INTRODUCING: Tito from Rebel Soul Records

We talked to Tito Tafa of Auckland’s sweet new record joint, Rebel Soul Records about whats in store, his taste in music and how he got into the record game. Rebel Soul sits in the heart of Auckland’s music culture in Samoa House Arcade at 283 Karangahape Rd.

Let’s start from the beginning.  Tell us who you are and where you’re from?
Tito Tafa, NORTHLAND. Born in Waipu, raised in Whangarei and educated Auckland.

Before opening a record store, what were you doing?
Events from the technical operations side, sound, vision and lighting.

Why did you decide to open Rebel Soul Records?
I always wanted to open a record store and had the chance so I was not going to live in regret. Record shops were always my favourite places, not just to purchase (records) but to explore and learn new and different music. 

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced so far with the store?
Getting known and then getting a flow of quality records through the shop, not just the well known and genre classics but new interesting and rare titles. So I try to keep 6 crates of new release and re-issues and the rest are pre-loved.

What style of music does Rebel Soul specialise in? Do you cater for a particular niche?
Tend to be influenced by what you love yourself which for me is Jazz, Blues, Soul, Funk, Disco, Punk and Hip Hop but the shop definitely caters for all tastes from Rock and Metal to Electronica and Drum and Bass. Always pays to have a healthy dose of Pop as well which is filed under the decade 70’s, 80’s etc.

What was the first record you bought?
I started with cassette tapes rather than records. Donna Summer, Earth Wind and Fire and Michael Jackson probably amongst the first. Mixtapes rule! My bombox was my studio, with aux in, mic in and dual tape. Records came soon after.

What is the most prized piece of vinyl in your collection and what does it mean to you?
At the moment its Love. Power. Peace by James Brown. It’s an epic 3LP live recording of a Paris concert from 1971.

What record has always eluded you? What is #1 on your wish list?
It would probably be the original release of L.A.M.F by The Heartbreakers from 1977, the only release from the remnants of the New York Dolls.

What can we expect in the future form Rebel Soul Records?
More great records, more super events, maybe a local release, more music more life.

You can find out more about Rebel Soul Records by visiting the facebook page HERE or the website HERE.