A Deep Dive with Chantif

In a quiet apartment filled with shelves of carefully organized vinyl records, longtime collector Chantif sits beside a turntable that has clearly seen years of use. A disco record spins slowly as the room fills with soft crackle and warmth.

“I don’t really collect records for rarity,” he says. “I collect moments.”

Chantif began buying vinyl in his late teens after discovering his father’s old stereo system in storage. What started with a few secondhand records quickly became a lifelong fascination with sound, mastering, and physical media.

“There’s something intentional about putting on a record,” he explains. “You choose an album, clean it, place the needle down, and actually listen. Streaming made music convenient, but vinyl made me pay attention again.”

His collection spans everything from obscure ambient releases to classic soul albums and experimental electronic music. Some records are pristine collector’s items; others are worn from years of repeated listening.

“One of my favorite records is barely worth anything,” he laughs. “The sleeve is damaged, and it pops constantly. But I remember exactly where I bought it and who I was with that day.”

When asked what separates a good listening setup from a great one, Lund pauses before answering.

"People chase expensive gear endlessly, but the real goal is emotional connection. A perfect system means nothing if you stop enjoying the music.”

As the interview wraps up, he flips the record to Side B with practiced precision.

“The best collections aren’t built overnight,” he says. “They grow with you.”