Based in São Paulo, Brazil, Mellina Passi – or Lita Ree – is a music lover, avid record collector and founder of women’s vinyl club, Spin Sisters. Initially a WhatsApp group, Spin Sisters is now a 200 strong community of women who connect virtually and in-person over their shared love of vinyl.
We caught up to talk about Mellina’s journey into collecting, the power of women-centred spaces, and how Spin Sisters is reshaping what community looks like in vinyl culture.
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Mellina, but most people in the vinyl world know me as Lita Ree (my Instagram username). I’m a UX designer, music lover, and passionate vinyl collector from Brazil. My taste travels through Brazilian music, soul, jazz, R&B, hiphop, and everything that moves the soul. I’m also the founder of Spin Sisters, a women-only vinyl club that celebrates connection, music, and sisterhood.
What sparked your interest in collecting records?
I had a few records as a child and grew up surrounded by my parents’ vinyl collection. I got back into collecting in 2013, when I found a picture disc of Michael Jackson’s Bad album during a trip. I’m a huge fan of his, and from that moment on, I started collecting passionately again.
What is it about vinyl that you love most?
The intimacy. Listening to a record feels like slowing down time. The needle touches the groove and you’re completely present, no skips, no algorithm, just music and emotion. It’s a way of listening that’s more human and soulful.
“Creating female-centred spaces allows women to express themselves, learn, and take up space without judgment”
What’s the story behind Spin Sisters?
Spin Sisters was born from a desire to create a safe and inspiring space for women to talk about vinyl and music with freedom, affection, and protagonism. What started as a WhatsApp group has grown into a real community with over 200 women sharing their collections, stories, and even learning to DJ together. It’s become a movement that connects music, identity, and empowerment.
Why do you think it’s important for female-centred spaces like Spin Sisters and Vinylettes to exist?
Because the vinyl and DJ culture have long been dominated by men. Creating female-centred spaces allows women to express themselves, learn, and take up space without judgment. It’s not about exclusion, it’s about balance, visibility, and rewriting who gets to tell the story of music culture.
What’s the most prized record in your collection?
Any record I inherited from my mother or my godmother. Those albums with personal stories behind them mean the most to me.
Where do you like to go crate-digging?
I love digging in São Paulo, especially in small, independent record stores where you can still find hidden gems. When I travel, I always look for local shops; it’s my favourite way to discover the sound of each city.
Connect with Mellina and Spin Sisters over on Instagram: @litaree__ / @spinsisters.vinil
