15 record collectors you should follow on Instagram
Vinyl looks great on camera, but even better on Instagram.
When it comes to sharing records, there’s nothing more immediate than photography. Discogs may be the consummate online database, but in terms of music discovery, you can’t beat that human touch. While many platforms have sought to replicate this, the potential to share classics and under the radar gems direct from your collection on Instagram is unparalleled. Each packed with their own distinct personality, get it right and you could build your collection from Instagram accounts alone. After all, shouldn’t every trip to the record shop should include one bought for the cover alone?
Whether you’re after rarities, new releases or just walls and walls of mouth-watering vinyl, we’ve picked out 15 of our favourite record collectors to follow on Instagram, from big name DJs to the private collectors who’ve caught our eye in recent months.
Do you have a favourite record collector on Instagram? Have we missed any killer accounts? Tag @thevinylfactory on Instagram with your suggestions.
Cover photo: @pillsforthepale
Words: Michael Wilkin
@dustandgrooves / Eilon Paz
Considered as somewhat of the godfather or record collection photography. The feed doesn’t grow much, but deserves recognition nonetheless simply for changing the record collection photography game.
A photo posted by dustandgrooves (@dustandgrooves) on Nov 8, 2014 at 6:41am PST
@gillespeterson / Gilles Peterson
Keep your taste in line with Radio 6 Music’s premiere taste marker and record collector. Rarities, favourites and selected new releases pepper his selection, with a lean towards the weirder corners of jazz, funk and soul. What else would you expect fro a man who plays Sun Ra on mainstream Saturday afternoon radio? (Click to play below)
Here's the artwork from my Rainy in São Paulo Mix… Head over to Soundcloud to have a listen.
A video posted by Gilles Peterson (@gillespeterson) on Nov 10, 2015 at 9:47am PST
@dadsdiscdelights / Zoë Timmers
Definitely one of our favourites, and it’s easy to see why. @dadsdiscdelights is an endearing insight into one of the most comprehensive collections on the planet, complete with reviews for each record featured. Sadly, Dad passed away last year, though the account lives on thanks to the help of daughter Zoë (who you can follow @zobolondon)
A video posted by @dadsdiscdelights on Jan 9, 2015 at 12:41pm PST
@pillsforthepale / Alex
Worth a follow on sheer vinyl volume alone. Expect to be blasted with walls, and walls, and walls of vinyl. Expect the odd recommendation & competition too.
A photo posted by Alex (@pillsforthepale) on Nov 3, 2015 at 11:03pm PST
@dj_muro / DJ Muro
One of Japan’s most renowned hip hop producers and beat-makers, there’s a reason why he’s also known as the King Of Diggin’. Here’s the evidence.
A photo posted by DJ MURO (@dj_muro) on Nov 16, 2015 at 7:01pm PST
@stevekouta / Steve Kouta
New on the scene and turning heads, @SteveKouta brings an unparalleled professional aesthetic we rarely come across. Might be a little too polished for the hardcore collectors out there, but it’s a feast for the eyes nonetheless.
A photo posted by stevekouta (@stevekouta) on Oct 31, 2015 at 3:39pm PDT
@soulmining / Frank Neu
The turntable takes centre stage here – a beautiful Micro Seiki setup photographed well and surrounded by a varied mix of quality releases. There are worse things to wake-up to of a morning.
A photo posted by Frank Neu (@soulmining) on Nov 22, 2015 at 10:12pm PST
@what_can_brown / Christopher Brown
If jazz is your thing than you’ll like @what_can_brown, a constant stream of classic and rare records from swing to avant garde.
A photo posted by Christopher Brown (@what_can_brown) on Nov 5, 2015 at 1:01pm PST
@rosspara / Para Para
A bit of everything here with @RossPara – not only is his collection varied but he posts-up an engaging mix of videos (with audio), digging shots and straight-up sleeve shots.
A video posted by Para (@rosspara) on Nov 5, 2015 at 4:12am PST
@soundtracksunday / Scott Flanagin
Everything a record collection feed should be. A constant stream of quality shots of quality releases.
A photo posted by Scott Flanagin (@soundtracksunday) on Nov 26, 2015 at 5:39am PST
@noblerecords / Noble Records
The Discogs of instagram. @Noblerecords post up records to buy and delete the photo when it’s sold. On top of that, the feed is worth a follow for sheer scope and size of the records featured alone.
A photo posted by Noble Records (@noblerecords) on Jun 16, 2015 at 4:34pm PDT
@cratedigger / Crate Digger
Respected Dutch collector posting an intimidating mix of quality records. If you can ignore the cringe shots of girls holding records, the account is worth a follow.
A photo posted by Art of Diggin' (@cratedigger) on Nov 23, 2015 at 7:02am PST
@fleamarketfunk / DJ Prestige
The man behind the fine blog Flea Market Funk, DJ Prestige presents a cache of rare and not so rare finds from across the soul-jazz-funk spectrum. One for the regular updates.
A photo posted by DJ Prestige (@fleamarketfunk) on Nov 7, 2015 at 11:16am PST
@waxcollective / Wax Collective
In here for aesthetics; @waxcollective doesn’t boast a collection of considerable breadth (yet), but the impressive look of the feed can’t be denied, nor can the focus on new records.
A photo posted by WAX COLLECTIVE (@waxcollective) on Aug 19, 2015 at 1:56am PDT
@ohmsweetohm / Øhm Sweet Øhm
Crate digging and craft beer… What’s not to like? Some of the best on-location digging shots you’ll see.
Get your hands dirty. #cratedigger @reporecords
A photo posted by Øhm Sweet Øhm (@ohmsweetohm) on Nov 16, 2015 at 2:59pm PST
