Vinyl Ritual
Let’s be honest: spinning vinyl while editing wedding films doesn’t magically make my final edits any better. The couples will never watch their film and say, “Oh yeah, this cut definitely has a hint of crackly analog warmth!” But I can’t help myself; I keep a stack of records on standby whenever I’m in the editing zone.
It’s All About the Vibe
I’m a sucker for the vibe vinyl brings. There’s a tactile charm—pulling the record from its sleeve, placing it gently on the turntable, dropping the needle. It’s a ritual that slows me down for just a moment in a world that’s otherwise all about quick fixes and endless streaming. That little pause sets the mood, like I’m about to embark on a chilled-out creative session instead of a frantic, screen-heavy grind.
One of the biggest upsides? You can’t just let an album run forever. Roughly 20-ish minutes in, you’re forced to get up, flip the record, or swap it out for another. Suddenly, you’re not glued to your chair for hours on end, half-zombified by your computer screen. Instead, flipping the record becomes a mini reset button: stretch your legs, rest your eyes, grab a cup of tea, and come back to your edit with a fresher perspective.
My 2024 Vinyl Picks
Hozier – Unreal Unearth Unending : For days when I want a lush, soulful ambience. “Son of Nyx" stands out as a captivating moment on Unreal Unearth, weaving together a cinematic atmosphere and subtle nods to the album’s overall narrative. Its swelling crescendo feels almost hypnotic, drawing me into it richly layered melodies.
Also on a purely human level he stands progressively in support of LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and women’s rights. As do I!
Lana Del Rey – Ultraviolence: There’s a captivating melancholic allure to Ultraviolence that draws me in from the very first note. Lana’s smoky vocals and slow-burning guitar riffs create a brooding blanket of sound that’s both seductively sad and deeply immersive. Each track carries a dreamy, almost cinematic quality—an echo of lost glamour that lingers long after the final chord. It's an album that invites you to sit with its haunting atmosphere, sinking into the shadows of its poetic lyrics and evocative melodies.
Blondshell – Self-Titled: Raw alt-rock vibes that keep the energy flowing when I’m juggling complex timelines. Blondshell’s self-titled album delves into the darker sides of relationships, shining a spotlight on unhealthy dynamics and the emotional toll they take. Through raw alt-rock riffs and confessional lyrics, she unpacks toxic patterns, lingering heartbreak, and a struggle to break free from harmful cycles. The result is an honest exploration of vulnerability and the messy fallout that comes from loving someone who isn’t good for you—a theme that resonates throughout the record’s energetic, cathartic sound.
boygenius – the record: Soft harmonies and an indie ethos that remind me to slow down and savour the details. This boygenius vinyl feels like an invitation to pause and appreciate the small, meaningful moments. Each track shimmers with soft harmonies, anchored by the trio’s blend of delicate vocals and an indie sensibility. There’s a sense of space in these songs, like they’re encouraging you to slow down, linger on every subtle note, and truly savour each fleeting detail.
What are your top music picks for 2024?
〰️ (Vinyl or not) 〰️
What are your top music picks for 2024? 〰️ (Vinyl or not) 〰️
It’s Not About Perfect Sound—It’s About the Experience
I’m not here to claim vinyl is the ultimate audio format. It’s scratchy, it can be temperamental, and new records can cost a small fortune. Still, I find that the entire experience of playing vinyl helps me stay grounded and present while I work. When I’m arranging clips of people’s most important day, I like feeling that sense of intention and care. Sure, the final video would be the same if I had Spotify on shuffle. But it wouldn’t feel the same for me, and that vibe trickles into everything I do.
