For any true music lover, the thrill of the hunt is a fundamental part of the experience. The dusty fingers, the countless hours sifting through crates, the whispered promise of a hidden gem – it’s a ritual. And for Asgeir Giskegjerde, known to the electronic music world as A:G, this ritual is a lifelong calling. We recently joined A:G on a special "Vinyl Expedition" through London, visiting two essential pillars of the city's vinyl scene: All My Friends and the legendary Phonica Records.

You can also listen to the podcast he recorded for us:

The Never-Ending Search: A:G's Philosophy

A:G isn't just a DJ; he's a sonic cartographer, charting new territories of sound with "openness and never-ending curiosity." His journey has taken him to play in Berlin, New York, Londo, Paris, and many others. What drives this relentless pursuit? It's the profound joy of discovering those "extra little something" tracks – the ones that resonate deeply and connect with listeners on a visceral level.

Stop One: All My Friends – A Welcoming Hub

Our first stop was All My Friends, a record store that truly lives up to its name. It exudes a warm, inviting atmosphere, feeling less like a shop and more like a cherished community space. The carefully curated selection reflects a genuine passion for music, covering a diverse range of genres that encourages deep exploration.

A:G spent considerable time here, meticulously sifting through funk, disco, house, and everything in between. His process is a masterclass in patience and intuition – picking up a record, examining the label, feeling the weight, and often heading straight to the listening deck to gauge its energy. It's clear that for A:G, every record tells a story, and he's eager to bring those stories into his sets.

Stop Two: Phonica Records – The Iconic Destination

Next, it was off to Phonica Records, a name synonymous with quality electronic music and a pilgrimage site for DJs worldwide. Stepping into Phonica is like entering a cathedral of beats; the walls are lined with pristine wax, and the air hums with the energy of countless past and future dancefloors.

Here, A:G delved into the freshest releases and sought out those deeper cuts Phonica is renowned for. His "playful approach to blending tracks and styles" means he's not just looking for bangers, but for unique textures and harmonies that will create those "waves of energy" his sets are known for. From obscure house to pulsating techno, every selection is made with an ear for connection.

The Haul: A Curated Selection of Gems

After hours of dedicated digging at both incredible establishments, A:G emerged with a formidable stack of vinyl. Each record is a testament to his discerning taste and his commitment to unearthing music that truly moves people. This isn't just a collection; it's a meticulously chosen arsenal of sonic storytelling.

Discover A:G's London Finds!

Moody morning techno from 1997 on Force Inc - a label with many gems 💎

Stumbled across this record in the Lirica Archives section, containing a reissue of an old gem on the legendary Exun label. Quite happily so, as I missed the stock on deejay.de when the reissue first came out.

A bassline driven track to keep the energy steady while breaking it up a bit at the same time

A good track towards the end of a long, long night

Late night proggy electro burner from the Dahlbäcks - feel the subs!

Very happily stumbled across this repress in Phonica, as the old one has been in my wantlist for aaaaaages. Good early Alex Neri stuff

Bleepy machine funk from Tom Carruthers. This stuff slams on a big rig.
Good release overall but this track is the standout for me.

Reissue of the sought-after whitelabel by Darren Roach

Bouncy banger by Subb-An and Luther Wine

Miles Mercer - Control is an absolute banger. Also check out