Published by Leonardo Calcagno
In collaboration with Kaneshii Vinyl Press
Who are you and your current job:
I’m Diane Perez owner of Brooklyn Vintage and Vinyl. My journey started in late of 2015 when I got my Masters in Business Administration and was unfulfilled with my corporate job as a leader in a Fortune 100 insurance company. Fast forward to a few months into 2016, now in school for Doctorate degree a business professor asked the class what we were passionate about, and in my case, it’s vinyl records. I started collecting through my mom’s personal collection when I was about 12 years and once she got me a record player for Christmas that open the floodgates for me. Around August of 2016, I came to the block where the shop is now located to get a haircut and tattoo and that’s when I found the location for the shop, there were no walls, door, just an open space. I spoke to the landlord and saw the space while I waited for my tattoo artist to finish my design and the rest, as they say, was history. On that same day, I told the landlord I would take the space and knew that I was quitting my job the moment I went back to the office.
In which city are you located?
Miami, an area called Allapattah
What musical styles do you specialize in?
Can’t say we specialize in one particular style, we try to have a good mix of various styles of music. Unfortunately, we don’t carry any punk or metal.
Can you give a small tour of the music scene in your town?
I think our city is mainly known for DJ’s spinning house and hip-hop, however, I’m seeing more and more events with live bands. I’m happy that’s occurring as this builds a community with a well-rounded balance for both DJ’s and Musicians.
What’s it like working in a record shop?
Amazing, a dream come true! Every day is a discovery learning about artists and all sorts of different styles of music.
What mind-blowing album are you listing right now?
I recently acquired a Latin collection and I can’t say I have a favorite album, however, from that collection, there were Cumbia albums. Cumbia is a style of music from Colombia and it most definitely gets me going in great spirits. Some of the albums are Cumbia and Salsa so they are packed with dance tracks, pure heat.
What does it take for an indie record shop to survive?
We have only been in business for a year and a half and don’t think we are fully qualified to answer this question, however, constantly having new stock for customers as well, as great customer service. In our case, we try to go above and beyond with our customer service. We also spend everyday cleaning and re-stocking the bins giving vinyl enthusiasts many options to choose from once they visit the shop.
What does Record Store Day, mean to you and your business?
As a record store owner, the excitement of planning for the big day can be stressful but so exciting at the same time. That day is all about the vinyl enthusiast and what the independent record stores can do for them on that day. We plan on having local bands, food truck, drinks, and of course Record Store Day releases. We open that day at 8 AM and keep the party going well past Midnight, so we highly recommend that anyone who has never been to the shop, stop by on that day because it will be all day party!
Tips for musicians launching an album?
I’m not a musician so I can’t speak much on this topic. I could imagine that it’s as one would approach running a business and although the role of musicians is creative and be artists this does not mean that it is not a business. There’s the music part and then, there’s the business aspect of it. For the business side of things, I would recommend the musician or band reach out to our local acts whom put out a record and see what they had to do in order to get it done. We could always learn so much by talking with others about what works and what doesn’t.
5 local musicians/bands to check out!
1. Folktale San Pedro
2. Spam All Stars
3. Del Pelson
4. Pavlov’s Bell
5. Hometown Losers
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Kaneshii Vinyl Press uses the latest technology in vinyl manufacturing, paired with classic vinyl pressing processes. Our goal is to create the highest quality products at competitive prices, while boasting industry-leading turnaround times. Request A Quotes
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Miami [Florida] city guide x Diane Perez
Café | Don’t drink coffee, however, these spots on are on point:
Café | Pandoree Café
Café | Buena Vista Delia
Café | Cream Parlor
Ice cream shop that when you visit it’s like being at home, they also serve coffee
· Sweat Records: it’s an awesome record shop and they serve coffee.
· Panther Coffee: Because they are local and have been able to start expanding their locations.
02. Restaurant: I love Indian food! Here is my top 5:
· Kebab
· Ruchi
· Bombay
· Mint Leaf
· Cooper Chimney
03. Shopping: I love thrift stores and Outlet stores! Here is my top 5:
· Any Goodwill store
· Red, White, and Blue Thrift Stores
· Diesel Outlet
· J. Crew Outlet
· Marshalls
04. Grocery: I work 6 days a week so groceries get delivered, don’t want to spend my one day off grocery shopping
· Amazon Fresh
05. Band: The one’s for my city I answered above, these are my favorite bands/groups:
· Joy Division
· The Cure
· The Smiths
· Interpol
· Everything but the Girl
Picture of me ttaken for International Women’s Day on March 8th
Photo Credit: John Caignet owner of Jolt Radio…