This Tecumseh, Ont., man's record collection is drawing attention from some big names in music
An LP spins on a turntable while a man proudly holds up its cover: the 1979 self-titled album by the Whispers.
"And the beat goes on... Just like my love: Everlasting," the legendary R&B group croons on their hit single.
All of the posts on the Instagram account @vinyl_nights_ follow this formula: Quick cuts of slow motion video showing a man enjoying his record collection in a carefully cultivated setting, while a classic track plays.
Mood lighting, incense and a 50-year-old stereo system add to the retro atmosphere.
Davidson's music room is in the basement of the Tecumseh-based photographer's home. (Dalson Chen?CBC)
"I'm trying to go for, like, a seventies vibe," said Sean Davidson, the 36-year-old Tecumseh, Ont., photographer and videographer behind the account.
Davidson started the account in late March. Since then, his posts have been shared on social media by some of the artists featured, including the Whispers, Kool & The Gang, Billy Ocean and Snoop Dogg.
"They're legends. I cannot wrap my head around it. It's wild to me," Davidson marvels. "I was not expecting this account to blow up. I was just doing it because I wanted a music room."
Some of the speakers of Davidson's retro stereo system in his basement music room. (Dalson Chen/CBC)
Although Davidson is a lifelong music fan, collecting vinyl began about a year ago when he inherited a stack of records from his father-in-law.
Davidson decided he would outfit his basement like a listening room of yesteryear: His turntables and speakers pre-date him by decades, and even the shelving is a second-hand find. A shaggy white rug and a lava lamp were finishing touches.
Davidson estimates his collection is close to 400 records, and counting. His tastes run toward vintage funk, soul and R&B, but he appreciates plenty of other genres.
"I love jazz, rock 'n' roll," Davidson says. "A lot of indie stuff, indie pop. I'm literally all over the place."
Sean Davidson, the Tecumseh man behind @vinyl_nights_, browses his record collection in his basement. (Dalson Chen/CBC)
Professional image and video editing skills are essential to the "cinematic look" of Davidson's posts — and communicating his passion for playing records.
"I always go through the record-cleaning process," Davidson explains. "There's something about that. I enjoy a little bit of work to the whole process."
Liam O'Donnell, longtime owner and operator of downtown Windsor record store Dr. Disc Records, agreed there's something ceremonial about playing music on vinyl, and that's why the format has endured.
"You can't beat the artwork... And just the ritual of putting a record on," O'Donnell said. "Flipping it over, you know. Making you do the work. You've got to listen to the whole thing."
"It's so easy to scan through everything now. [Records] take a bit of discipline."
One of Davidson's vintage turntables for playing vinyl records. (Dalson Chen/CBC)
Dr. Disc Records marked international Record Store Day on April 20. O'Donnell took ownership of the business in 2001. More than two decades later, it's still a must-visit place for local vinyl aficionados.
"I try not to think too much ahead, but [the record business] is healthy right now," O'Donnell said.
Davidson selects a George Benson album from his record collection. (Dalson Chen/CBC)
Davidson plans to continue to celebrate his record collection via Instagram.
"I would love to have collabs with artists and record labels," he enthuses.
He's already done a collaborative post with Dope Lemon — the "coastal rock" alter-ego of Australian musician Angus Stone.
"He's actually one of my favourite artists," Davidson said.
"I'm just kind of rolling, riding the wave right now."
