Record Collectors

Record Collector: Mario of 30SecsofVINYL

Mario (no last name here, folks) is an Italian, London-based music fan who is a dedicated devotee of The Cure. An avid vinyl digger, he loves a wide spectrum of musical genres, and you can usually find him going through racks of records at fairs and mom and pop shops all over his adopted city.

Today, we meet the get to know Mario, who is also the man behind 30SecsofVinyl, a popular Instagram page, in the newest installment of Record Collector.

When did you first start collecting records?

My first record was Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me (The Cure). It was an Xmas present from Santa Claus in 1991. I was obsessed with that album. I used to listen it on a mobile tape player, 24/7. My father passed me down the record collecting mania. He used to be a deejay in Italy with the nickname ONirDJ in the '80s. I've been collecting records for around 10 years now, properly.

 

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Where do usually you find your records these days?

Record Stores. I love digging, and I go at least a couple of days per week. Before I buy a record, I always try to get it second hand (except for the new releases). The smell of vintage vinyl makes me crazy.

 

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What is the most you paid for a single record, where/how did you obtain it, and what was it?

The most money I've spent on a record was for (What’s the Story) Morning Glory by Oasis. I was addicted to this album at the age 16 (I had it on CD). I won an auction on Ebay for 23£.

 

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If you to pick one record label you feel had/has the best track record of quality releases, who would that be and what are some key titles you love?

I think Island Records with In the Court of the Crimson King. That record contains my all-time favorite track: "21st Century Schizoid Man." The label also released The Joshua Tree by U2 and Back to Black by Amy Winehouse. Those are only a few of the many Island Records titles I have and take care like babies.

 

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Of everything in your current collection, what is your most prized record and why?

David Bowie's Aladdin Sane. I got it at a record fair in Guildford for 10£. The fair was almost finished and I only had 10£ in my wallet with no cash machine anywhere to be found. The owner of the stall wanted 18£. He looked at me and told me: "It’s your lucky day, kiddo, Take care of my Ziggy."

 

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Is there anything that frustrates you about the current record collecting scene?

Absolutely nothing. I love to see teenagers going out to record fair and shops. It’s culture. A moment away from connections wifi and social media. I find digging really relaxing. I always do it with a hot coffee in my hand (mocha or cappuccino).

 

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Which records are still on your want list that you've had a tough time tracking down through the years?

Well, I like to desire records. I search, I check for prize and versions, and then I go digging. I’m still looking for a first pressing of Abbey Road and a first press of Wish You Were Here. I’m sure I will find them.

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Follow Mario on Instagram.

Tagged: record collector