At its heart, Vinylettes is about celebrating the women who are shaping and redefining vinyl culture, so I couldn’t wait to sit down with Gabriella Solimine, founder of Her Vinyl, a growing Discord community created exclusively for female record collectors. What started as Gabriella’s personal mission to find connection in a hobby that often feels male-dominated has blossomed into a vibrant space where women can share finds, swap knowledge, and simply enjoy music together.
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am based in New Jersey and have been collecting records for almost 10 years. After realizing female collectors needed their own space, I started Her Vinyl in March of this year to create a community where we can get together and share our passion for records.
Music has this incredible way of connecting people, and I love being part of that. I share my finds on TikTok and Instagram, connecting with collectors from all over the world. That’s actually how I met [Vinylettes founder] Elizabeth – through Discogs! We’re both on their Community Advisory Turntable.
When I’m not obsessing over records, you’ll find me in the kitchen cooking and baking with my cat Stevie. She’s named after Stevie Nicks, my very first vinyl purchase that got me hooked on this whole journey!
“I thought to myself, ‘I love music, this looks fun, and there’s a record store right nearby… let’s try it!'”
What sparked your interest in collecting records?
I think what really sparked it was missing the idea of holding physical media. I grew up in the 90s, when the only ways to listen to music were radio, CDs, and cassettes. But when the iPod and streaming services came along, physical media just became obsolete. Now that everyone’s glued to their phones 24/7, listening to records actually gives you a reason to put the phone down and be present with the music.
After I graduated from college, I was looking for a hobby and started watching YouTube videos about record collecting – people showcasing their collections and finds. I thought to myself, “I love music, this looks fun, and there’s a record store right nearby… let’s try it!”
On my first trip to Scotti’s Record Shop, I picked up Stevie Nicks’ Bella Donna, and I was instantly hooked. It’s amusing that technology has brought me back to physical media. Full circle!
What is it about vinyl that you love most?
Looking over my collection, it’s become like a journal of my life. When I pull out Spice World or the soundtrack to Doug (my favourite childhood TV show), it instantly takes me back to being little, dancing along to the Spice World movie, and eating cereal on Saturday mornings while watching Doug on Nickelodeon. Records are like photo albums, but for memories tied to music.
But what really makes vinyl special is everything that comes with it. You’re not just getting the music; there’s incredible album artwork, signed inserts, and unique packaging. Laufey included a board game with her Bewitched album! Labels are becoming increasingly creative with liquid-filled records and other innovative designs. Streaming can’t compete with that experience.
“It’s become a place where you can ask questions about setting up your turntable, stay up-to-date with all the new releases, and connect with people who understand why you’re excited about finding that rare pressing”
Her Vinyl is a really cool project! Tell us more about it…
Her Vinyl is a Discord community for female record collectors where we talk all things vinyl. From keeping up with the latest releases to asking those questions you might feel nervous about at record stores. We have monthly meetings, and we’re actually planning our first listening party in October for Taylor Swift’s new album!
I created this because after years of collecting, I always felt alone in the hobby. My New Year’s resolution was to meet more people who shared this passion, and when I spent hours searching online for a women-focused vinyl community, I came up with nothing. I thought, “If no one’s going to do this… why not me?”
I honestly thought it might be a stupid idea and that maybe three people would join. Fortunately, I was able to connect with Jeffrey at Discogs, someone who really knows the music and the vinyl industry, to get his honest take on whether this was even a good idea. I asked him point-blank, ‘Be honest – is this stupid?’ and he said, ‘No, we need more women’s voices – go for it!’ That validation from someone in the industry was everything.
The community launched at the end of March, and I’ve been blown away by how many women were looking for exactly this kind of space. It turns out I wasn’t the only one feeling isolated in this hobby.
Why do you think it’s important for female-centered spaces like Her Vinyl and Vinylettes to exist?
It’s essential for young women or anyone considering starting to collect to know that spaces have been created for us. When women read stories from other collectors on Vinylettes, they have those “oh wait, I relate to her” moments. Suddenly, they realize there are others out there who share this passion.
With Her Vinyl, it’s become a place where you can ask questions about setting up your turntable, stay up-to-date with all the new releases (and there are so many), and connect with people who understand why you’re excited about finding that rare pressing.
However, we truly need many more spaces like this. The community is still pretty small, and before I started Her Vinyl, I had to really dig to find any record-collecting community at all, let alone one where I felt like I belonged. We have book clubs, running clubs, pottery clubs… why shouldn’t there be an easy way for women who love vinyl to find each other?
With more women entering the world of record collecting, how do you see their influence shaping vinyl culture?
Social media has been a game-changer for this. You’re seeing more women on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube sharing their collections and passion for records, which is breaking down those old barriers. It’s making record collecting feel more welcoming and less like some exclusive boys’ club.
The community isn’t just comprised of middle-aged men anymore. Gen Z and Millennials are really taking the reins and bringing fresh perspectives. What excites me most is thinking about where this could lead. Maybe we’ll see more women opening pressing plants, designing album artwork, or starting their own record labels. Female-owned record stores are still relatively rare, so there’s huge potential there as well.
Do you have a favourite spot for crate digging, or a memorable find from one of those hunts?
My most memorable find was actually in Lisbon this past July. I was browsing this small record shop and struck up a conversation with one of the employees. When I told him I was looking for local Portuguese artists I’d never heard of, his eyes lit up and he immediately pulled out this Dead Combo album. He was so passionate about it, explaining their sound, their history, that I knew I had to give it a shot.
I took a chance on his recommendation, and when I got back home and listened to it, I was blown away. Portuguese music has this incredible richness I never knew existed.
Approach recommendations with an open mind when someone offers them to you. Don’t be like a kid refusing to try broccoli – you might discover your new favorite band.
Finally, what’s a record you think everyone should own, or at least hear once in their life, and why?
This might sound cliché, but “Pet Sounds” by the Beach Boys is essential listening. It’s considered the first true concept album and has become the blueprint for artists like Queen, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift. To truly understand modern music, you must go to the source.
The genius starts with the opening track, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” – it immediately signals the journey Brian Wilson is about to take you on. The vocal arrangements, songwriting, and production were revolutionary in 1966 and still influence artists today.
Here’s my one rule: when you listen to “Pet Sounds,” put your phone away and listen to the whole thing from start to finish. This is a no-distractions album. It demands your full attention, and trust me, it’s worth it.
Gabriella’s story is a reminder of the power of community and why spaces like Vinylettes and Her Vinyl are so important. By carving out room for women to connect over vinyl, we’re working to shift the culture, making it more inclusive, welcoming, and inspiring for the next generation of collectors. If you’re looking for a place to share your love of records with other women who get it, check out Her Vinyl on Discord.
