In today’s society, the element of surprise we had in the past is no longer relevant. Whether it’s the transition from the radio to the ipod, or your favorite artist having their newest project leaked, it’s hard to experience things that are amazing anymore.
But at 1843 14th st NW in Washington, DC, anticipation is still tangible.
Neal Becton, the owner of Som Records sits at his desk surrounded by history recorded on vinyl. Staples Singers lead, Mavis Staples’ strong raspy vocals ooze from the speakers and Roebuck “Pops” Staples blues guitar collides with it in perfect harmony.
Becton started collecting vinyl albums while in high school and only considered the idea of opening a record store as a running joke with friends. Even after attending a life changing concert by rock group The Who, the week of his high school graduation he still wasn’t convinced. When a dj at a bar he was bartending at didn’t show up, Becton’s growing record collection came to be more of a saving grace then a running joke.
After working a few “regular jobs” he decided to follow through with destiny.
Although he was raised in Atlanta, Ga by a New Jersey born mother who loves rock-n-roll like Led Zepllin and the Beatles, and a North Carolina born father who loves Country and the Blues, Becton can’t pick sides.
“I collect Country, Latin, Rap records, Jazz records, I like it all pretty much the same. Just depends on my mood…depends on the time of day.”
Mrs. Becton is just as musically well rounded. Her interest in Hip-Hop has grown, but as a fan of indie-rock, she’s seen the internet work wonders for all genre’s of music.
…”I feel like audiences, whether they’re at the club, or listening in their car, or on their computer, are really exposed to so much that it gives artists a lot of leeway if they want to do different stuff on their albums, regardless of the genre…”
It comes as no surprise that the Becton’s little girl already has great taste in music. Though she can’t say much yet, she’s chosen her two favorite satellite radio stations.
Hip-Hop and the Grateful Dead.
Neal Becton aka DJ Neville Chamberlain, stays true to the original art of DJ-ing with vinyl and only uses Mp3 on some occasions. To him, the internet has proven to be a gift and a curse to music.
“The internet’s great because anyone can sit in their bedroom in the middle of nowhere and have access to everything. But actually going to a store and hearing something and hearing other people talk about it, it’s much more personal…it’s nice to have other people to share the music with…”
Customer’s at Som Records include, well…everyone. From local artist’s such as DC’s own Damo, to people simply looking to invest in a bit of their past.
Like records on turntables, music makes the world go ‘round. Perhaps, God is in fact, a DJ.
dig and be dug...
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