Meet Joe: Record Collector, DJ, Powerlifter, Mets / Knicks Fan

HRSC
2 hours ago
2 min read

Hailing from New York, Joe has been DJing since a chance invite from a record shop owner turned into a regular spot. Since then he's built a collection that spans genres, a career in competitive powerlifting, and a proper soft spot for Manchester.

We caught up with him ahead of his visit to talk rare finds, Suavecito Souldies in Oakland, and why he's already planning a trip to Kingbee Records.

Thanks for agreeing to chat with us. How's it going? What have you been up to lately?

My pleasure, happy to be chatting! Things are going well, I'm busy this summer running my businesses and parenting. I'm still finding time though to get a dig in and find some rares when I can.

When did you start DJing?

I can't remember precisely, but sometime around 2009-2010. I frequently visited a local record store called Big City in Manhattan, and the owner, Jared, invited me to play one night at a spot called Savalas in Brooklyn. Without him I probably wouldn't have ever been involved.

Joe (left)

Other than collecting records, what else are you into?

I spend a lot of time with my family and friends. I'm big on travelling — I've been to the UK and Japan many, many times. I'm heavily involved in lifting weights and competitive powerlifting, which is also my profession. I'm passionate about sports, particularly the Knicks, the Mets and Newcastle Utd.

What are you looking forward to most about coming to Manchester?

I love Manchester, every single time I've been there it's been an absolute rager. The people are incredible, the city is beautiful. I'm looking forward to going back to Bundobust and Kingbee Records if I have time. I'm travelling with a couple of friends who are City fans - maybe a visit to the Etihad. Mostly the weekender, seeing friends and sharing records with some heads.

When it comes to seeking out records, what's been your best recent find?

Oh, that's a tough one, as I collect many genres. Broadly, a mint copy of Sun Ra's Nubians of Plutonia on Saturn. 45s though, I've had a lot of really good scores the past year: Delegates of Soul, Melvin Brown, Clara Hardy, Lisa Warrington - those are some standouts.

What has been your most memorable night as a DJ or a punter?

The best nights have always been when I've DJed Suavecito Souldies in Oakland with my very close mate Rene. The vibe, the people, the scene. No real pretense to it, just people enjoying music and culture on a deep level. It really doesn't get any better for me, personally.

See you in Manchester, cheers Joe!