Pamela Hute, The TVD First Date

“I’m not sure when my love for vinyl really blossomed, probably 10 years ago or so.”

“My dad was living in London in the ’60s. He has all kind of stories about the Rolling Stones and the Beatles. When I was a little kid, I would stare at this orange turntable he had and go through the collection of LPs he brought back from that time. I was too small to really realize or even understand what a vinyl was all about, but I was curious.

But one day, some thieves broke in my parents’ country house and stole some furniture, some gear, and all the records. It was in the early ’80s and I was probably 2 or 3 years old.

Since this event, I believe I started buying vinyl in order to recreate his collection. The truth is I have no idea what he had on his shelves! I remember some Beatles records, and the album Revolver for sure. So that was my starting point.

I also have a lot of Stax/Volt records as I am a huge Otis Redding fan. I love the very raw sound of the Stax records in comparison to Motown. I wish I could do a rock record that sounds just like that.

I buy everything on vinyl now, even recent albums. When it comes to older records, I really enjoy finding the original pressings. I love the idea that I’m holding the same exact record as the people at the time of the release. I have the same feeling about guitars. I buy old guitars because they have a story to tell. Even if I’m inventing the story, I believe some objects have a soul. Especially when related to music.

I created my own record label last year and we released two records so far, two colored ones. I like the fact that you can have fun with the material and make original artworks. Most people listen to music on their phones or computer, and in order to make them buy the real thing you need to make it really special. It’s a challenge I enjoy, both as an artist and as a label owner.

Also, a record collection tells a story. There are some records you regularly listen to, and some you only play once and never again but don’t want to let go. When I go through my records, it’s like traveling in time and looking at my life.

When I don’t like a record or never listen to it, I sell it. I don’t like collecting for no reason. I want to enjoy my records, listen to them and cherish them. A collection has to stay lively.”
—Pamela Hute