Why I Started Vinyl DJing Again, After Years of Playing Serato Sets

For years, Serato was my go-to for DJing. The convenience, the endless digital crate space, the ability to pull up almost any track at a moment’s notice—it all made sense. But in 2017, something changed. I found myself drawn back to vinyl, specifically 45s, and what started as a nostalgic curiosity quickly turned into a full-blown passion.

Playing digital sets had given me flexibility, but it also took away something intangible—the tactile connection to the music. There's something about the weight of a record, the feel of dropping the needle, and the unpredictability of vinyl that makes DJing feel more alive. When I started collecting 45s again, I rediscovered that raw, organic energy that initially made me fall in love with DJing. The hunt for records became part of the experience, a way to connect with music in a deeper, more personal way.

By 2022, my passion for 45s had grown beyond just collecting and playing them. I wanted to contribute to the culture, to press and share music on the format that had reignited my love for DJing. That’s when I launched Mountain 45s, my own 45s label. It was about more than just putting music out—it was about curating sounds that deserved to be on wax, preserving the artistry of vinyl, and keeping that analog experience alive in an increasingly digital world.

Going back to vinyl didn’t mean abandoning digital. Serato still has its place in my sets, but there’s a special magic to spinning 45s that nothing else quite replicates. It’s about intention, about selection, about the experience of creating a vibe that’s as much about the medium as it is the music.

For me, collecting vinyl again wasn’t just a nostalgic move—it was a necessary evolution. It brought me back to the essence of DJing, reminded me why I do what I do, and inspired me to contribute something lasting to the culture. Whether I’m digging for rare 45s, pressing new records on Mountain 45s, or spinning an all-vinyl set, I know that this journey with vinyl is just getting started.