Home Interviews Record Collectors Nora, record collector from Rio de Janeiro – Brazil

Interviews Record Collectors

Nora, record collector from Rio de Janeiro – Brazil

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

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With a growing collection of already 500 records, Nora likes all kind of music. She also likes sharing her finds with the record community on Instagram. Very passionate about records, we had the chance to interview her! Nora, we are listening to you!

Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m Nora from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I work at the Court of Law in my city and I collect vinyl records as a hobby.

When did you start your record collection?

I started my collection when I was a teenager in the early 80s. But in the 90s when the CDs were a must in my country, I gave the records and the turntable away. Now I think I was crazy at that time!!!

I started my collection again last year and added some records that still remained with me such as 90125 by Yes, Once Upon a Time by Simple Minds, Love Not Money by Everything But The Girl, Like a Virgin by Madonna, Give me the Night by George Benson, Reggatta de Blanc by The Police…

I have about 500 records and the collection is constantly growing!

I can’t go a day without listening to music. It’s my life…

What started your interest in music?

I grew up listening to music. There was always music playing at home when I was a child. My parents were musicians. My father played the guitar (mostly Jazz and Bossa Nova) and my mother played classical music on the piano. My father played with Sergio Mendes when he was younger, before Sergio goes to The USA to start his career.

What was the first record you ever purchased?

Yes – 90125 was the first album that I bought in the 80s.

What is your musical background?

I can’t go a day without listening to music. It’s my life, although I don’t play any musical instrument. I usually like listening to rock, acid jazz and soul music and like to spend my time appreciating my father’s guitars and paintings in his studio!

What kind of music was playing in your house when you were a kid? Did your parents have records?

My parents had a great record collection and my favourite genres at that time were Rock and Disco music!

Do you collect a particular genre of music?

I collect records of all genres. I have much fun with them, not only for listening but also for posting their covers on Instagram! And these posts have made me find special friends from all over the world! I’m very glad to share music with them!

What is your best find ever?

I have some gems such as picture discs by Deep Purple – Fireball, Jethro Full – Rocks on the Road and ZZ Top -Recycler. Last week I found an awesome record by Todd Rundgren – Something / Anything and I think it’s one of my best finds so far!

Any regrets about a lost record or about records you did not buy?

I only regret about the records I gave away in the past. But fortunately I could recover some of them!

Acquiring a record is way of treating myself to a chapter in the story of my life

Any funny anecdote about your collection?

I remember the day I introduced my turntable to my sons. They opened their eyes wide while I put the needle on. They asked me where the sound was coming from and after explaining all to them, I finally said: “That’s technology, kids”! Haha. They were delighted! From that moment on my youngest son, who is 6, started to show interest on listening to vinyl records too! I’m very proud of that!

What was your latest purchase?

Fleetwood Mac’s Tango in the Night was my last purchase.

Is there an artist in particular that you are trying to get the full discography?

It’s hard to choose only one. I love several bands! I’d like to have a full discography of Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, Jamiroquai and Incognito.

My growing collection is a legacy I’ll leave to my sons!

It’s the end of the world, you can only take 5 records from your collection with you! Which ones and why?

Something/Anything, Todd Rundgren
Emergency on Planet Earth, Jamiroquai
Amplified Soul, Incognito
Songs in the Key of Life, Stevie Wonder
The Best of The Doobie Brothers

I choose them as they represent the genres I like best!

Original pressings or re-issues? Why?

There are mostly original pressings in my collection, but I’m looking forward to finding coloured reissues.

What kind of digger are you?

I enjoy going to local record stores for crate digging. Every time I go for a record I come back with a few more records!!!

Do you think that collecting records helps to preserve our musical and cultural legacy?

I really think that collecting records helps to preserve our musical and cultural legacy. They are part of our story and the best sound quality is found on vinyl! Acquiring a record is way of treating myself to a chapter in the story of my life. My growing collection is a legacy I’ll leave to my sons!