Colin Coogan, Senior Creative Strategist at Antfood has over 10 years of experience in sonic branding. A lifelong musician, he leverages knowledge of psychology, brand strategy, and music to build comprehensive sonic identities and experiences. He lives in Brooklyn with his partner and two unusually large cats.

How many records do you own?

Around 100 records.

What’s the first record you bought consciously?

I collected a lot of dollar bin records before seeking out Kind of Blue by Miles Davis which was the first record I wanted to own specifically on vinyl.

What’s your favourite album art?

7 - Beach House or Bitches Brew - Miles Davis.

7 - Beach House

Which record would you say is your cornerstone album in your collection?

Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven - Godspeed You! Black Emperor.

Which album was the first one you formed a serious connection to and opened your interest in music?

When I was in the 6th grade, my friend lent me Experience Hendrix: The Best of Jimi Hendrix. Essentially, this inspired me to learn to play the guitar and it’s how I really got into music. Even though he’s widely considered the best guitarist of all time, I still think he’s underrated! He is so influential and listening to the radio today, you’re more likely to hear a riff that sounds like one of his than something by The Beatles or Beach Boys.

Which record did you buy most recently, and what’s up next?

Last Record: Once Twice Melody by Beach House Next Record: Ants From Up There by Black Country, New Road. It’s an indie rock record that takes me back to when I was in college but without the whimsy of the indie tracks at the time. I like to buy vinyl from smaller up-and-coming bands, it’s the best way to support them as it is a major source of income for them, particularly as they earn so little from streaming.

If you could only recommend one album to friends for the rest of your life, what would it be?

In Rainbows - Radiohead. It’s just a perfect album.

What is the most valuable album you own?

I haven’t paid for a lot of vintage albums, but I stole a few from my dad’s collection some years ago. so I have some original pressings of London Calling by The Clash and Low by David Bowie.

Do you have a favourite record store?

Dream Fishing Tackle, in Greenpoint, NY.

When you walk in, it is packed with loud & obnoxious retro and 80’s furniture. There is a record collection in the back of the shop and it has a lot of punk, post-punk, new wave records etc. It isn’t the biggest, but I like that it is low-key, a bit grungier than other record stores and its collection speaks to me.

Colin’s Record Collection

Why do you still collect records?

For me, collecting vinyl serves the same need that I imagine collecting sneakers holds for others - it’s like the music nerd equivalent. I’m not a purist when it comes to sound quality or anything but I like to listen to albums back to back. It’s like a ritual to listen to a record in full. I think the death of the album is exaggerated - there are plenty of new albums coming out that are really well put together and thoughtful. There is something inherent about the album that makes it persist.

I also love the album art - I tend to put the sleeve of the record I’m listening to on a shelf by my collection and it’s great that it doubles as a bit of art or conversation piece.