With an eye for colourful variants, limited edition and signed pressings, vinyl enthusiast Reen has built one of the most covetable collections on social media, delighting her 3,000-strong following with regular unboxings. But it’s not just the records that make her stand out, as scrolling her feed you’ll find something even more special: a genuine sense of community. Through her warmth and passion, Reen has become one of the most cherished voices in vinyl. Find out more about her record collecting life in our conversation:
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Hi, I’m Reen, the heart behind @reen_vinylvibes. I’m a vinyl collector who fell in love with the magic of physical music. I grew up during the evolution of media, from cassettes to CDs to streaming, and I watched vinyl slowly get phased out along the way. Having experienced that shift firsthand makes collecting records now feel especially meaningful to me.
My collection is full of colourful variants, limited pressings, and albums that feel like little chapters of my life. I love that with vinyl, you don’t just hear the music. You see it, hold it, and experience it all at once.
What sparked your interest in collecting records?
I’ve always loved music, but what truly pulled me into collecting was seeing how beautiful records have become. The colours, the special variants, the thoughtful packaging. They felt like art pieces as much as albums. The first time I held a stunning pressing and watched it spin, something shifted. It slowed everything down and made listening feel intentional.
What started as admiration for the beauty of modern pressings quickly turned into falling in love with the entire experience. The sound, the ritual, the storytelling behind each release. And now it’s so much more than collecting. It’s connection.
What is it about vinyl that you love most?
As much as I adore the experience of spinning a record, what I cherish most is the connection it has brought into my life. The people I’ve met, the conversations I’ve had, and everything I’ve learned along the way.
Being a mom will always come first in my life. It’s my greatest role. But vinyl became something that was just for me. A creative outlet. A space where I could grow, connect, and express myself outside of my everyday responsibilities.
It didn’t replace anything. It simply added something meaningful. Vinyl has given me community, confidence, and a sense of identity that I’m proud of. That balance is what makes it so special to me.
“Vinyl brought me music, but the community gave me connection, purpose, and the opportunity to uplift others”
When did you start sharing your collection on Instagram, and what inspired you to put it out there?
I started sharing my collection when I realized I couldn’t keep my excitement to myself. I would get a new pressing and think someone else needs to see this. I never expected it to grow into such a beautiful community. I simply wanted to share what I loved, and it turned into connection, conversation, and friendships I truly value.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the vinyl community?
The people, without question. The vinyl community is full of passionate, creative collectors who genuinely support one another, and that sense of connection means everything to me.
One of the greatest joys has been discovering new music and independent artists along the way. Through this space, I’ve found artists I may have never come across otherwise, and being able to fully support them feels incredibly meaningful. If I can use my platform to amplify their voice and show others how beautiful their art is, that’s deeply rewarding.
Vinyl brought me music, but the community gave me connection, purpose, and the opportunity to uplift others. That’s what I cherish most.
Do you have a favourite spot for crate digging, or a memorable find from one of those hunts?
I wouldn’t say I get to crate dig very often. I’ve attended record shows and love visiting record stores in Colorado when I can, but it’s not something I’m able to do regularly. My closest record store is about 30 minutes away on a good day, so those trips have to be intentional and planned around everything else.
I definitely wish I had more opportunities to explore in person, but I hold onto the hope that there will be more time for that in the future.
Finally, what’s a record you think everyone should own, or at least hear once in their life, and why?
This might not be the specific album answer you’re looking for, but I’d love to answer more generally in terms of a type of record rather than one title. I think everyone should experience a film score on vinyl at least once.
There’s something incredibly powerful about hearing a cinematic soundtrack fill a room on wax. It feels immersive and emotional in a different way. Without lyrics guiding you, the music tells the story on its own. On vinyl especially, it becomes an experience that surrounds you and reminds you how deeply music can move you.
Follow Reen’s record collecting journey over on Instagram and TikTok.
Vinylettes’ Women’s History Month Vinyl Challenge kicks off on Instagram this Sunday 1st March! Check out the prompts and join us in celebrating female and female identifying performers, producers, songwriters, and cultural pioneers in music throughout the month.
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