Montréal Collections: Kid Koala

Without a doubt, Kid Koala is Montreal’s most celebrated vinyl junkie. He also happens to be one of the globe’s most dexterous pair of hands on the decks. Those talents have results in five deeply meticulous albums on Ninja Tune, and two graphic novels. But Eric San’s vinyl trove isn’t your typical collection of music genres divided into regions and eras. Rather, this turntablist’s collection is driven by a search for sounds, the more out-there the better. For our photo series, he invited us over to have a look at his studio, where his records live among the many eccentric audiophile curiosities he uses to piece together his sonic and visual illustrations.

Please describe your collection, its history and its place in your life.

It consists of mainly strange, educational records. Most of them have wonderful stories behind them.

How many records do you own?

They are all borrowed from the universe of used records.

What’s the most expensive/rarest record in your collection?

A 10" custom cut vinyl of my daughters saying the alphabet and counting. They even designed their own center label.

What are your go-to stores?

Salvation Army, Goodwill, flea markets.

Is there a general vibe/genre you look for when digging?

Anything with an interesting story.

Is there a method to find the best records among the messiest, most intimidating crates?

Patience.

What record gets played the most?

Thelonious Monk plays Duke Ellington.

What about vinyl and digging captivates you?

It’s a nice meditative way to spend a rainy afternoon in a city you don’t know.

What was the catalyst for your vinyl collection?

My parents bought me my first story book record when I was maybe two years old.

What is the perfect record?

One that makes you smile and/or cry.

If you were a record, which record would you be?

The Muppet Show album!