Record seller Nicole Garrison has been chasing the sounds of the silver screen since she was a child. Today, she’s face behind @vinyl_by_nicole, dealing in the film soundtracks of the ’60s and ’70s, from Italian Giallo to the eccentric world of Russ Meyer.
We caught up about the records she’s spent years tracking down, the stories tucked inside their sleeves, and the soundtrack she’d put in every vinyl lover’s hands.
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I’m Nicole, a vinyl collector and reseller behind @vinyl_by_nicole, specializing in film soundtracks from the 1960s and 1970s. Alongside my life in vinyl, I work as an event planner and sound healer. I’m a self-described Texifornian, currently based in Dallas but frequently making my way back to California, primarily Los Angeles.
I’m especially drawn to obscure cult films and the countercultural spirit of the late ’60s and early ’70s. From films like The Trip and I Love You, Alice B. Toklas! to the world of Russ Meyer, I’m fascinated by soundtracks that capture the spirit of that magical era. I have a particular fondness for European film soundtracks, especially Italian giallo, and films featuring actresses like Brigitte Bardot, Barbara Bouchet, Marisa Mell, and Soledad Miranda.
Through collecting, I love uncovering the stories behind these records, celebrating their sounds and aesthetics, and bringing overlooked pieces of film and music history back into the spotlight – one soundtrack at a time.
What sparked your interest in collecting – and then selling – records?
I started collecting records when I was just nine years old. At my Nana’s house, I would spend hours listening to my mom’s original Beatles records, studying the liner notes, and memorizing the lyrics. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong love of music and collecting. Around that same time, I discovered Turner Classic Movies, and the 1978 film Foul Play ignited my fascination with films from that era.
I’d been dreaming of selling records since my teens and twenties, but I wasn’t sure how to turn that dream into reality. For years, I attended record shows as a collector until one day a vendor encouraged me to step to the other side of the table and give selling a try. Two years ago, I took the leap!
Selling records feels like a natural extension of my love for collecting. I enjoy the thrill of the hunt and the excitement of discovering something rare, unusual, or unexpected. But the real reward is connecting a special record with someone who will truly appreciate it!
What is it about vinyl that you love most?
Everything! The artwork, the liner notes, the sound, the history, and the feeling of being transported to another time. Every record tells a story, and soundtracks offer a fascinating glimpse into the films, music, and eras they capture.
I also love the element of surprise. You never know when you’ll stumble across an obscure score, an unexpected musical connection, or a pressing you never knew existed. For me, vinyl is about more than just listening – it’s about the thrill of the hunt, the joy of discovery, and the stories waiting to be uncovered!
Do you have a favourite spot for crate digging, or a memorable find from one of those hunts?
I’ll travel just about anywhere in pursuit of a great soundtrack! One of my most memorable finds was discovering the soundtrack to Un Beau Monstre, the 1971 film starring Virna Lisi. After searching for years, I finally tracked down a copy through a collector in Los Angeles last year. I’ll never forget digging through boxes and letting out an excited shriek the moment I spotted the cover! The music was composed by Georges Garvarentz, and finding this long-sought-after gem felt like fate.
That’s the magic of crate digging – you never know what you might uncover or when a record you’ve been chasing for years will unexpectedly find its way into your collection.
When did you start sharing your collection on Instagram, and what inspired you to put it out there?
I started sharing on Instagram two years ago, when I became a vendor at record shows. I wanted a place to showcase my finds and connect with fellow vinyl enthusiasts. Since then, Instagram has introduced me to collectors around the world and led me to incredible records, artists, and films I might never have discovered otherwise. It’s all part of the fun of going deeper down the soundtrack rabbit hole!
What do you enjoy most about being part of the vinyl community?
I love the shared passion and the wealth of knowledge within the vinyl community. There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s an obscure soundtrack, an unfamiliar composer, or the story behind a rare pressing.
But beyond the records themselves, it’s the connections that make the community so special. There’s nothing quite like sharing a great find or celebrating a rare discovery with people who understand exactly why it’s so exciting!
Finally, what’s a soundtrack you think everyone should own, or at least hear once in their life, and why?
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls! In my opinion, it’s one of the greatest films and soundtracks of all time. Anyone who knows me knows how much I adore it! The film was directed by Russ Meyer and written by Roger Ebert, with music composed and conducted by one of my favorites, Stu Phillips. It’s truly a masterpiece in its own wonderfully eccentric way!
The soundtrack captures the spirit of Los Angeles in 1970, featuring performances by the fictional band, The Carrie Nations, alongside music by Strawberry Alarm Clock.
If I could put one soundtrack into the hands of every vinyl lover, this would be the one. It’s a record that deserves to be heard, collected, and celebrated!
Check out Nicole’s record collection over on Instagram.
