Who are you & where are you from?
My name is David Haffner. I was born near San Francisco and have lived all over the USA over the years. I recently moved to Las Vegas.
What do you do?
I own two record stores, and have for 17 years. I’m not involved in the day to day operations, as I’m lucky enough to have two partners, which leaves me time to do what I’m passionate about: music publishing and licensing. I’ve done many deals with many labels over the years, allowing them to press music to vinyl that I work with. I also have my own label, The Preservation Project, that I run with my friend. The real goal of all that is to get music into film, tv, ads, and used for sampling.
Who has influenced you musically?
My sisters, my stepfather, and, later, my friends. Growing up in the 80s and 90s, we discovered music as teenagers and young adults in an era when there was no internet and it was a journey of discovery.
What was your first record?
I want to say it was something cool, like Deodato or Iron Butterfly or Herbie Hancock or Sugar Hill Gang or Fred Wesley… but that would be stretching the truth. It was probably a kid’s 45 or Prince(my sisters had records) or The Top Gun soundtrack or something.
What are your current favourite records?
I put out “Disco With A Feeling” a few years ago and still love a Disco or Modern Soul record I haven’t seen or heard. One of my first loves was Deep Funk and I still return to that. But, basically, I’m always pushing the envelope of my own ears in every direction and in every genre.
Do you have a good "Digger" story to share?
I started digging before 1995… how much time do you have? I shared the Lucky Dale story not long ago. Or do you want to hear about T-Ray ripping out the page in the phone books? Or being the third person at Eddie 3-Ways? I have too many to share.
What is your favourite format? LP, 12", 10", 7"?
7”, without a doubt. I started collecting them first and have never stopped.
What are your 10 favourite records of all time?
This answer is always changing. It would be boring to find 10 and stop. My favorite record is the one I haven’t heard or heard of yet.
Which DJ gig was the most memorable?
I’m not sure which one to choose. One night that popped into my head, for some reason, was sharing the decks with my friend Lars Bulnheim in Austria. We had a blast playing good records and dancing all night.
Which concert was the best?
To see? I saw Rodriguez play and acoustic set after the documentary about him at SXSW. I don’t know if that was the best, but it was great.
Where & with whom would your dream party take place?
All my friends and family would be there and I would getting married to the woman I love. It could happen anywhere.
What is your favourite food & drink?
I’m pretty partial to fresh strawberries and Arnold Palmers!
Would you like to say something at the end?
