“My relationship with vinyl records started at a young age. As a wee guy I can vividly remember hearing the sounds of my dad’s recording being played when visitors were around or listening to Dixieland jazz records with my grandad. Listening to records with them wasn’t like listening to CDs. It was more bonding.”
“My parents listened to the likes of Peter Gabriel, Duran Duran, Fleetwood Mac, and Genesis when I was young. It might strike you as a bit odd, playing in a heavy post hardcore band, but these songs have stayed with me. I’ve still got the records and there is an incredible nostalgia to them.
My own relationship with vinyl started at university. I got my granddad’s portable Alba deck from the fifties. The sound of that unit was amazing. The first records I had of my own were drastic departures from the vinyl given to me by my family. I began spending any spare money I had on records. The enjoyment of searching shops was second to none. Trolling through the shops I found all my favourite bands, Fugazi, Mogwai, Slayer, Dillinger Escape Plan, and Converge records. I also took chances—picked up records by Daughter and Bon Iver, which are beautiful records.
The personal connection to a record is so much more important than other platforms. Like most people in their early 20s, I’ve got an iPod going with me everywhere, but when I really want to listen to music and really immerse myself in it, I’ll listen to my records.
Possibly the most rewarding thing though, is pickup up the local records. Your friend’s bands, band’s you tour with, and DIY distribution companies are keeping vinyl very much in my everyday awareness. I feel that picking up a record will give you much more enjoyment than a CD. It helps the bands more and will last much longer. A part of your local scene or a band you’ve come across will be able to be listened to for years to come beyond the band’s shelf life.
Felix Champion are keen to put out our album This Lateral Life on vinyl. The CD market isn’t what it used to be—most people we know just download the CD straight to their computer, straight onto the MP3 player. People will always want digital downloads for the easy access to say the least, but a vinyl is the physical of choice for many. The connection, and the long-lasting relationship with the record, will outlive the CD.
I look forward to the day when, like my parents and grandparents, I can hand down my records to my family. Passing on records is like handing down snapshots of your history of musical tastes. If my parents hadn’t given my their records, I wouldn’t have had nearly as diverse a taste as I do. I hope to have the same influence with my family.
There is still no experience better for me, after a long day or a stressful day, then putting on a record and just immersing yourself in the music.
Especially when it’s Reign In Blood.”
—Dave Rees
Felix Champion’s debut album, This Lateral Life arrives in stores on 24th November via Bloc+Music.
