never thought that people would have Instagram accounts dedicated to their record collections.
Q: If somebody were to come to you and wanted to start their own collection, what advice would you have for them?
A: Stay organized from the beginning. I don’t know how many hours I’ve spent this year trying to put my collection in order.