Victor Kiswell

Growing up, Kiswell's musical education was shaped by his family's eclectic record collection. His father exposed him to French alternative chanson and classical music, while his mother introduced him to new wave, punk, hip hop, and various global sounds. His stepfather's influence included artists like LKJ, Gainsbourg, Steel Pulse, Kraftwerk, and more. Kiswell's diverse musical exposure expanded further through friendships, discovering funk and jazz played by European artists, and delving into underground and small-pressing releases.

As a DJ and record dealer, Kiswell's extensive travels have taken him to various countries. His favorite destinations include Beirut, where he felt at home, and Cairo, which left a lasting impression. Kiswell appreciates the characters he's met in record stores worldwide, acknowledging the influence of older diggers and sellers who shared their knowledge and passion.

His vinyl collection is meticulously organized, stored in his flat in Barcelona, with sections ranging from Latin and Hip Hop to Library, Soundtracks, Euro Jazz, US Soul & Jazz, Disco, and more. Kiswell enjoys making "discoveries" within his own collection.

Kiswell's digging process varies based on factors like time, location, and the presence of previous collectors. He values both solitary digging for focused exploration and occasional group digging for shared enjoyment.

Artwork, while attractive, doesn't solely determine Kiswell's interest in a record. He acknowledges that appealing covers can sometimes hide the quality of the music, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the content rather than aesthetics.

When asked about elusive records, Kiswell emphasizes the importance of perseverance. While some records may be rare, he believes that dedication to the search can overcome the challenges.

Kiswell admires various collectors, highlighting Léandre from Holywax, Julien Achard (Diggersdigest), and Egon Alapatt. He emphasizes the diversity of collectors, acknowledging those with different approaches and motivations.

Regarding young collectors, Kiswell notes a shift in buying habits. With expensive records becoming sought after, younger collectors may prefer digital formats, reissues, and compilations over owning original vinyl.

As a record dealer, Kiswell started his business in his 20s, initially operating from his flat. His early customers included Japanese collectors interested in European sounds. Over the years, he provided tracks for compilations like Dusty Fingers and collaborated with figures like Madlib and Gilles Peterson.

His involvement in Radiooooo.com, a musical time machine, was sparked by the frustration of not finding radio stations playing specific eras or genres on demand. The platform, co-founded by Kiswell and friends, aims to provide a diverse musical experience.

Kiswell reflects on the impact of the internet on the music industry, acknowledging both positive and negative aspects. While it facilitates communication and knowledge sharing, he notes the challenges posed by increased competition, escalating prices, and changing consumer habits.

The mix Kiswell created for the interview is predominantly Afro, featuring tracks from Western Africa, including Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Guinea. Notable tracks include one by Poly Rythmo, a Guinean tune by Balla & Ses Balladins, and a lesser-known track by K. Frimpong with keyboard lines reminiscent of Onyeabor's style. The mix progresses from a funky start to a rougher vibe.

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