Where do you call home?

Wisconsin. Always, no matter what.

Who or what inspired you to start collecting initially?

My father raised me as a single parent and always shared music with me, whether that was from his own collection or teaching me piano from a young age. I later reinvigorated my love for tangible music formats in 2017 after meeting some cool vinyl community folks by happenstance.

What records remind you of your childhood? Are they in your collection today?

Definitely The Animals/Eric Burdon. A ton of classic country; my daddy was a huge Patsy Cline fan.  And honestly? This odd little mix of gospel, pops, dance hall, and big brass; so, think Andy Griffith, Lawrence Welk, Herb Alpert, and the likes of those cats. I have all those in my stacks.

What was the first album that you bought with your own money?

Yeah, I bought two Smashing Pumpkins albums on cassettes (Gish and Siamese Dream) from a Sam Goody in the mall. I felt hella cool.

What 3 albums would you suggest for someone new to vinyl collecting?

Man, that’s a hard question. If it were someone with my same exact taste, I’d say Tom Waits’ Early Years, Ritual de lo Habitual by Jane’s Addiction, and Warren Zevon’s Excitable Boy.

With that written, I strongly believe in starting where you’re at, spinning what you like. There’s no trophy for the most eclectic-sounding collection, despite what Instagram wants you to think. Go out and flip through crates and pick up albums that have cool covers, even if you’ve never heard of the band, or get some obscure soundtracks. Diversify and listen, but get what you like.

Any secret record care tips you got?

Keep them outta reach of doggos and drooling babies, but invite both to share in the listening.

What are some of your favorite albums from 2022?

Kendrick Lamar, “Mr. Morale and the High Steppers,” Charley Crockett “Man from Waco,” and Dope Lemon, “Rose Pink Cadillac.” I also really like the single The Brothers Moore released called, “Run Wild.”

Who are some of your favorite Insta collector accounts?

My love for fellow vinyl nerds on the Insta started w/ @teeny_tiny_vinyl. I also love @plants.and.vinyl and @sound_eaters. Some people are so creative it hurts.  I’ve fortunately found some really great new vinyl friends, including @boozey_vinyl, @manofgoldenwords, and @vinylchucks.

If you were making a mix for readers, what would be the first three songs you’d select?

Subdivisions by Rush, Will Do by TV on the Radio, Realla by TOKiMONSTA. (Really, just the last three songs played on my Spotify liked list…)

Share something about you that we can’t find on Google.

Some of my most loved memories or conversations over the years, with both myself and others, have been in a car or on the road.  I’m buying a motorcycle this spring and have a solo ride carved out for myself next summer. Fuel’s expensive but it’s worth the investment to drown out the noise.

@siliconeandvinyl