The Vinyl Nomad | Chapter 06: Brussels & Amsterdam

Day 17 – Brussels

I took an early fast train to Brussels and arrived just in time to visit my old friend, DJ and collector Alex Figueira, who was preparing to sell at a vinyl market just a few blocks from his house in the city center. It was a sunny, beautiful day, like the last of summer had been sprinkled into autumn, and the city was packed with people sitting outside, enjoying their drinks or brunch. I took the opportunity to browse around town, then headed to the market to check out records and get to know some local dealers.

 Later on, I had arrangements to meet with my friend Christine Renée, DJ and former Dust & Grooves interviewee, for a drink and late lunch at Kiosk Radio, a small, wooden radio station positioned in the heart of Parc De Bruxelles (just a stone’s throw from the king’s palace) that broadcasts music 24/7. The radio station was formed by Lefto and served as inspiration for The Lot Radio, another online radio station operating from Brooklyn, NY.

We sat in the park, drinking wine and chatting about life with several friends coming and going. Lefto DJ’d his set all the while, which included an eclectic song selection and eventually escalated into an impromptu dance party towards the evening—a great way to be welcomed to Brussels.

Alex came to join us, and we hung out for a bit. After a long day, we walked back home, tired and hungry. I stopped for some Belgian fries because I’m a tourist, so I must have a local dish everywhere I go. Fries were mehhh, but still very satisfying.

Day 18 – Brussels

Christine and I met up at Lefto’s place for his photoshoot.

Of all my interviewees thus far, Lefto has been the most media-conscious. As a photography fan and hobbyist graphic designer (he loves doing his label’s graphic work himself,) he was a natural at giving me “money shots without posing.” Plus, with Christine asking insightful questions and carrying the conversation, the interview couldn’t have gone more smoothly, allowing me to concentrate more on the photography side of today’s session.

Lefto took us through his vast collection, pulling out records from his childhood, his father’s jazz records, ambient stuff, lots of early NYC hip-hop, and even some classical and trip-hop records. It was peak eclecticism.

To my surprise, he offered to peel off the plastic sleeves from some of his records, showing a more relaxed approach than I’m used to. In most cases, record collectors are adamant about keeping the protective plastics on. He kept up with this casual attitude up until one particular record, which he politely refused to disrobe. What record was it?? We’ll reveal this in the full interview 🙂

Day 19 – Amsterdam 

I took some time off today and caught up with my old friend Vinnie from Amsterdam (guess the movie?)

We visited our friends Bas and Rooul at Platypus Records, who gifted me a limited edition tote bag. I politely accepted, though it added 150 grams to my luggage. I’ve been trying my best to avoid gifts and non-essential purchases (which include vinyl records, sadly.) It’s been a painful decision, but a vinyl nomad’s got to travel light. I’ve also made the inevitable transition from fine Parisian pastries to Dutch smoked fish.

Day 20 – Amsterdam

Today included a long-overdue photo shoot with DJ and Brazilian music researcher Sander “Palo Santo.” I first met Sander on my trip to Rio. He and his partner, Ana-Lucia (Coco Maria), happened to be there on a digging trip while I was documenting local collectors for the book. I joined them for a day of digging and promised to see them in Amsterdam whenever I had the chance.

Since Ana-Lucia was also in the house on my visit day, I asked them some “couples questions.”

“Any record in your collection that means a lot for you as a couple?”

It took Sander less than five seconds to pull out the 7-inch single that brought them together. We posed for a quick photo of them with that single and then moved on to a deep dive of Sander’s collection.

The photo shoot mainly focused on Sander’s passion and expertise in Brazilian music. A Marcos Valle fanboy, Sander showed me his collection of Marcos Valle records, all five of which had been signed by Marcos himself.

We also went through his magical 7-inch box of Brazilian “compactos,” which, as he testified, in case of fire, will be the only thing he’ll save after his partner and his cat. Pure dedication!

The shoot was overall relaxed and free-flowing, and I owe this to our shared past of traveling and digging together. In the evening, we headed out to Rotterdam to attend a concert by Sander’s old childhood friend, the brilliant Jameszoo. Good times in Amsterdam.

Next stop. London, UK, for busy 10-day back-to-back shoots.

Follow our adventures as told to our editorial intern Vanessa Tirok.