Crate Diggers Season 1 Episode 27 Dan The Automator

In season 1 episode 27 of Crate Diggers, titled "Dan The Automator," host Anthony Valadez explores the extensive vinyl collection of producer and DJ Dan Nakamura, better known as Dan The Automator. Nakamura has worked with a wide range of artists throughout his career, from hip hop legends like Kool Keith and Del the Funky Homosapien to alternative rock icons like Gorillaz and The Black Keys.

Valadez and Nakamura begin the episode by discussing Nakamura's early influences, including the music of his parents' generation like Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. Nakamura's love of vinyl began early in his life, as he would spend hours digging through record stores and thrift shops looking for hidden gems. Over the years, he has amassed an impressive collection of rare and unique records, many of which have served as inspiration for his own music.

Throughout the episode, Nakamura and Valadez dive into some of the highlights of Nakamura's collection, including a rare pressing of the classic jazz album "A Love Supreme" by John Coltrane, as well as several obscure funk and soul records featuring artists like the Lafayette Afro Rock Band and Terry Callier. Nakamura also shares some of his favorite albums by fellow producers and DJs, such as J Dilla and DJ Premier, whose work has had a significant impact on his own style.

In addition to discussing his vinyl collection, Nakamura also opens up about his creative process and gives viewers a glimpse into his studio setup. He explains how he approaches sampling and chopping up old records to create new sounds, and talks about some of the challenges he faces when working with analog equipment in the digital age.

Throughout the episode, Valadez and Nakamura share their mutual love of vinyl and the role it plays not just in their own music, but in the wider cultural landscape. As Nakamura puts it, "Vinyl is a language, it's a common thread that connects people across generations and across cultures. It's something that we can all share and appreciate together."

Overall, "Dan The Automator" is a fascinating look into the world of vinyl collecting and production, with Nakamura's extensive collection serving as a window into his creative process and the wide range of influences that have shaped his music over the years. Whether you're a die-hard vinyl enthusiast or just a casual music fan, this episode is sure to entertain and inspire.