Welcome back to The Unstreamables! I’m Jonathon Townley, and today, I’ve got something special for you—a full conversation with my friend Kyle Supley, a record collector, preservationist, and DJ. What was supposed to be a short teaser turned into a full episode because, well… we had a lot to talk about.
The Nostalgia of Vinyl and Analog Sound
Kyle and I go way back—we met at the “Fruit Stand” (Apple Store on Fifth Ave) years ago, and since then, he’s been a fixture in NYC’s vintage and nightlife scenes. We talked about everything from collecting records to why vinyl has outlived its digital obituaries.
For me, vinyl is more than just nostalgia—it’s a physical connection to music. When that little needle hits the grooves, the music isn’t just playing, it’s happening in the room with you. Kyle agrees, saying there’s something almost imperceptible in analog sound that digital just can’t replicate.
Of course, vinyl isn’t the only old-school format making waves. Kyle even dabbled in 8-tracks (RIP to all those that snapped in the middle of an Elton John song). But while cassettes might be a fun novelty, vinyl has real staying power—and the sales numbers back that up.
Julius’ Bar and The NYC Underground
One of the highlights of our chat was talking about Julius’ Bar, one of the oldest gay bars in NYC and a landmark of LGBTQ+ history. If you don’t know about The Sip-In, Google it—it’s a precursor to Stonewall and a fascinating slice of protest history.
Kyle’s monthly DJ night, After Dark: A Disco Very, brings vintage music lovers together at Julius, creating a dance floor time machine. The event spans from ’60s mod to ’80s new wave, gradually shifting as the night goes on. Whether it’s playing requests from NYC legends like Michael Musto or digging up long-lost disco treasures, Kyle keeps the music flowing.
The Thrill of the Unfindable
One of my favorite parts of this conversation was about un-Shazamable music. You know that feeling when you hear a song and Shazam just shrugs? For collectors like Kyle, that’s the start of the adventure.
We also talked about the difference between actual hits and weird knockoff versions (looking at you, Ray Block Singers). If you’ve ever unknowingly bought a budget compilation and wondered why the Bee Gees sound…off, you know the struggle.
Catch Kyle Live
If you’re in NYC, After Dark: A Disco Very happens Saturday, February 1st at Julius’ Bar in Greenwich Village. And Every 1st Saturday!
You can follow Kyle on Instagram (@KylesOutThere) for updates.
This episode was a total blast to record, and it got me thinking—so much of what we’re covering in The Unstreamablesis about the tactile, the ephemeral, and the things that slip through the cracks of digital curation. Whether it’s vinyl, forgotten films, or weird analog experiments, there’s a lot of treasure to be found.
If you haven’t already, sign up for the newsletter at TheUnstreamables.com to get notified when new episodes drop. And if you liked this one, share it, comment, and spread the word—you never know who might have an unstreamable gem hiding in their collection.
Until next time, keep digging for the good stuff. 🎶
