Le Bain: What makes A-1 Records a unique experience?
Jeremie Delon: A-1 Records is an oasis for music lovers that collect records. It's genuinely a true record store with the organized mess and well curated bins, visually dense with covers displayed on wall and ceilings, iconic to the East Village and pre-2000 New York. With a close ear to the streets, we have an eclectic selection of old and new music from New York. You can find gems if you dig deep. A place that has employed Rub'n'Tug, Daniel Wang, Ron Morelli, and many more... It attracts a lot of interesting people from all walks of life.
Through the years, you have been the NYC center of record digging. Who would be the 'NY King' of digging?
Undoubtedly, Danny Krivit. There's not a week that goes by where Danny is not at the shop. He's the quickest digger, not to mention that he is a very humble person. His monthly storage bill must be crazy! (laughs)
If you had to pick one record to define your mood today, what would it be?
Seven Davis Jr. One. You can just visualize a beautiful diverse crowd jamming to this. Perfect for a summer rooftop party or a backyard shindig, like a light rosé.
We'll celebrate 14th of July at Le Bain (on the eve of the 14th). Could you share with us a '14 juillet' memory of your childhood?
During a heatwave in the early '90s, my friends and I drifted in the streets of Paris looking for the perfect party. The night could have been scripted in an 'After Hours' type of screenplay. We got chased by some thugs on the Champs-Elysées. I then lost my friends and couldn't reach them as there were no cellphones back then – a blessing. I ended at the Bal Des Pompiers in the 10th arrondissement, where I met a gorgeous Danish tourist. We spent the whole night together, party hopping and romancing. Next morning, my friends and I all reunited in the early morning train back to our banlieue.
What is the best thing that happened to music in the last ten years?
Vinyl is still strong in the mist of digital era. As a result, Record Store Day, records are sold at Urban Outfitter, and even at Whole Foods. For the remaining pressing plants, they have never been so backed up. People often comment that vinyl is making a comeback, but to me it never went anywhere.
