Whilst I’ve never been one for ‘hobbies’, I think I may have found one that is going to remain within me for a long time. For my 21st birthday in April, I got a record player- the Crosley Turntable and ever since I have been searching for vinyls. This turntable has a real vintage feel to it, is easily transportable, and is a visually pleasing addition to my bedroom. Fleetwood Mac being my all-time favourite band, I was gifted Rumours, an essential for any Mac fan in possession of a record player!
I have a few brand new vinyls, including Florence’s How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, which sounds even more beautiful on the turntable. However, I much prefer the authenticity of seeking out older vinyls and I love the crackling sound that accompanies their (sometimes) worn vinyl surfaces. When I was younger, my Dad would pull out his old soul vinyls and we would put them on and listen all afternoon.
Luckily, I work very close to Brick Lane in London and I have been using this to my advantage to hunt for vintage vinyls on my lunch breaks and after work. Brick Lane is a treasure-trove of all things second-hand and you can pick up good quality vinyls that are well looked after and for insane prices. Just to reiterate, I got 5 vinyls for £20, which is great considering the Florence one was £22 alone!
One of my new favourite past-times is settling down with a glass of a wine, candles burning, with a vinyl playing in the background,a perfect remedy for anxiety and occasional panics about the future!
What are your hobbies? Do you collect vinyls too or anything else obscure? I’d love to know!
Brick Lane, East London
K x
AND. OTHER. THING 