Blogging has actually had a positive impact on the way people see me !


How Blogging Has Benefited Me


(Taken May 28, 2017 @ Santa Maria Inn)

     A record collector, a DJ, someone who still wears Pendleton button down shirts and suspenders. That is who I am, that is who Isaiah Estrada is. Those of you who know me know that records are my passion, and some of you probably think... why even bother with that junk when you can go on iTunes and download the song?! For me, it does not work that way. In fact, most of the music I play cannot be identified by "Shazam" or Siri, and most definitely cannot be found on iTunes, you're more than likely to hear a very low quality sound file on YouTube. My own mom, always has told me, "Why do you waste your money on those dang records?! Save it!" To me, it's always like, I work hard for what I earn, and I'm happy to spend it on something I love. When I started blogging, I showed her and she seemed very impressed. For the first time, I felt that my mom was really impressed with my work! She saw how I write out mini biographies for groups who almost no ones ever heard of. She saw how happy doing this really makes me!  These blogs have helped her to understand the really hard work I do to keep this old music alive. For one, most of the music I put out to share, isn't known by most people who "like" oldies. Group Harmony is my passion, it is said that in the 50's & 60's 200 records were released EACH week and only 5 made airplay. I feel that it is my duty to find the other 195 that got neglected, most of these records have their own story untold and have become collectors items. When I decide a certain sound is good enough to find a vinyl hard copy of, I then track it down - which sometimes takes YEARS! Sometimes when I find a record, it may be from a friend in New York, someone in the musical group themselves, or even locally. I then digitally record and remaster each record I find, so I can share it with everyone. Once thats done, I try to gather as much info possible about the group and where the record hails from. It may not seem like much, but its enough for me to have made a lifestyle out of !! I've made many great friends, and of course found so many great and rare records. I've even had the privilege and honor of being a guest numerous times on a nationally syndicated oldies show called "Story Untold", hosted by one of my best friends, PJ Noce. It's an indescribable feeling finding a record you've always wanted and hearing it in person, seeing it spin and hearing it the way it did when it came out. I love what I do, and as long as I'm alive - you will always have your source of oldies with me, Isaiah "Califas Slick" Estrada.


(Me holding the only known copy of this Group Harmony record. Yes, it is mine)
Hear it - "Beneath The Willow - Unknown Group (Unreleased Acetate !!)"

(Hear "Write Me A Letter")

     Fun Fact! The record above is the record I can only dream of owning. I was in 7th grade when I stumbled across a bad sounding clip of this song on YouTube (which has since been deleted.) I absolutely went NUTS over it! I was a little saddened when I learned how rare this record is, however, that will NEVER stop me in my efforts to find this ! I know some day I will have it, however - I just don't know when. 


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