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MELANIE SCHMIEDEL
@melvitli
After speaking with Melanie, it’s clear that music has been around her for her whole life and her parents introduced her to some of the musical greats which sparked her interest in collecting records and listening to music relentlessly which is usually how collectors start on their vinyl journey.
I’ve enjoyed Melanie’s Instagram feed for a number of years and her taste in my music is impeccable (not just because she is a Springsteen fan) but she’s always digging out interesting records from her collection and I’m always discovering new music because of it.
Were there records in your family house growing up at all?
Yes there were. Overall, we are quite the musical family and my mother sang in a band and plays various instruments. I got to know Bruce Springsteen’s music through my father, and we saw him live together many times. When it comes to records though, I had no turntable so my sister used to copy music onto tapes for me in exchange for all sorts of odds & ends. I play the drums myself and in my youth I had piano lessons for a few years but I came to realise I much prefer the drums and percussion! So I suppose each member of my family helped me along on my vinyl journey.
How many records do you have?
I own about 1,800 records with a number of records that are currently on their way to me or that I have pre ordered. It’s getting more and more and once you start buying records you can’t stop. I do not own that many CDs and for some reason I never got that format.
Do you remember the first record you bought?
I actually don’t remember what my first record that I bought was but I’d guess it was a Bruce Springsteen album because he is my favourite artist. I had heard my parents records before and my father is a huge Springsteen fan too and that’s how I was infected when it comes to “The Boss”. I remember listening to an Amiga pressing of “Born in the USA” and the 5LP Boxset “Live 1975-85” back then and was hooked on him.
Why vinyl and not another format and what is it about vinyl that is important to you?
There are so many elements to a record that makes it important; the touch, the smell, the cover art, the warm sound. Playing a record is kind of a ritual and you are not just clicking on a song in a playlist, you discover the full album. For example, many concept albums only make sense in their entirety and being played on a vinyl record. Artists put so much energy, effort and love into their music and we, as listeners, pay tribute to them by buying their work on this wonderful format.
Do you have a favourite genre of music you listen to?
Not really, no. Probably the answer everyone gives, I know, but its true. What you feel like depends on so many factors. There are very few genres I simply don’t notice and don’t enjoy but I also think that music, in whatever form, has the right to exist. Because in the end it must make the listener happy and that’s what it is about! My collection spans releases of over sixty years with the oldest record in my collection being from 1957. I would call it a colourful potpourri of various genres.
Do you have a certain space or room you listen to your collection in?
No, we do not have a special room for the collection as they’re fully integrated in our daily life.
What’s your thoughts on Instagram as a way for sharing our record collections?
I think, the Vinyl Community on Instagram is such a valuable community! I don’t think there is anywhere else online that you can meet so many creative and kind people. It’s a perfect place to discover new music from all over the world, take part in funny vinyl related challenges and make new friends. The most important thing for me has been how respectful people are with their communication. In the past four years in which I have been active on Instagram, I have experienced very few stupid comments or actions towards myself and I find that helps me to keep going and stay so active on Instagram. It’s such a thriving and growing community that I love being part of.
What does your partner think of your record obsession?
Well, we got to know each other via Instagram and we are both active in the Vinyl Community. After having a long - distance relationship for a few years, we decided to live together in Norway. Together we have over 2,500 records in our house (not including his extensive CD collection). So I think its fair to say we fully support each other on our obsession and we both love being record collectors.
Finally, what is your favourite ever record?
“Darkness On The Edge Of Town” by Bruce Springsteen is always at the top. It may be the best album in the world for me. But don’t pin me down on it as this is not an easy answer as there are so, so many fantastic records which I adore and call favourites.
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