"ME"TAL 101 Q&A with J.C.
Popular content creator and vinyl record guru J.C. and I go way back. A friendship 25 plus years in the making. He is part of a core group of friends I always can hit up for music recommendations and advice on the music industry. His Flip Side Youtube Channel was spawned from the down time and isolation of the pandemic. J.C. took his passion for thrifting vintage concert tees, collecting vinyl and talking about various genres of music to the web. He's helped to build a vinyl community that stretches across the globe. I figured there's no time but the present to pick his brain as he continues to grow his channel and most recently started creating videos for essential songs on his channel.
HMT: What inspired you to start your channel?
JC: Part of it was that I wanted to connect with people who enjoyed the same hobby as me. The other part was a little bit of loneliness; with the pandemic, I had started working from home and needed an outlet for my energy.
HMT:
 |
| Like, Subscribe and Hit that Bell for Notifications |
JC: Purchase street records are my favorite, no doubt. Roger, the owner is such a nice guy; he always makes me feel like I am the most important person. Believe it or not, my second favorite place is thrift stores; I know 9 out of 10 times, I will find nothing, but that 10th time makes it worth it.
HMT: Have there been any bands or labels that have reached out to you since you started your channel?
JC: Yes, a few have Real Gone Music, Shore Fire Meda, and Revolt Records, but some bands also sent me albums to check out. I have discovered so much great music and amazing people since I started.
HMT: We have a mutual love for all things Danzig (Misfits, Samhain, Danzig solo). Give us a good Danzig concert or meet/greet story.
JC: Around 2004, I was in San Diego, and the girl I was with pointed as we were walking, and she said, "Isn't that your guy." I said, "What guy? And she was like the one you have all the posters of the dude you are obsessed with. So I look up, and there is Glenn. I walked over to him and told him I was a big fan and he was kind of like WHATEVER.. Then I showed him my Danzig and Samhain Tattoos, and he lit up. We talked, and he drew me a demon while we spoke. We talked mostly about Vinyl records and how they never sent him the 7" for Dirty black summer.
HMT: Can you give us a few tips on finding that "grail in the wild" and what is the best resource for finding the value of each vinyl?
JC: I use Discogs for the value, and it seems consistent.
To find grails, make friends with the people at the thrift stores and record stores. The more friends you have, the better off you will be. I have subscribers and friends that will message me from the local Savers thrift store and say, "They just put out a bunch of records." Tons of awesome people in this hobby.
HMT: One thing you've shown me through your channel and our own personal interactions is that vinyl collecting is a community. I've been the recipient of some amazing vinyl from you(I will return the favor lol). How important is it to you to not only source great albums but to also share these great finds with your fellow vinyl collecting friends across the country.
JC: It is everything to me. Finding someone's grail or sending them a record you know they will love. It is such a great feeling. I love getting people into bands they may not know or have dismissed. I love connecting with people and finding people who like Counting Crows and Slayer.
HMT: What are the positives and negatives of Record Store Day releases? Have you found these special releases lived up to the hype and price tag?
JC: The positive is that it brings people into Mom and Pop record stores and connects people through music. I love standing in line, and people come up to me and say they have watched my videos. That makes me feel awesome. For the most part, the records are overpriced, but that is our world. For the most part, it is 90% good, and 10% of RSD can be a pain, but I think it's worth it.
HMT: Colored and Picture Vinyls? Are they worth picking up?
JC: Picture discs have come a long way and sound much better than they did, but they still can't beat the standard vinyl pressing in terms of sound. I don't mind color variants but do not seek them out. I look for the best-sounding pressing.
HMT:
I really enjoyed your recent "ride along" video with owner of Purchase St. Records, Roger Chouinard(Nephew of legendary drummy Bobby Chouinard-Billy Squier Band). Any thoughts on more "ride along", long form videos in the future? Any future content or ideas we should look forward to?
JC: Roger and I have some videos in the works, including a particular Billy Square deep dive. I would love to go to Japan one day and document that trip for a video. I am most excited about a Danzig video with 2 of the best in the Vinyl community, Chris Propfe and Aaron Mutha Alamare. We are going to rank the top 25 Danzig songs after the American albums.
HMT: Lastly, what are some important tips on care and storing of your vinyl? How can we keep our albums sounding great and retain their value?
HMT: Have there been any bands or labels that have reached out to you since you started your channel?
JC: Yes, a few have Real Gone Music, Shore Fire Meda, and Revolt Records, but some bands also sent me albums to check out. I have discovered so much great music and amazing people since I started.
HMT: We have a mutual love for all things Danzig (Misfits, Samhain, Danzig solo). Give us a good Danzig concert or meet/greet story.
 |
| J.C. ranking Top 10 Danzig Albums |
JC: Around 2004, I was in San Diego, and the girl I was with pointed as we were walking, and she said, "Isn't that your guy." I said, "What guy? And she was like the one you have all the posters of the dude you are obsessed with. So I look up, and there is Glenn. I walked over to him and told him I was a big fan and he was kind of like WHATEVER.. Then I showed him my Danzig and Samhain Tattoos, and he lit up. We talked, and he drew me a demon while we spoke. We talked mostly about Vinyl records and how they never sent him the 7" for Dirty black summer.
 |
| J.C. and Danzig talking shop in Newbury Comics, Boston. |
HMT: Can you give us a few tips on finding that "grail in the wild" and what is the best resource for finding the value of each vinyl?
JC: I use Discogs for the value, and it seems consistent.
To find grails, make friends with the people at the thrift stores and record stores. The more friends you have, the better off you will be. I have subscribers and friends that will message me from the local Savers thrift store and say, "They just put out a bunch of records." Tons of awesome people in this hobby.
HMT: One thing you've shown me through your channel and our own personal interactions is that vinyl collecting is a community. I've been the recipient of some amazing vinyl from you(I will return the favor lol). How important is it to you to not only source great albums but to also share these great finds with your fellow vinyl collecting friends across the country.
JC: It is everything to me. Finding someone's grail or sending them a record you know they will love. It is such a great feeling. I love getting people into bands they may not know or have dismissed. I love connecting with people and finding people who like Counting Crows and Slayer.
 |
| Roger and Josh discuss RSD titles at Purchase St. Records, New Bedford, MA |
HMT: What are the positives and negatives of Record Store Day releases? Have you found these special releases lived up to the hype and price tag?
JC: The positive is that it brings people into Mom and Pop record stores and connects people through music. I love standing in line, and people come up to me and say they have watched my videos. That makes me feel awesome. For the most part, the records are overpriced, but that is our world. For the most part, it is 90% good, and 10% of RSD can be a pain, but I think it's worth it.
HMT: Colored and Picture Vinyls? Are they worth picking up?
JC: Picture discs have come a long way and sound much better than they did, but they still can't beat the standard vinyl pressing in terms of sound. I don't mind color variants but do not seek them out. I look for the best-sounding pressing.
HMT:
 |
| J.C. & Roger - The Cape Cod Road Trip Video |
JC: Roger and I have some videos in the works, including a particular Billy Square deep dive. I would love to go to Japan one day and document that trip for a video. I am most excited about a Danzig video with 2 of the best in the Vinyl community, Chris Propfe and Aaron Mutha Alamare. We are going to rank the top 25 Danzig songs after the American albums.
HMT: Lastly, what are some important tips on care and storing of your vinyl? How can we keep our albums sounding great and retain their value?
JC; The best advice I can give is
1.)Make sure your records are clean each time you play.
2.)Use a poly inner sleeve to reduce static and protect the record from scuffs
3.)Invest in an excellent turntable and stylus. It will be worth it,
4.)Keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid warping
3.)Invest in an excellent turntable and stylus. It will be worth it,
4.)Keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid warping
I wanna thank J.C. for all the info on his channel and sourcing great vinyl. Please help and support his channel by checking out the links below!!
-Grownman
Check out J.C.'s Youtube Channel at the following link:
Check out J.C.'s Youtube Channel at the following link:
The Flip Side also has an Instagram:
Also a big shout out to Roger Chouinard at Purchase St. Records, Popes Island, New Bedford, MA.
Best place on the east coast to pick up those essential metal classics!
No comments:
Post a Comment