At Glitter Records, the concept of the autonomous intellectual, as proposed by Immanuel Kant, guides my mission to foster independent thought and critical engagement. Kant believed enlightenment comes from breaking free of self-imposed immaturity—using one’s reason to challenge norms and think independently. Glitter Records aims to create a space where both the owner and customers engage with music in a thoughtful, autonomous way.
Freeform Curation: Breaking Away from Mainstream Constraints
Instead of following popular trends or genre conventions, Glitter Records embraces freeform curation. This approach invites customers to explore music beyond the mainstream. It reflects Kant’s idea of the autonomous intellectual, who challenges the status quo. I encourage customers to discover music on their own terms. To do so without being limited by genre labels or popular opinion. Glitter Records’ catalog of thousands of unconventional and obscure recordings allows individuals to cultivate unique tastes and engage with music critically.
Intellectual Autonomy and Societal Progress
Glitter Records is also a platform for progressive ideas in music. Kant believed intellectual autonomy leads to societal progress. By promoting records that may not be commercially successful but hold cultural or artistic value, we challenge the conventional music industry. Glitter Records is not just a place to buy music but a space for active engagement. I aim to inspire customers to approach music in a more thoughtful, enlightened way. In turn, I admit, they often inspire me just as much
Challenging Class-Based Tastes: Bourdieu’s Cultural Capital
Glitter Records also challenges tastes determined by social class, as Pierre Bourdieu shows us with his theory of cultural capital. Bourdieu suggests that judgments of taste are unwittingly shaped by class. Thus limiting our range of choices. I believe this applies not just to artists or genres, but also to formats. Vinyl, CD, cassette shellac, digital or other. Each format carries its own cultural associations past and present. By offering a wide range of formats, I can help break down these boundaries. All forms of cultural access have value.
Embracing the Past and Present: A Timeless Approach to Music
Glitter Records also bridges the gap between old and new. Some view older music as a relic of the past. Others see new music as disposable. My curated selection spans a wide range of eras, acknowledging that both old and new songs can be equally relevant when it comes to the meaning we make from them in the present. By embracing music in this way, I encourage others to appreciate music’s richer cultural and intellectual context. This approach challenges dominant advertising and media narratives that oversimplify and commodify the past.
In Search of Our Higher Self
Music and creative activities elevate us to a higher sense of self, transcending mere desire or immediate gratification. At Glitter Records, I have come to understand that defining this sense of self through music offers many benefits. These include enhanced decision-making, self-control, problem-solving skills, relationships, personal growth, fulfillment, and a balanced lifestyle. Contemplating music leads to a more thoughtful and fulfilling life. It fuels a greater capacity for thought, feeling, and imagination.
Part of my mission is to help people develop their own independent judgments. The journey toward autonomy in thinking is challenging but rewarding. Especially when shared with others.