Elliott Tritto
Central Bureau Chief
An upcoming podcast, entitled “The Vinyl Guide,” invites listeners to a place where it’s all vinyl record talk. Hosted by Nate Goyer, “The Vinyl Guide” provides exclusive interviews with notable musicians, archivists, and doctors about “all things music and record-related.” Guests deliver stories about specific records, the reality of the music industry, and personal insight on how records emotionally move them. Lucky for you, yours truly talked with Nate about his life, accomplishments with the podcast, and the importance of vinyl.
ET: Tell me about yourself. Where are you from?
NG: I’m from Silicon Valley, California, which lead to my first job into IP as a computer engineer often networking with project managers.
ET: What made you want to move to Australia?
NG: For a girl. Simple as that; I just followed my heart, and it landed in Australia.
ET: When did you first realize that you honed skills to be a podcast host?
NG: Probably when I did standup comedy. It’s an art form that holds people’s interest in various ways. You learn how to listen and read the audience’s reaction. Your awareness is just as important as theirs. Much like the podcast, after I’d ask a question or add an antidote, I can tell by the reaction if I’m holding their interest.
ET: So, why a podcast?
NG: First, the podcast is kind of an homage to my late friend, Dan Brown. Vinyl records brought us together, but the critical conversations made our friendship meaningful. For instance, we’d discuss the sound quality on individual records or our earliest memories of holding our first record. He was a good friend, and this is an excellent way to remember him.
Next, I’m doing this as a hobby, not for profit. For example, any endorsements I take in are geared towards anything related to music or records. With that, my listeners are music enthusiasts and/or record collectors. I love my job because I get to talk to interesting people about what I love.
ET: When you interview your guests, particularly musicians, do you come up with questions on the spot or have them already prepared?
NG: Depends. For example, I had Elliot Easton, The Cars bass player and he was a significant influence on me. On a side note, I named my son after him. Anyway, I asked every question that came to mind, including how certain songs manifested and how the band’s chemistry existed.
Now, if there are bands, I’m unaware of; I’d research and listen to their work. Then, I’d prepare questions about specific songs/albums and what’s their favorite record. Truly, it depends on the guest and where the conversation goes.
ET: So, how do you find guests?
NG: Usually, I’d reach out to people or use contacts through friends. Since the podcast’s popularity grew, sometimes guests recognize it and are happy to talk.
ET: So, for new “Vinyl Guide” listeners and record collectors, what are some introductory episodes to start with?
NG: Episode 100 with Henry Rollins. We quickly hit it off and revealed a lot of necessary information concerning vinyl records. If you also listen to Episode 157 with Joe Harley, we discuss what it’s like working with one of the best jazz labels of all time, Blue Note Records.
ET: Any record recommendations?
NG: “Dark Side of the Moon” by Pink Floyd. Just sit in a dark room, play the record, close your eyes, and listen. You’ll feel goosebumps across your body when you hear the music and the amazing production quality.
ET: How do I start a collection?
NG: Any album that you love track for track. After you buy a couple of records, then record store workers and friends will go out of their way to make recommendations.
ET: Last question, why does vinyl matter?
NG: Vinyl records give people personal and physical attachment. Vinyl records are so delicate that you must care for them to preserve the sound quality.
From interviewing Mr. Goyer, I learned a lot about record collecting, about interviewing techniques, and about the importance of vinyl. If you love music and records, “The Vinyl Guide” is the podcast for you.
Email: trite1@mail.broward.edu
Photo Caption: Technique Records customer checks out vinyl records
Photo courtesy of Michelle Castano/The Observer