Mikko Okkonen a 34-year-old woodworker from Finland, in the Northern Karelia region, to be more exact. He's admittedly obsessed with metal and has been listening to it ever since he came across Iron Maiden's Seventh Son of a Seventh Son album when he was in 6th grade.His other passions include fishing and making fishing lures, which actually finances his vinyl obession. Check out some of his work at this link.
But we're here to talk music, so join me in welcoming Mikko to the Record Collector club!
How long have you been collecting records?
I'm fairly new to record collecting. I started hoarding records in 2016, if my memory serves me right. Before that, I was mostly into CDs.
Where/how do you usually find your records?
Since there are no good record stores in my city, I mostly scour the Internet to satisfy my vinyl addiction. Mostly I get my records from established and reputable distros but some auction sites like eBay have also been useful.
What is the most you paid for a single record, where/how did you obtain it, and what was it?
If im not mistaken, my most expensive record was Blut Aus Nord's 777 – Cosmosophy first press for 55€, which is not expesive at all if you compare it to the prices some are willing to pay. I get my kicks from bargain hunting and have managed to get few gems for pennies.
If you had 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?
This is a very tough one, but since I'm Finnish, I got to pick Werewolf Records.
Of everything in your current collection, what is your most prized record and why?
My most prized record has to be Moonsorrow's Varjoina Kuljemme Kuolleiden Maassa. It's simply a magnificent Pagan metal album from start to finish. It's by no means an easy album to get into. For one, the tracks are pretty long, with the shortest one clocking in at 11.43, and it probably will take a few listens for the listener to get a full grasp of what's going on while your being taken into a cinematic journey by these talented Finns.
Is there anything that frustrates you about the current record collecting scene?
I'm a pretty laid back and chill guy there isnt much that frustrates me too much. The only thing I can think of that annoys me are the record flippers.
Which records are still on your want list that you've had a tough time tracking down so far?
The current albums on my most wanted list are:
- Blut Aus Nord, Memoria Vetusta II: Dialoque with the Stars
- Behexen, By the Blessing of Satan (first press)
- Reverend Bizarre, So Long Suckers
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Follow Mikko on Instagram.
Tagged: record collector
