Renata is a London-based selector mainly known for her eclectic sets ranging from balearic, jazz funk, soul, afro to electronic. Her musical education started early on with her Dad who was a jazz musician, then growing up with her older brothers she was exposed to all sorts of genres from jazz funk, rock, psych to reggae. Throughout the 90’s she continued to indulge in this manner and listened to a wide spectrum of genres which has helped shaped her sound today.
These days when not busy designing gardens, she plays records at various London’s fine establishments and festivals like Spiritland, Houghton & Gottwood. Catch her also on 1BTN FM where she showcases her diverse musical tastes on her monthly show there.
Each week we will be taking a dip into the crates and minds of some of the digging scenes most prolific collectors.
Got love for the wax?
Send us a DM with your stash to get featured.
DIGGR: What are your earliest musical influences?
R: “I’d have to say Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin. One of my earliest memories of being a kid was listening to them in the car while my Dad was driving. We used to listen to them on repeat.”
D: Who are your biggest musical influences?
R: “In my teens I listened to The Doors and Jimi Hendrix a lot, to a point I was slightly obsessed. I read their books and was just blown away of the fact that they put music on such a pedestal and how important it was to them to have complete creative freedom above everything else.”
D: What is it about vinyl that makes you dig it?
R: “You can’t beat that feeling of finding a record especially when the cover is intriguing, then putting the needle on and listening to it on a nice sound system. And the warm sound that comes out of it, it’s like you’re being wrapped in a cosy blanket. It’s a very personal experience and essentially you’re collecting art really. Someone actually put their heart and soul into it so it’s a privilege to be able to listen and appreciate it in the best possible setting.”
D: Strangest place you found a record….
R: ” I wouldn’t say strange but I did find a nice slightly battered Frank Zappa LP at a random food market in Lisbon. So that was a nice unexpected bonus to go with my pastel de nata, ha!”
D: Name one friend that is the ultimate fiend for the wax
R: “A few name springs to mind, but I’d have to say my other half Andy Bainbridge. It really is lovely going record shopping with him because we’re both happy to ignore each other for a few hours just diving in listening to records. No pressure, just taking our sweet time with it.”
