For many years, I desired to learn the art of DJing on vinyl. In early 2021, with a help of an experienced DJ mentor, research, and practice, I became a DJ: DJ Della Soul. When I commit to doing something, I do not allow myself to quit, only to re-work the idea to make it better.
I fell in love with vinyl during the process of learning to DJ and began collecting records in April 2021. Additionally, as a child, my father was a vinyl collector. I remember weekend evenings vividly from the 1980s. My father would sit in his favorite chair, with a cocktail, and dimmed lights. He would listen to his records and sing along. My father has happy and content. Those records brought him so much joy. He was in a beautiful zone surrounded by music. Vinyl was his therapy. He transitioned in 2008; however, vinyl records are my special connection to him. I am grateful that today I have some of his vinyl records in my personal collection.
Record stores are a vibe. The stories behind the brick and mortar. The people. The music. The sounds. The decor. The feeling I get when I enter one and “dig through the crates.” The warmth and love that I receive when I visit one. The good energy, the good atmosphere. Vinyl has its own culture and following.
Growing up, Crazy Larry’s and Believe In Music were my go-to music stores in my hometown of Grand Rapids, MI. I loved the feeling I got when walking through the aisles and combing through the music racks, as well as meeting up with friends while there. Record stores are a community hub and gathering spot, a place to buy vinyl and unique gifts, and a space to enjoy intimate listening and viewing sessions with local musicians and artists. I look forward to bringing the community a place to celebrate music, culture, vinyl, light, love, and energy.