We spoke to Instagram follower @hammyshifi about his audio equipment, record collection and his favourite album
When did you start collecting records?
I listened to my Fathers records when I was younger. Memories of listening to ‘Alive II’ by Kiss sticks with me. We would re-enact the opening monologue every time. Then he gave me his 1984 Technics stack about 4 years ago. This is when I started collecting my own. I quickly out grew that system and purchased the basis of what I have now from Vickers Audio.
What's your favourite record?
My favourite Album of all time would be ‘From Here to Infirmary’ by Alkaline Trio. When I first heard it at 13, every track just spoke to me, as did it to my Dad. I had so much fun learning all the bass lines and my father and I went to see them live every time they visited Scotland. Many fond memories.
Who is your favourite artist/band?
Current favourite band is American post-metal band Deafheaven. I got into them upon the release of ‘Sunbather’ in 2013 and haven’t looked back. Their songs are truly an emotive tour-de-force that just captivated me from day one. Of all time, I would struggle to look past Alkaline Trio or Big Country. Both shaped how I have listened to music over the years and I can’t imagine a world of music without them.
What's your favourite music based magazine?
I like What Hi-Fi?. I feel they have the best range of articles, reviews and features. They are the basis I use to make many of my decisions and it was there 5 star reviews that led me to the Debut Carbon, Audiolab, Bronze 2s, Rega Fono 3, Grado SR325e and even the Qed Profile cables.