top of page
GRAHAM MOCKLER
@gingerzoso
Graham resides in the North East of England like myself, albeit down the road from me in Middlesborough, and his collection has been accumulated over the last decade or so which is an impressive feat as at his last count he has around 1600 records in what he calls his “YELLOW CUBES OF SEXYNESS.”
Looking through his collection its apparent he has obsessions with certain artists of whom he has amassed a number of records by including original presses, modern represses and even Japanese presses. Stand out acquisitions of Led Zeppelin & Pink Floyd records grace his cubes, including various presses of Pink Floyd’s “Animals” which Graham quotes as his favourite record by the Floyd!
However, if you asked him who his favourite band was, im sure his answer would be an iconic band from Manchester, England by the name of The Stone Roses. An obssession with this band that even rubbed off on his girlfriend, now wife, who created him a canvas depicting the bands instantly recognisable debut album artwork that now hangs above his record collection.
Why collect vinyl and not another format?
Vinyl is so far superior to any other format out there. Im a collector of most audiophile formats like reel, cassette and some CD but the sound you get from playing vinyl through your system is a winner. Vinyl records sound good, look good and feel good.
How long have you been collecting vinyl records and how many do you have in your collection?
Ive been collecting vinyl seriously for around five years but have collected records for around ten years. In terms of how many records ive got in my collection, its around 1600 Lp’s which is the primary format i collect. I have a small number of 7 inch singles, reels and cassettes that i also play regular.
What about your childhood? Were there any musical influences in your family growing up?
My step dad was a big influence on my musical tastes throughout my childhood. He was massively into Pink Floyd and a lot of other rock bands from around that era and that obviously rubbed off on me.
So, talk me through your set up? Are you an audiophile when it comes to equipment?
My set up is Project Debut Carbon Esprit turntable with Ortofon 2m bronze cartridge, Pioneer A20 amplifier helped with a Project Tube Box S and pumping those sounds out are KEF IQ70 floorstanding speakers. Being a working class hero like myself I couldn’t be happier with this set up. I wouldnt class myself as an audiophile when it comes to equipment however i wanted a set up that was both affordable and do the trick with regards to clear sound quality and performance.
What was the first record you bought?
The Stone Roses first single “So Young” . I’m a massive “Roses” fan as most people know so their first single had to be the first record i bought when I started to collect records.
Are there any artist's that you collect or any your trying to complete their discography?
I’ve got lots of completed artist discographies. Once I get my mind set on it I purchase no matter the cost. My most loved completion is my Stone Roses collection. Now I’m working on Ian Brown solo albums. Only need two more original presses to add to the collection to complete his stuff. Ive also full discographies of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.
Whats the story with the obsession with Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd? Were you a fan of them growing up?
Well thats an easy one! Just play them both loud and you will understand why im obsessed! Both of these bands were the keystone for great British rock & roll bands of the 60’s and influenced so many other bands of that generation. Hard not to deny how important both these bands have been on music.
Nearly all collectors have a specific “wants list?”
Do you have one and whats on yours?
Yeah of course, eveyone always has a want list of records they are chasing and im no different. Ive too many to name on mine!
Where do you shop for records?
Well I’m a little bit of a record shop obsessive if im honest. I buy records from everywhere and as soon as I’m out of town I have to find a store to fulfil my needs, but my main supplier of the black wax is Sound It Out Records in Stockton on Tees. its easily the coolest record store on the planet. Has a great selection of records both second hand and new pressings.
What is the most money you have spent on a record?
I do tend to pay over the odds for some records i want but at the end of the day I know I’m no big vinyl spender so the most I have paid is £170 for a bootleg Rolling Stones “Rock n Roll Circus”, well before it got an official release. I did get the missus to buy me an original promo Pink Floyd “Pulse” for £260 for my birthday about 5 years ago also which is probably the most valuable record in my collection.
How about live music? Do you go to gigs?
Yeah damn right. I try to get to as many gigs as possible. Its a little more difficult now we have a little one but can’t beat a good night out on the drink with some live music to delight the ears. My last gig was seeing Peter Hook and the Light.
You are Instagram famous for those bright yellow cubes. Whats the story behind them?
Well my favourite colour is yellow so thought I’d get some custom cubes in my favourite colour. Think the colour works well in my retro feel vinyl room. They’re definitely eye catching thats for sure!
What do you want to happen to your collection when you leave this planet?
Well me and the missus have recently brought in to the world a beautiful baby girl so I should say I want my collection to go to her but..... no chance! I want my records to be melted down to make me a cool coffin to be buried in!
bottom of page