RYAN

@midnite_ryan

Ryan’s collection is spread through many different genres and what was interesting was that he explained that he often goes on musical journeys through certain record labels or genres which I think is a brilliant way to discover both new and old music that you might not have heard before.

Ryan was exposed to music from an early age as both his parents were musicians in bands in the ‘70s and that obviously led him down the musical path himself as someone who plays guitar and has surrounded himself with expanses of physical music for almost forty years.

I’d always recommend following all the collectors I’ve interviewed for The Record Collectors Club but if I had to advise you to follow just one of them, it would most definitely be Ryan. I’ve learnt about so many new (and obscure) artists from many different genres since I’ve followed his Instagram page and I’d suggest you do the same.

Were there records in your family growing up?

Definitely! My parents are both musicians and they were in bands from the ‘70s onwards, so we had records playing constantly and their musician friends were in and out of the house playing music. We’d travel for their gigs, etc so music and records have always been a huge part of my life. I have a vivid memory of being fascinated with the Yes album, “Tormato” when I was probably eight or nine years old, staring at that weird Hipgnosis cover and listening to “Don’t Kill the Whale” over and over.

How long have you been a record addict?

I’ve been collecting music in all formats (records, cassettes, CDs, reels, etc.) since I was a teenager. My wife and I used to own a record store and we still sell online and in local sales, so I’ve been collecting, digging, buying and selling for a lot of years.

Do you have a favourite genre that you listen to most?

No, I’m all over the board on genres. My collection is a mix of Hard Rock, Prog, Psych, Jazz, Folk, Blues, Soul, Old Country, Early Rock n’ Roll, Metal, Punk, Hip Hop, Reggae, a variety of Instrumental, World and Traditional music, etc. I tend to get on a run within a genre, or a label, or an artist / scene and float around in that world for a while, then my attention is drawn elsewhere and I’m off to chase the next rabbit. It takes me all over the map.

Can you tell me what audio setup you have?

I have multiple set-ups and they’re always in flux, but my main record room system is currently a Rega P3 turntable, a Marantz integrated amplifier and a Marantz CD player. These are played through Wharfedale Linton Heritage speakers. I also have a Luxman tape deck and a Vincent 701 tube phono preamp with a Yaqin tube buffer for the digital source, all on Butcherblock Acoustics isolation. I have a mix of vintage set-ups around the house as well. including audio equipment by Marantz, Thorens, Sansui, Akai, Pioneer, and Teac.

What was the first record you ever bought yourself?

The first records I ever bought were an armful of old beaters from our local thrift store when I was thirteen or so. I bought a pile strictly for the cool covers by artists including ELP, Moody Blues and Led Zeppelin.

Why vinyl then? What is it about this format for you?

I actually don’t limit myself to records. I collect reel tapes, cassettes, 8-tracks, CD’s and so on and that's mainly because I’m also a gear fanatic and I like the variety. Vinyl definitely represents the vast majority of my music collection, but I swivel from format to format and collect media and gear across the spectrum.

Do you have a want list and how big is it?

It’s big! Too big, and it grows every day! Social media sites like Instagram and YouTube are not helping either!

Tell me about a bargain record you have found whilst out digging for records?

That’s really what digging is all about isn’t it? Sometimes it’s a bargain because it’s a valuable record that you pulled from a thrift store or a garage sale for dirt cheap and sometimes it’s a bargain because a fellow collector treated you well on a ‘white whale’ you’ve been after for years. I’ve found records for a buck that were worth crazy money, but the ‘best bargain’ to me, is a good trade or a deal with a friend or collector where everyone comes out feeling that buzz.

Finally, what will happen to your collection when you pass away?

I don’t know, but it’s becoming more likely that my records and gear will eventually be used as a form of post-apocalyptic currency in a Mad Max-eqsue scorched Earth, to be traded off to scavengers as rare antiquities in exchange for scarce fuel sources, medical supplies and food.

RYAN

Ryan’s collection is spread through many different genres and what was interesting was that he explained that he often goes on musical journeys through certain record labels or genres which I think is a brilliant way to discover both new and old music that you might not have heard before.

​

Ryan was exposed to music from an early age as both his parents were musicians in bands in the ‘70s and that obviously led him down the musical path himself as someone who plays guitar and has surrounded himself with expanses of physical music for almost forty years.

​

Were there records in your family growing up?

​

​

How long have you been a record addict?

​

I’ve been collecting music in all formats (records, cassettes, CDs, reels, etc.) since I was a teenager. My wife and I used to own a record store and we still sell online and in local sales, so I’ve been collecting, digging, buying and selling for a lot of years.

​

Do you have a favourite genre that you listen to most?

​

​

Can you tell me what audio setup you have?

​

​

What was the first record you ever bought yourself?

​

The first records I ever bought were an armful of old beaters from our local thrift store when I was thirteen or so. I bought a pile strictly for the cool covers by artists including ELP, Moody Blues and Led Zeppelin.

​

Why vinyl then? What is it about this format for you?

​

​

Do you have a want list and how big is it?

​

It’s big! Too big, and it grows every day! Social media sites like Instagram and YouTube are not helping either!

​

Tell me about a bargain record you have found whilst out digging for records?

​

Finally, what will happen to your collection when you pass away?

​

I don’t know, but it’s becoming more likely that my records and gear will eventually be used as a form of post-apocalyptic currency in a Mad Max-eqsue scorched Earth, to be traded off to scavengers as rare antiquities in exchange for scarce fuel sources, medical supplies and food.