This time we made a stop in LA to have a little chat with Jannae about her record collection. Passionate and appreciative of music from all different decades and time periods, she owns now a bit more than 450 records. Seat back and relax, it’s now the time to discover Jannae’s story through her interview!
Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?
My name is Jannae, I am 29 years old, born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Along with being a record collector, I am also a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and I currently work with children and families in the community.
How and when did you start you record collection?
I began collecting records two years ago. I started collecting on a whim, after I found some great records during a visit to my local thrift store. I currently own about 450 records.
What started your interest in music?
My interest in music began at a young age, when my dad would listen to music in the car. I remember him telling me about the bands or artists we were listening to, such as Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Dr. Dre. As I got older, he introduced me to his favorite artists / bands from his teen years, which then became some of my favorite bands too (The Clash, The Ramones, etc). From there, I developed my personal taste in music, leaning more toward rock, punk, and alternative music.
Growing up in the 90’s I remember hearing Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg…
Do you remember the 1st record you bought?
I purchased some great soul records during a visit to a thrift store about two years ago, including The Platters and Sam Cooke, as well as some musical soundtracks including Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, West Side Story, and My Fair Lady.
What is your musical background?
None! I do not play any instruments or have a formal musical background at all, other than just enjoying and loving to listen to all types of music. My grandfather (dad’s father) however, was the lead singer / guitarist in a rock and roll band in the 60’s.
What kind of music was playing in your house when you were a kid?
I remember my dad playing a lot of current music when I was a kid. So growing up in the 90’s I remember hearing Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, etc. I also remember hearing traditional Spanish music that my grandparents would listen to, including traditional Bolero and Ranchera music from Mexico and Latin-America.
Do you collect a particular genre of music?
My favorite genre has always been rock / alternative, so the majority of my collection is from that genre. However, I do collect many other genres of music, including Pop, Jazz, Hip Hop, Spanish, Soul/Funk, and Musical Showtunes.
What is your best find ever?
My best find ever would have to be a 1994 OG Nirvana ‘Unplugged’ on white vinyl, that I found on the wall at my local record store.
Any regrets about records you did not buy?
At this same store, I left behind an OG press of Nirvana ‘Nevermind’. When I went back the next day to buy it, it was gone!
An interesting anecdote about your collection?
Interestingly, I started collecting records before I even had a turntable. I began collecting when I found some amazing records at my local thrift store. That day I bought about 10 records, and I didn’t even own a turntable! I went home that same day, ordered myself a turntable online and was spinning my records a couple weeks later.
What is your latest purchase?
I just purchased 4 Mac Demarco records (3 Demos and ‘This Old Dog’ Special Edition) at his concert that I went to in August.
Is there an artist in particular that you are trying to get the full discography?
Nirvana is my favorite band of all-time, so I would love to not only complete their discography, but also try to collect all the different variants of their records. They have so many, so this might be a life-long process.
It’s the end of the world, I know it’s terrible, but you can only take 5 records with you! Which ones and why?
Oh wow, this is a difficult question to answer. I would definitely take my two rare Nirvana colored variants (‘Incesticide’ and ‘Unplugged’) because they are some of my most rare and valuable.
I would also take the 3 volumes that I own from the ‘East Side Story’ compilation. These are also rare and valuable, and were difficult for me to acquire. I am still looking to complete the entire 12-record collection.
Original pressings or re-issues?
Either! I am drawn to original pressings, especially of older records, because I am a purist, and like the idea of owning the record as it was originally made. However, original pressings can sometimes be so expensive and hard to acquire. So I’m not opposed to re-issues, especially if the sound quality isn’t terrible and if it’s a record I’ve been looking for.
Collecting and listening to vinyl records help preserve the listening experience
What kind of digger are you?
I prefer to dig anywhere where I am physically digging! Record shops are my preferred places to dig, but I never turn down an opportunity to dig at thrift shops, garage sales, or swap meets. I do not do a lot of online buying, unless it is for a pre-order or a record that I know will be difficult to find at shops.
Do you think that collecting records helps to preserve our musical and cultural legacy?
Definitely! I think most importantly collecting and listening to vinyl records help preserve the listening experience, and the way music was intended to be listened to. Before streaming, listening to music was an experience that involved more than just out sense of sound. We also looked at the album artwork, touched the sleeve, picked up the vinyl record, and placed the needle down. This is something unique to vinyl, and something that is being lost with digital streaming.
What attracts you in a record?
I think the first thing that attracts me is the album cover. There are so many albums that have amazingly beautiful artwork, which looks even better on records because they’re larger. I also like it when the packaging is interesting or has special details.
How do you organize your collection?
I organize my records by genre, and each genre is then organized alphabetically (by artist last name or band name).
What does your record collection say about you?
Past, present, and future. I think my collection says that I am passionate and appreciative of music from all different decades and time periods. Music from the past, from today, and also keeping up with the new generation of music.
What’s your current setup at home?
My setup consists of: Vintage Pioneer sx-980, Vintage Kenwood JL-860 floor speakers, and U-Turn Orbit turntable.
Want to add something about yourself? Now it’s the time 😉
To see more of my collection and vinyl adventures, follow me on Instagram → @thevinyldoctor
Photos credit: Courtesy of @thevinyldoctor
Thank you very much Jannae! It was definitely very nice from you to share your story about records and your collection with us!