Gospel
uyb-culture-reel-to-reel
While other kids played football, I was threading tape through an ancient reel-to-reel I found in a box and spliced together nonsense, recorded myself, played it backwards, nearly electrocuted myself more than once. I loved the mechanics, the sounds, the mystery of it. Aged eight I bought a random tape at a car boot, deep gospel from the American South. No idea what it was, but it had weight, it felt different. It wasn't about music theory or fidelity, it was about texture, the crackle of voices from far away. I didn't realise it then, but I was already collecting. You don't need to electrocute yourself, just jump on to Spotify for some gospel vibes.
Use for Nigel's real childhood fascination with sound/mechanics and an early collecting instinct. No notable exclusions, safe personal anecdote with a real embedded link.