Some collectors chase rarity, others chase sound. For Sandy Pérez Torres it’s all about presence — the tactility of pulling a record from its sleeve, the soft crackle before a song begins. Based in Lima, Sandy is a DJ and vinyl devotee whose eclectic sets span continents and moods — from South American funk to post-punk to balearic house. We caught up to talk sound rituals, DJ’ing on vinyl, and her tips for successful crate digging.
How did you get into record collecting?
I started collecting when I was 15, after my grandfather passed away. My first record was Dirty Work by The Rolling Stones. I was captivated by the aesthetics, the ritual of dropping the needle on the groove, and the feeling of holding a piece of art frozen in time. Since then, every record lets me travel through eras — it’s like opening a portal to another dimension.
What is it about vinyl that you love most?
The whole experience. Not just the sound — which to me is much warmer and more immersive — but the physical act of listening: taking the record out, cleaning it, choosing the side, letting it spin while I make breakfast. It’s a way of being present. I also love the graphic design, typography, and cover art. Each vinyl record is a soulful object.
“I’m always looking for that sweet spot where the dancefloor and the heart connect”
When did you start DJing?
Not more than three years ago, first informally — playing records at friends’ gatherings or at home. But I started working as a professional DJ around 2021. I realized I wanted to share that experience with others and create atmospheres through carefully curated selections.
What can we expect from one of your sets?
Eclectic and emotional. I like to build a journey that crosses genres and borders. A set might start with post-punk and end with psychedelic cumbia or Italo disco. I’m really drawn to vocals, exotic sounds, South American funk, or balearic house. I’m always looking for that sweet spot where the dancefloor and the heart connect.
What advice would you give someone wanting to try vinyl DJing?
Patience and passion. It might seem harder than mixing with controllers at first, but there’s real magic in it. Start with records you truly love, and learn to listen deeply. Most importantly: don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are part of learning with analog gear — something will always be slightly off, so you need to learn how to solve it calmly and creatively.
“Finding gems where you least expect it is one of the greatest joys of this passion”
What’s the most prized record in your collection?
May God and Your Will Land You and Your Soul Miles Away from Evil by Pax — a Peruvian original pressing. I came across it by accident — it belonged to my uncle. I used to browse his collection whenever I visited my grandparents’ house, and one day he said, “Take whichever ones you like.” I picked the flashiest covers, and this was one of them. That record has everything I love: hard rock, local identity, groove, rebellion… and it’s a gem of 1970s Peruvian music.
What’s your go-to crate digging spot?
In Lima, I love browsing through independent fairs, the city centre, and flea markets. When I travel, I always try to dedicate a full day to crate digging in street markets or hidden record shops. Finding gems where you least expect it is one of the greatest joys of this passion.
Follow Sandy on Instagram, and check out one of her vinyl sets in and around Lima.
