Do you remember your first vinyl purchase? For Alissa, a record collector from Seattle, it was a copy of Taylor Swift’s Lover, an album that convinced her to buy a turntable and commit to the wonderful world of vinyl. Five years on, Alissa is an active part of the vinyl community, sharing her collection to hundreds of followers across Instagram and TikTok.
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Hi! My name is Alissa, I’m 27 years old and from Seattle, Washington. I’ve been collecting vinyl for about 4–5 years now, and it’s one of my favourite hobbies. I’m a huge fan of Halloween and anything horror or spooky. When it comes to music, my favourite artists are Megan Moroney and Kelsea Ballerini.
What sparked your interest in collecting records?
I’ve always been a physical media person – I’ve collected CDs for as long as I can remember. There’s just something special about being able to hold your favourite albums in your hands. My first vinyl was Lover by Taylor Swift, which I picked up at Target before I even owned a turntable! I couldn’t stop thinking about getting one, so I ended up buying myself a record player for my birthday that year. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked on collecting.
What is it about vinyl that you love most?
What I love most about vinyl is the physical aspect of it. I love every detail, from the album jacket and inner sleeves to the pressing and centre labels. Each part feels intentional and matches the vibe of the album perfectly. I’ve always had a deep connection to music; it’s something I turn to no matter what mood I’m in – happy, sad, mad, or anything in between. Being able to physically hold the albums that mean the most to me, the ones that have gotten me through tough times, makes collecting vinyl really special.
“It’s such a great feeling to find people who share the same passion and who you can talk to and get to know through collecting”
When did you start sharing your collection on Instagram, and what inspired you to put it out there?
I actually started posting my collection on TikTok first (@alissas.vinyl). After a while, I noticed a lot of my favourite creators also had Instagram pages for their collections, so I decided to make one too! I’ve always loved creating and editing videos, even when I was younger, and now as an adult, it’s something I still genuinely enjoy. Sharing my collection online has been such a fun and creative outlet for me.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the vinyl community?
What I enjoy most about being part of the vinyl community is all the connections I’ve made. Everyone has been so kind, supportive, and welcoming. It’s such a great feeling to find people who share the same passion and who you can talk to and get to know through collecting. I’m really grateful for the friendships and positivity that have come from it.
Do you have a favourite spot for crate digging, or a memorable find from one of those hunts?
My favourite spot for crate digging is definitely Silver Platters, either the Lynnwood or Bellevue location. They always have such a great selection, and the staff is amazing! One of my favourite finds there was So Wrong, It’s Right by All Time Low. It was a limited pressing of only 500 copies, each foil-stamped and numbered, and the record itself is a beautiful red and blue swirl. It’s easily one of the coolest records in my collection!
Finally, what’s a record you think everyone should own, or at least hear once in their life, and why?
I’d say Songs About Jane by Maroon 5. It’s such an incredible album from start to finish, and “She Will Be Loved” is one of my favorite songs of all time. There’s just something timeless about it – it’s emotional, beautifully written, and still sounds amazing all these years later.
Follow Alissa’s record collecting journey over on Instagram and TikTok.
