The e-Record Fair marketplace team has a few favorite websites , which revolve around vinyl records that keeps an eye on and always visits them for the daily vinyl record news. Some of them, which we feel are the most important, can also be found on our e-book available for download for our users.
Today, we are releasing our interview with RAJ (Rick Smith), founder of Soulstrut, one of our favorite and most interesting vinyl record websites. Let’s leave Raj tell us everything.
-Raj, hi. Firstly, even though I m not an active user, I have always read all the interesting subjects in the Soulstrut forum. I have also enjoyed the really good mixes available on your site.
Thank you. It’s a pleasure to be interviewed by e-Record Fair!
-What urged you to start soulstrut, way back in 1999?
Back in 1999, I had just graduated from Penn State with a journalism degree. I had spent a lot of my free time at the computer lab learning HTML and building web sites. I was also an avid vinyl record collector who cohosted a funk show called “On the Good Foot” with my friend DJ Otis Funkmeyer. So I thought it would be cool marry those things and start an online music magazine that featured funk mixes and my music journalism chops. Hence, Soul Strut was born.
-Why do you think the vinyl record made such a strong comeback?
I think it’s great, but a part of me misses what it once was. It had a cult following where people who didn’t get it thought you were crazy. I’m thankful that I’m at a point in my life where I make a good living and I don’t have to obsess over price because the original pressings really shot up in price in the past few years. 10 years a go I had a knack for finding good, rare records for cheap. It’s not happening today. People are way too informed.
-When was your first experience with a vinyl record?
My uncle used to play me all these great records when I would visit him as a kid in California. He would play me Rolling Stone’s “Missing You” and Steely Dan “Aja”. I was mesmerized by this spinning black object and the grooves coming from them!
-What kinds of music does your record collection have?
I go through phases. In the 90s and 2000s, I was ALL about rare hip hop, funk, soul, jazz, and psych rock. Now, I’m a lot more eclectic. I like a lot of new wave and classic rock. I prefer records that are clean and are great back to front regardless of rarity.
-What is the largest amount of money you have spent for an album?
I spent $200 for Syl Johnson’s “Is it Because I’m Black?”. I would never spend more than $100 these days. I’m a guitarist in a couple of bands and do a lot of home recording. I would much rather spend money in those arenas these days, but back in the 2000’s it was all about finding the rare records for me.
-Now that we live in the age of Spotify and Youtube, which means everything is almost free, what is a good reason for someone to start a vinyl record collection?
I like creating an physical archive of my favorite music. You never know if music will be free like that forever. I also take pride in one of my kids getting my collection some day. It speaks volumes on what kind of person I am and my tastes.
-Since the music industry is drowning, do you think it will try to hang on to the vinyl record? Will this be good or bad?
I thought the resurgence of vinyl was a trend. Like collecting baseball cards was in the 80s…. comics in the 90s, but it looks like it’s here to stay. People are sick of music as air… they want something to hold onto and look at. So, it could be good for the music industry.
-Which are the five records you have listened to the most?
That’s a tough question, but five that come to mind include: Ahmad Jamal - The Awakening, Led Zeppeling - Physical Graffiti, Michael Jackson - Thriller, Cymande - Self-Titled, Can - Tago Mago
-Do you find time to listen to your vinyl records?
I do. But it’s become harder and harder to find time. I’m guilty of spending more time digging than listening. My new thing is buying CDs for a buck and forcing myself to keep it in the car for a week and just listen… So much of today is skimming over tracks on an iPhone. It’s nice to find a CD someone recommended and just listen without worrying what’s next.
-Is there a record you really want but haven’t managed to track down yet?
The Ambassadors - Soul Summit
-What do you use to clean your vinyl records?
I’ve always been a big fan of the Groovy Record Cleaning Kit.
-Although the vinyl marketplaces have amassed their own audience, here on e-Record Fair, we believe that record stores must not die. Do you agree with that and if so, please give us some reasons why it shouldn’t happen.
I love record stores. Every time I travel I seek them out. I miss the stores run by the old timers where you could find mounds of unsorted records everywhere and find gems in a stack for cheap. The new stores are run by a new generation that is a lot more organized and on the ball about price. Regardless, they are great places to congregate and see physical product. I find it hard to look at lists of records on a computer. There’s nothing like the ritual of thumbing through racks of records.
-Are there any favorite record stores in your area? (even some that do not exist anymore)
Yes. I like Record Revival in Quakertown, PA (it’s only a few minutes from me) and my favorite is Double Decker in Allentown, PA. I’ve been going there for almost 20 years. He never ceases to amaze me the quality product he can source and stock the store with. Plus he does not sell online.
-Is the sound of the vinyl record really is different from a digital file, is it a myth or is it partially true?
Yes. I can definitely hear it. Especially from the true analogue pressings from the 70s. The music sounds warmer and has better dynamics.
-There is a sense that vinyl collectors care more about the collection itself than the music. Do you think this is a fair or unfair assumption?
Absolutely. As I said before, I used to obsessed with the desirability and rarity more than the music. Now I buy stuff I like, even if it’s a dollar bin record. I spent a lot of years ignoring those records and now I’m buying them at way too high of a price!
-What is you view on the Record Store Day?
I like the concept because we do need to support our local shops and keep them in business, but I don’t need a specific day to do that. Nor do I care about the lines and the mob mentality when it comes to scooping up limited pressings for resale. I did that at record shows for many years and it always gave me anxiety.
-What are you favorite vinyl record covers?
The 50s and 60s Blue Note Covers are amazing.
-What do you think will be the future of the vinyl record as a format for music?
I’m hoping it goes back to being a novelty medium rather than a trend that it’s become. Like I said, though, I think it’s hear to stay. I don’t see any physical medium overturning vinyl any time soon. There’s a reason why it was popular 50+ years. Perhaps someone will try to improve it. Make it smart somehow.
-What are your future plans
The site has been up for almost 20 years. The big attraction has been the mixes and the forum. Forums are a little outdated at the moment, so alot people moved on to Social Media which I just can’t get into. I’m hoping people come back to the message board as a form of communication on the Internet. I’m hoping to keep the site up for as long as I can. It’s got a rich history that alot of the new generation knows little about.
-Thank you very much for the Interview Raj we wish you all the best.
Visit Soulstrut
Other VINYLOM Sections that will Interest YOU !!!
– Vinylom Encyclopedia – The story behind every Rare Vinyl Record...
– Vinylom Forum – Discuss about Vinyl Records, Music and more with Music and Vinyl Lovers from all over the world.
– Vinylom Marketplace – Millions of items available for sale and trade from sellers all over the world.BUY-SELL-TRADE !!!
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