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STEVE KOUTA
@stevekouta
Steve’s collection is so big, he admitted to me that he doesn’t really have a want list of records he is still chasing anymore and that the thrill of the hunt for the next unknown record is what keeps him going as a record collector. I totally know where he is coming from with that statement as when you step into a record shop with an open mind, you could end up walking out with anything under your arm to spin on your turntable.
I really can’t thank Steve enough for taking time out of his life to take part in this project and I look forward to seeing what’s spinning on his turntable in the future.
What was the first record you bought?
The JBs, “Pass The Peas” (a brilliant funk record by James Brown’s backing back). One of the tightest bands in music history.
How long have you been collecting records and how many do you currently have in the collection?
I’ve been collecting for around twenty years or so now. At last count I think I had around 5,000 pieces of vinyl in my collection and that spreads over a number of different formats including LP’s, seven and twelve inch records.
Why vinyl and not another format? How did you get into vinyl?
I really love the album format. I love it’s ability to tell a story, or present a body of work from an artist. In this day and age of streaming, I find that feeling of experiencing an album is lost. As for the album format, apart from loving the ritual of placing a record on a turntable, I think - to my earlier point - it enables you to indulge in an album unlike other formats. You’re almost forced to listen to the whole thing, top to bottom. It’s more of a financial investment than other formats, so there’s a sense that it’s less disposable than the likes of streaming etc.
Do you have a favourite genre of music you listen to?
I’m pretty eclectic with my music tastes, and no two days listening are the same. One day I’ll be really getting into ‘70s Rock, the next day I’ll be all over early ‘90s Hip Hop. It all depends on the time of day, what mood I’m in, who’s around me and so on really.
How do you organise your collection? Do you use Discogs at all?
I sort by genre. For artists who I own their complete discographies, they have their own sections. These are artists such as Bob Dylan, Beatles and Pink Floyd who have produced such a large body of musical output on vinyl.
What’s your thoughts on Instagram as a way for sharing our record collections?
I think it’s great. Instagram is so visual, and so is album art. I find it a great platform for discovering new music, or rediscovering lost gems. There’s a great community of vinyl collectors on Instagram from all over the world.
How big is your wantlist?
To be honest, I don’t really have a wantlist anymore. I’ve collected all the pieces I really wanted to get my hands on. I’m more focused on enjoying stuff that catches me by surprise.
What about the best bargain you have found?
Original press of Janet Jackson’s “Janet” album in mint condition. It usually fetches a small fortune! I picked it up from an unsuspecting second hand book shop owner in a country town for a fraction of the value. I didn’t have the heart to tell him. Does that make me a horrible person?
What’s your favourite ever record?
It’s hard to choose just one, as there’s so much amazing music out there. It would be unfair to say one is better than another. Instead, I’ll tell you my favourite record packaging. It’s Jerry Lee Lewis, “Live at the Star Hamburg” from 1964. When you fold open the album cover, a cartoon map of Hamburg pops out of the sleeve into a 3D kind of origami artwork. It’s pretty cool!
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