Vinyl has has long been woven into freelance writer Drea’s life, from marvelling at her grandma’s collection as a child, to soaking up movies and TV shows that saw record stores and players as symbols of cool, so it was always a dream to start a collection of her own.
Though years passed and formats shifted, Drea’s vinyl vision never died, and when a turntable landed in her lap almost a decade ago, her collection at last began. In our conversation we cover her must-hear records, favourite places to dig, and why sharing music is her love language.
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Hey hey! My name is Drea. I’m a 40-year-old freelance writer from North Carolina with an insatiable appetite for good music! I’m an avid reader, daydreaming poet, and an eager collector of physical media. I started collecting vinyl about 10 years ago but have really started taking the hobby seriously over the last few years.
What sparked your interest in collecting records?
I’ve always been fascinated with vinyl records, since finding that dusty cover of Bitches Brew by Miles Davis sitting next to grandma’s sewing machine as a kid. I traced the lines of the colourful, eclectic illustrations as if they were a language unknown to me and I needed to decipher them. This is where my love of cover art and vinyl records began.
Over the years, I found myself immersed in liner notes. I’d sift through beloved albums from family members’ personal collections in awe. I wanted records of my own one day. And I yearned for them:
Each time I saw Shadow visit the record store in a rewatch of Mo Betta Blues.
Each time I saw Darius spin that Coltrane record for Nina in a rewatch of Love Jones.
And every time Corrina would buy records on payday in a rewatch of Corrina, Corrina.
I told myself when I grew up, I would own an immaculate record collection. Unfortunately for me, when I became old enough to collect music of my own, records were rare. Cassette tapes, and eventually CDs, would have to suffice.
It wasn’t until 10 years ago when my husband surprised me with a Crosley Cruiser and Back to Black by Amy Winehouse that I would officially start a collection of my own.
What is it about vinyl that you love most?
I love how timeless vinyl is. There was a time when I was excited to download streaming apps because I could find every song I had ever loved. But it’s a different kind of thrill to find a long-lost album from your childhood in the crates, one that you can put your hands on! It’s like preserving moments in time that have affected you so greatly, you must own them in your own special way.
I also love the active listening aspect. When I go into my personal vinyl space, I’m able to spend time with the music. I’m not interrupted by my phone or anything else outside of my space. I’m able to put that needle on the record, ingest the lyrics, and feel every beat the groove produces. It’s such a mood. Something about turning the music up and tuning the world out feels magical to me.
“To me, sharing music is a love language. So, being able to share my love of music with others has been so cathartic. It’s been a catalyst for such beautiful connections”
When did you start sharing your collection on Instagram, and what inspired you to put it out there?
I believe I shared my first vinyl post around 2016 or 2017. But I really started sharing what I was listening to in the last four years. I took a deeper interest in building my vinyl collection and as a lover of music, wanted to share what I was vibing to with others. In sharing favourite songs, vinyl pickups, and nostalgic spins, I began connecting with others that were doing the same thing. Before I knew it, I was drawn to collecting and connecting consistently. I was having endless conversations with other music enthusiasts and I was hooked!
What do you enjoy most about being part of the vinyl community?
I love the community and the connection. It’s a beautiful thing to witness others sharing their love of vinyl, highlighting fond memories attached to favourite albums. I’m a sucker for good stories, so these types of posts within the community lure me in every time!
I’ve met so many dope people in the vinyl community, some that I’ve grown genuine friendships with. I love that I’m able to bond with so many people who share this passion. To me, sharing music is a love language. So, being able to share my love of music with others has been so cathartic. It’s been a catalyst for such beautiful connections.
Do you have a favourite spot for crate digging, or a memorable find from one of those hunts?
I wouldn’t say I have a favorite spot for crate digging. I really like Gravity Records out in Wilmington, NC and Lunchbox Records in Charlotte, NC. And I feel like a kid in a candy store when I’m in McKays in Mebane, NC. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone that collects physical media. I’ve found numerous gems in the crates. And I’ve gotten so many good books and video games there as well.
Finally, what’s a record you think everyone should own, or at least hear once in their life, and why?
I feel that everyone should own Sign O’ The Times by Prince. If not, everyone should drink deeply from it at least once in their lives. This album feels like an electric explosion of funk, psychedelic pop, and pure soul. Prince also gives so much on this album in the areas of love, spirituality, and social commentary. From the whimsical “Starfish & Coffee,” the powerfully spiritual “The Cross,” on down to the soulful ballads like my personal favourite, “Adore,” this album has everything! We even get to see glimpses of his alter-ego Camille in songs like “If I Was Your Girlfriend” and “Strange Relationship.” I love how Prince blends so many musical elements and influences in this album and I feel it’s one that everyone should take the time to fully savour.
See what Drea’s spinning over on Instagram.
