We spoke to two Radio Buena Vida residents for Issue 17: Hidden Lives about their vinyl collections, uncovering stories of rare finds, well-loved grooves and the deeper connections that make records more than just music.

By Devon McCole | Featured image by Karen Gordon

Barry Rooney

RBV show: Bandolier on the second Friday of every month

Photos by Dan Butcher

What sparked your interest in music and collecting records?

Music has always been a huge part of my life – growing up I was surrounded by it. But it was a moment at T in the Park that sparked my passion for DJing. I was at Sven Väth’s set in the Slam Tent, I was like ‘what is that music that’s playing?’ I picked up a set of digital DJ decks after that, then a record player, and that was it. I’ve always been fascinated by how music connects people and how you can discover new sounds.

Where do you go to discover new music?

I love digging through local record stores like Otherside Records and Some Great Reward, and I also find gems on Discogs. Me and my friends also host vinyl parties. We'll bring a few records and each gets to play one, it gets a little competitive, we’ll share our music and rate it.

What makes a record stand out for you?

I love a record that shows its age. A cracked cover or scratches on the vinyl will be enough to turn away some people, but for me they tell a story. I like picking up records that’ve clearly been loved by someone else. One of my favorites is a signed disco album by Two Tons of Fun, and there’s one track on it that is a little worse for wear, but it just means whoever owned it before loved that track.

How did your DJing influence your collection?

Playing vinyl at my gigs felt risky – there’s always that chance you’ll mess up a mix. But when I started using analogue equipment that boosted the sound quality, it made me realise how much better vinyl sounds compared to digital tracks. From there, I started playing more records at my shows. It made me a better DJ. It makes you more in the moment because you have to be dialed in.

What’s the holy grail of records for you?

There’s this track by Fynness called Such a Dream. It’s a broken-beat disco song from the '80s with these really powerful female vocals. I’ve only found it once online, but the copy playing had a skip in it. It’s hard to justify paying £400 for it, but I’d love to add it to my collection someday.

How does your record collection influence your show on Radio Buena Vida?

When I first started at Radio Buena Vida I was mainly playing digital tracks, but once I got into vinyl more, I wanted to showcase my collection on the airwaves. My shows differ, but I’ll usually focus on one genre for the entire hour, like disco or house.

Susie and Speedy [who run RBV] are just amazing people. They try to give the opportunity to new DJs. I know quite a lot of DJs from there, you end up meeting folk because you're hearing their music before your own show wondering what they’re playing.

What advice would you give to new record collectors?

Always go to record stores as well as online, otherwise it just feels like you’re clicking through files. If you’re unsure about a record, ask for the store Wi-Fi, plug in some headphones, and check it out on YouTube. Don’t be afraid to explore genres you wouldn’t normally check out and always pay attention to the B-side. People overlook the B side, but I’ve got so many records where the B-side is the only side worth listening to.

Marianne Wilson

RBV show: UNI.OMNI on Wednesdays at 7pm

Photos by Karen Gordon

What sparked your interest in collecting records?

I started collecting over 10 years ago. Before that, I was DJing in clubs around Glasgow, including The Art School and Sleazies. Italo disco became a big passion for me. It’s got such a unique energy that’s hard to beat on a packed dance floor. My records are well-loved with scratches and scuffs from club use, but that’s part of the charm. I always remember hearing a Motown DJ talk about how records weren’t meant to be preserved but played loud and danced to – that stuck with me.

Do you have any memories of digging for records that stand out?

Italo disco is close to my heart, and most of my collection has come from online sources like Discogs. I once bought an Italo disco record from Discogs and it came wrapped in a pizza box – it doesn’t get more Italian than that! I’ve also traveled to places like Berlin, Amsterdam, Florence, and New York to dig for records. Some of my best finds were just because the cover art caught my eye and I ended up discovering incredible gems. The thrill of finding something unexpected is a big part of why I love it.

How does Italo Disco feel on a packed dance floor? Can you describe a moment that really encapsulates that energy?

I remember playing La Bionda’s I Wanna Be Your Lover at La Cheetah. The energy in the room was electric. The way that Italo Disco can lift the crowd with its catchy melodies is unmatched – especially in Glasgow, I’ve done gigs in London and the Italo stuff didn’t go down well. I find people here just want to dance and some cheesy Italo disco is perfect for that.

Do you have a favorite well-loved record?

Are You Loving by Brand Image is one of my favourites. I used to mix it in and out of other tracks, and it was the perfect transition track to get the crowd hyped. It has this brooding energy, but also a quirky Italo comedy element with some odd lyrics. It’s one of those records that’s perfect for creating anticipation before a set really takes off.

What’s the appeal of vinyl over digital music for you?

Vinyl has a warmth and depth that digital music lacks. The sound feels more organic and full. As a graphic designer, I also appreciate the material culture of vinyl – everything from the cover art to the shop stickers tells a story.I think a record is more than just music, it’s a physical object with history.

What’s your favorite or rarest record?

One of my favourites is Feel the Drive by Doctor’s Cat. It’s not super rare but it’s one of my oldest Italo records and has been played more times than I can count. I also love the nostalgia it brings every time I drop it.

What’s your holy grail record?

Funky Family’s Funky is On is the one. It’s a 1984 Italo disco track with incredible female vocals. I’ve been hunting for it for years. It's got this energy that just makes it a must-have.

Tell us about your show on Radio Buena Vida.

My show, UNI.OMNI, is a collaboration with my husband, Jack. We play a mix of Italo, electronic, techno, and new wave, and we try to bring in fresh, exciting tracks each week.

Radio as a platform plays an integral part in any music scene whether its community or internet based. It allows DJs to reach their audience. Radio Buena Vida is such an incredible space and part of the music community here in the Southside. We’re so lucky to have such a cool platform on our doorstep.

Listen online at radiobuenavida.co.uk