In this installment of 360ºSound’s long-running series CD Junkies, Southern California-based collector Monica Lopez discusses her love of compact discs. Lopez regularly shares her CD and vinyl collection on YouTube and Instagram. She was recently a guest on Alex Aubuchon’s CD Collectors Podcast. In this interview, Lopez talks about why she got back into CDs in her 30s, her passion for alternative rock and contemporary Christian music, and why The Who are the perfect summer soundtrack.
360ºSound: How long have you been collecting CDs? Do you remember the first CD you ever bought?
Monica Lopez: When I was 17, I begged my dad to buy me Matchbox 20. He read the song titles and saw they were harmless. After that, I would save my lunch money from school and have my older sister buy me CDs at Virgin Records. I didn’t take care of my collection back then, and I donated my CDs when I got into buying music off iTunes.
It wasn’t until I had my first child, quit my career at 35, and went through an identity crisis that I got back into CDs and records. It was something I loved doing as a teenager, and in a weird way, it helped me find myself again.
What do you love about the CD format?
I find the CD format easy to maintain. If I take care of them, they can last a long time. At the moment, CDs are affordable – new and used. It’s a great way to discover artists and spend time with their music. I also enjoy the CD covers. I can spend hours listening to music and looking at the album artwork.
How often do you buy CDs? And from where do you typically buy CDs?
I buy CDs as I come across them. Most of my collection is second-hand and from thrift stores. Lately, it’s been hard to find some good titles out in the wild. Now, I’m looking for specific titles, and I find those on eBay or Discogs. When I wanted to complete my Coldplay CD collection, I ordered them new off Amazon.
What are some of your favorite genres? Who are some of your favorite artists?
I grew up on alternative rock music: Third Eye Blind, The Killers, Interpol, Postal Service, and The Shins. Later in my 20s, I got into chillwave electronic music, like Washed Out and Tycho, which lead me more into instrumental rock, like This Will Destroy You. And of course, indie rock – Bon Iver, Odesza, Local Natives. Oh, I can’t leave out Daft Punk.
Which CDs have been getting lots of spins lately?
I just discovered The Who and their greatest hits CD has been in my car all summer. They are the perfect rock band with great hooks and melody, lyrics with meaning, and fun to listen to – no wonder you can find them on movie soundtracks. When I hear classic bands like this for the first time, I wonder where have I been?!
Where and how do you listen to CDs?
When my third child was born my husband said it was time to get a van. It was hard to accept the mom-van life at first, but when I saw it had a CD player, I knew I would be okay. Now, when I have to do errands, I grab a few CDs and enjoy the ride. Right now, Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Show Your Bones CD is in the car, and I rock that out! The kids enjoy the music.
What are some of your most prized discs in your collection and what makes them so special?
The CDs I’ve valued the most are not because they’re irreplaceable, but because of the memory they hold and the purpose they had in my journey. In 2003, I was finishing up college, and I came across a Christian rock band called Hillsong United. Back then, they weren’t popular at all (Now, they pack out stadiums all over the world). They were Australians around my age who love rock music and God.
I listened to their More Than Life CD for probably a year straight. I was searching for purpose and community and felt like I found a home when I would listen to their CD. I even moved to Australia for two years and went to their church and did the TV & media program.
In Australia, I was surrounded by the most creative people, and I learned so much from being part of their live productions. I was given opportunities to edit videos for their concerts in Sydney, do camerawork for shows, and direct. I was putting my editing and film training to use. It was all a dream come true, and I met the most amazing people from all over the world there.
How do you feel about the future of the CD? Do you think we will see a revival like what has happened with vinyl?
I definitely see a CD resurgence, and people who love CDs are finding community in collecting on YouTube and Instagram. For so long we have been told that we were hoarders for keeping and collecting CDs when everything is available on streaming. Only recently more people are joining us in the hobby and finding beauty in physical music.
Just recently, I saw a teenager on his bike with a CD player with wired headphones. I just hope we never see $20 CDs again, which we might. CDs are on trend right now. There is a generation who desires to unplug from their phones, and they’re experiencing CDs for the first time.
Find Monica on YouTube. And find her on Instagram.
