Ode to Vinyl is a social platform for music enthusiasts to share and experience new music through analogue. The idea of showing appreciation to sound which in itself isn't tangible, creates an environment of creativity. The platform in itself selectively grabs the younger generation to interact with the old as well as the older to the young. The feeling of investment is something that has been lost in this generation. Art work isn't something known as value to many and because of that we are always consuming. Music should be appreciated like it was intended; with value. The process of taking a record out of its sleeve and placing it on a well cared turntable in itself is a ritual. The feeling of holding an original pressing and explaining it to someone who recently purchased the rerelease breaks boundaries and color lines. The sounds and vibrations of a jazz record from the 60's resurfaced to new ears, changes perspectives and grants ascension to a different time period. The revival of Vinyl is the awakening of tangibility and the detachment of digital.
Ode to Vinyl is the past, present and future and it is more vital now more than ever. Ode to Vinyl is a Liaison for Independent record companies and mom and pop record stores.
Why did you start “Ode to Vinyl”?
Ode to Vinyl started after a talk with my friend DJ Prince. We have known each other since college. We always have conversations about music. Ten plus years have passed, and we still talk about it. We talk about our frustrations with the current direction of Hip-Hop, style and the over saturation of DJs. The idea is simple. We only use vinyl to create a unique platform for people to engage with both, the past and present. The older generation will teach the youth while we play the background as the liaisons. The first time we introduced the concept to the people, they lost their minds!
Some people brought crates. Others brought records they never played but loved the cover art. Our first few parties were mash-ups of people’s items. Then, we had an aha-moment. We wanted to educate the people by incorporating themes and different time periods. Hence, the start of the Ode to Vinyl.
David Andrew
DJ Prince
What should someone expect from their first “Ode to Vinyl” experience?
You can expect to meet a group of amazing people who have all let their guards down at the door. Some familiar sounds. Some rarities that you may have to ask Siri for and later add to your library. Free record giveaways and flavour filled libations.
How do you feel about the current state of music?
I feel that music is in a great place right now if you are open to listening outside of the mainstream bubble. The moment I turn on the radio and listen to any Top 40 radio stations I’m almost instantly turned off. I see more people going back to the live instrumentation aspect of music. Live bands and fuller sounds are really what makes music come alive. Well, to me. I think the future of music is House influenced.
How do you curate your [conscious/woke] guests?
I guess. Someone “woke” invited you. Birds of a feather flock together.
Where do you see Ode to Vinyl in the next five years?
Hopefully, Ode to Vinyl will be something better than what I envisioned. All I can say is that for the right now we are taking steps before we run. Aligning ourselves with the key people is vital. We’ll see what happens.
Taken from a 2017 interview w/ Grunge Cake Mag