“The first LP I ever purchased was Brandi Carlile’s Bear Creek at a rare solo show in Northampton, MA in the fall of 2011. I didn’t even have a record player at that point, but it meant so much to purchase that album and wait for the day I could take it out of its sleeve and play it the way Brandi wanted people to hear it.”
“I didn’t grow up listening to vinyl. I am, however, the daughter of HUGE music lovers—particularly my father. From Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, and The Police to The Beatles, Madonna and ABBA, I had an eclectic childhood filled with music. The only thing to rival my Dad’s love of music is his love for technology. He will always be the first person in line when Apple releases their latest gadget and will probably be reading nonfiction iBooks from his iPad on his death bed. Because of this, we always consumed music in the newest way possible—first tapes and CDs, then the first iPod and beyond. I knew vinyl existed, I guess, but it was considered the “latin” of music formats—a dead format.
So how did I ever get into vinyl? I like to think the journey started when my Dad asked me if I wanted this new thing called an iPod and I said, “heck no! I want a Walkman!” I went back in time from there.
No, but really, I started getting into vinyl when I got to Smith College in Northampton, MA. If anyone knows the folk music world, you know that Western Mass has a strong and thriving scene. My goal when I first got to school was to see as much live music as possible—alone or with friends—but to get out and experience the artists coming through town. I noticed many artists started selling vinyl at their merch tables, and thought it was pretty cool and unique, so I started to investigate. (I like to stay hip, who doesn’t?!) I was simultaneously learning the difference between analog and digital in my courses at school, and knew I needed to get my hands on the way music was originally produced.
That brings us to that Brandi show in 2011 where I saw that Bear Creek album and knew I had to have it. It took another year or so to invest in a turntable, but I can still remember the day I finally opened that record and heard it. It was the best. I loved every part of the experience. I love how intentional vinyl is. Sure, you can put on a record, and zone out, but you can’t do so for long before you have to flip to side B. Consuming music became a ritual and something to cherish rather than to passively enjoy on-the-go via my headphones.
Getting into vinyl gave me some incredible moments with my father as well. Even though he doesn’t have a turntable anymore, I remember one Black Friday we went to Best Buy to look at TVs. (I know, I know, classic consumers.) I was immediately overwhelmed by the number of people in the store, so we headed to the audio section, and lo and behold not a single soul was using the listening room with all the fancy speakers. So my dad and I and the sales associate went into this small, sound proof room filled with speakers worth thousands of dollars. We put on Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours vinyl record and spent the rest of our Best Buy visit completely in heaven. It was amazing. I will always cherish that memory.
Unlike a lot of other vinyl lovers, I am very selective with the records I bring into my collection. As an aspiring minimalist, I try to make sure that everything I bring into my life truly brings value and joy. The records I have do just that. I love every single one, and get to create a little listening oasis every time I place the needle down on the vinyl. Pure bliss.”
—Abbie Duquette
Devil Told Me, the debut full-length release from Ruby Mack is in stores now.
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PHOTO: GIANNA COLSON
