A few years ago I started a series of essays on what motivates people to buy vinyl records. I want to hear stories about what gets you going about the black crack, and why records are so important in your life. One of our loyal readers, Randy aka Soultaker has been not just a fan of the site, but a great supporter of FleaMarket Funk since the beginning. A collector and DJ himself, the man knows his way around a soul record. Here’s what he had to say about what motivates him to buy vinyl records:

“I was reading your article about what motivates collecting vinyl. It all started for me when I was 2 or 3 years old. My first memories are someone( either my Mother or Father ) holding me over the record player( we used to have the wood grain ones that was like furniture ) as I watched the record label go around over and over. So this has been a part of my life always.

For me, it’s a great escape. When I go out and dig for records, it relaxes me like nothing else, but the thrill of the hunt can also excite me. You never know what you might find when you go through a crate of vinyl. It could be that record you have been trying to find for years or you could discover something new altogether. As I said earlier, it is a escape from this madness that we call the real world. Specially when come home and turn on the turntables and listen to your new find. Nothing else matters, just you and the sounds coming from your record.”

He also has some great mixes over on mixcloud.

We want to hear what motivates YOU to buy vinyl records, so send us your stories to: jamison@fleamarketfunk.com to be featured in the series. Looking forward to hearing more motivational words. Cheers.

Keep Diggin’!