Gay Celebs Who Host Private Vinyl Listening Parties

The resurgence of vinyl records has captivated music lovers around the world and celebrities are no exception to this analog revival. Many famous figures in the LGBTQ+ community have embraced the tactile experience of spinning records and curated extensive collections of rare albums. These artists and influencers often invite friends and collaborators to their homes for intimate gatherings centered around music appreciation. From legendary pop icons to underground DJs, these audiophiles use their private listening parties to debut new tracks or share classic discoveries.

Elton John

This legendary singer has one of the most impressive private record collections in the world with tens of thousands of albums. He frequently invites fellow musicians and close friends to his estate to listen to new releases or revisit classic soul and rock records. His deep knowledge of music history transforms these casual gatherings into educational journeys through sound. Elton often champions young artists by playing their vinyl records for his influential guests.

RuPaul

The world famous drag superstar built his career on a foundation of dance music and disco culture. RuPaul maintains a massive collection of dance vinyls from the eighties and nineties that he spins for guests at his home. He appreciates the warmth of analog sound and uses these private sessions to relax away from the cameras. His parties often feature high energy tracks that celebrate the history of club culture.

Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean is known for his elusive nature and his obsession with high fidelity audio quality. He hosts very small and exclusive listening sessions where he plays rare cuts and test pressings of his own work. His appreciation for the physical medium is evident in the careful packaging of his own vinyl releases. Guests at his gatherings experience music through top tier audiophile equipment that reveals every nuance of the recording.

Tyler, the Creator

This multi-hyphenate artist creates colorful and elaborate vinyl packages for his own albums. Tyler hosts creative gatherings where the music selection is as eclectic and vibrant as his fashion sense. He enjoys playing jazz and soul records that have influenced his production style. His enthusiasm for the medium encourages his peers to value the physical art form of music.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe approaches music with a conceptual depth that translates perfectly to the album format. She hosts theatrical listening parties where the vinyl record sets the mood for the entire evening. Her collection spans funk and science fiction soundtracks that inspire her Afrofuturist aesthetic. These events serve as a space for artistic exchange and community building among her creative circle.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga has always credited jazz and classic rock as major influences on her artistry. She owns a turntable setup where she plays standards and classic pop records for her inner circle. Her listening sessions often turn into singalongs around the piano after the needle drops. She values the crackle and pop of vintage vinyl as a connection to the musical legends who came before her.

Boy George

As a DJ and pop icon, Boy George has spent decades collecting music from around the globe. He hosts vibrant parties where he mixes vinyl tracks ranging from reggae to new wave. His encyclopedic knowledge of music allows him to curate unexpected playlists that keep his guests entertained for hours. These private sets allow him to experiment with sounds that might not fit a commercial club environment.

Honey Dijon

Honey Dijon is a global ambassador for house music and vinyl culture. She hosts intimate gatherings where she shares the roots of Chicago house and Detroit techno with her friends. Her technical skill with vinyl is unmatched and she uses these private moments to practice and refine her sets. Guests leave her parties with a deeper education in the history of dance music.

Kaytranada

This producer and DJ is known for his soulful sampling and smooth production style. Kaytranada collects rare groove and funk records that he often samples in his work. He invites collaborators over to listen to these obscure finds and brainstorm new ideas. His listening parties are laid back affairs where the groove is the most important element.

Ricky Martin

The Latin pop superstar has a passion for music that spans genres and borders. Ricky Martin enjoys playing records that feature rich percussion and vibrant rhythms for his family and friends. His home audio system is set up to deliver a concert-like experience in a private setting. These gatherings celebrate the energy and passion of Latin music history.

Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert draws significant inspiration from the glam rock era of the seventies. He collects original pressings of classic rock albums and plays them to study the vocal techniques of his heroes. His listening parties are loud and energetic celebrations of rock history. Friends gather to appreciate the theatrics and power of the bands that defined a generation.

Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X has embraced the visual and physical aspects of releasing music on vinyl. He hosts launch events and private parties where he plays his own records alongside his current favorites. His eclectic taste mixes hip hop with pop and country influences. These gatherings reflect his playful and boundary breaking approach to pop culture.

St. Vincent

Annie Clark is a true audiophile who cares deeply about production value and guitar tones. She hosts listening sessions where the focus is on the sonic details and textures of the recording. Her collection includes experimental rock and jazz albums that challenge the listener. Guests at her home are expected to listen actively and discuss the artistic choices on the record.

Carrie Brownstein

As a member of Sleater-Kinney, Carrie Brownstein is deeply embedded in the indie rock and punk vinyl scene. She shares her collection of riot grrrl and post punk records with friends in the Pacific Northwest. Her parties often involve discussions about the political and social context of the music. She values the DIY spirit that the vinyl format represents for independent artists.

Tegan Quin

One half of the indie pop duo Tegan and Sara, Tegan is a dedicated music fan with a large record collection. She hosts casual hangouts where she plays demo tapes and rare vinyl finds. Her taste leans towards synth pop and indie rock that features strong songwriting. These sessions allow her to connect with other musicians in a relaxed environment.

Sara Quin

Sara Quin shares her sister’s passion for music but maintains her own unique collection of records. She enjoys hosting friends to listen to complex arrangements and experimental production techniques. Her listening parties are often focused on analyzing the structure of songs. She uses these gatherings to find inspiration for her own writing and production work.

Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile champions the sound of Americana and folk music through her vinyl collection. She invites fellow songwriters to her home to listen to classic country and rock albums. The atmosphere at her parties is warm and communal with a focus on storytelling. She believes that listening to a full album on vinyl is the best way to honor the artist’s intent.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan has a modern pop sensibility that he balances with an appreciation for physical media. He plays synth pop and electronic records for friends at his home before a night out. His collection features visually stunning records that match his design aesthetic. These pre-game listening parties set the mood with stylish and upbeat tracks.

Olly Alexander

The former Years & Years frontman loves the vibrant energy of eighties pop and electronic music. Olly hosts get-togethers where he spins dance records that get everyone moving. His collection includes many twelve inch singles of classic club anthems. These parties are a celebration of queer joy and the power of dance music.

Oliver Sim

Oliver Sim collects records that reflect his love for horror soundtracks and moody indie pop. He invites friends over to listen to atmospheric albums that create a cinematic vibe. His appreciation for visual art extends to the album covers he displays in his home. These listening parties are immersive experiences that blend music with visual aesthetics.

Kim Petras

Kim Petras is a student of pop music history and collects vinyls of the divas who inspired her. She hosts fun and glittery parties where she plays high energy pop tracks back to back. Her enthusiasm for the genre is infectious and keeps the energy high. Guests at her listening parties enjoy a celebration of unapologetic pop stardom.

Arca

Arca is known for pushing the boundaries of sound design and electronic music. She hosts experimental listening sessions where she plays avant garde and noise records. Her collection is full of rare and texture heavy vinyls that challenge conventional song structures. These gatherings are for serious listeners who want to experience the future of sound.

Junior Vasquez

Junior Vasquez is a historic figure in the New York City house music scene. He maintains an archive of dance vinyls that tells the story of the city’s nightlife. He invites close friends to hear the tracks that ruled the dancefloors of the Sound Factory and other legendary clubs. His listening parties are a nostalgic trip through the golden era of house.

Andy Cohen

The talk show host and executive loves to entertain guests with his pop culture knowledge. Andy Cohen plays classic rock and pop vinyls during his house parties in the Hamptons. He enjoys sharing the music of the Grateful Dead and other classic bands with his celebrity friends. His listening parties are social events filled with lively conversation and nostalgia.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus has a rock and roll spirit that is reflected in her music collection. She hosts parties where she plays classic rock and country records that influenced her musical evolution. Her home is filled with the sounds of guitars and raw vocals. She encourages her guests to let loose and enjoy the gritty authenticity of vinyl.

Halsey

Halsey creates concept albums that are meant to be experienced as a complete body of work. She hosts listening events where she plays her favorite alternative and industrial records. Her collection explores dark and moody themes that resonate with her artistic vision. These gatherings allow her to share the sonic landscapes that inspire her writing.

Kehlani

Kehlani has a deep appreciation for nineties R&B and neo soul music. She collects vinyl records that feature smooth harmonies and classic grooves. Her listening parties are chilled out sessions where friends relax and vibe to the music. She values the warm and organic sound that vinyl brings to her favorite genre.

Steve Lacy

Steve Lacy is a guitar virtuoso who blends lo-fi production with high level musicianship. He collects jazz and funk vinyls that showcase intricate playing. He invites friends to listen to records that feature unique chord progressions and arrangements. His listening parties are a source of creative fuel for his own innovative work.

Brittany Howard

The Alabama Shakes frontwoman collects records that capture the raw energy of soul and blues. She hosts gatherings where she plays powerful vocal performances on vinyl. Her appreciation for analog recording techniques influences her own production style. Guests at her home experience the emotional power of roots music.

Linda Perry

Linda Perry is a champion of analog recording and songwriting craft. She hosts listening sessions where she plays classic rock and pop records that exemplify great songwriting. Her studio is filled with vintage gear and vinyl that she uses to educate artists she produces. She believes in the importance of listening to music in its purest form.

Melissa Etheridge

Melissa Etheridge has been a rock icon for decades and owns a substantial collection of vinyl. She invites friends to her home to listen to the blues and rock albums that shaped her sound. Her parties often involve jamming along to the records with acoustic guitars. She cherishes the physical connection to the music industry’s history.

k.d. lang

k.d. lang possesses one of the most celebrated voices in music and appreciates high quality audio. She collects country and pop vocal albums that sound pristine on vinyl. Her listening parties are quiet and respectful affairs where the focus is on the vocal performance. She shares her love for the subtleties of interpretation with her guests.

Rob Halford

The Judas Priest frontman is the Metal God and a lover of heavy music. Rob Halford collects metal and hard rock vinyls that pack a sonic punch. He hosts loud and proud listening sessions for his friends in the metal community. His enthusiasm for the genre is as strong today as it was when he started his career.

Michael Stipe

Michael Stipe brings an art school sensibility to his music collection. He hosts gatherings where he plays alternative and post punk records that challenged the status quo. His vinyl collection is curated with an eye for artistic integrity and innovation. Guests discuss the cultural impact of the music while they listen.

Jake Shears

The Scissor Sisters lead singer is a devoted fan of disco and glam rock. Jake Shears hosts parties that feel like a night at a decadent club. He spins vinyls that are full of camp and high energy fun. His listening parties are a celebration of the theatrical side of music.

Beth Ditto

Beth Ditto brings a punk attitude to her love of soul and rock music. She collects records that feature powerful female voices and raw energy. Her parties are rowdy and fun events where the music is played loud. She shares her passion for riot grrrl and garage rock with her friends.

Julien Baker

Julien Baker collects sad and beautiful records that match her own songwriting style. She invites friends over to listen to emo and indie folk albums on vinyl. The atmosphere is often introspective and emotional. She values the intimacy that the vinyl format provides.

Phoebe Bridgers

Phoebe Bridgers has a taste for melancholic indie rock and classic singer songwriters. She hosts listening parties where she plays records by artists who inspire her lyrical vulnerability. Her collection includes limited edition vinyls of her friends and heroes. Guests bond over the shared emotional experience of the music.

Lucy Dacus

Lucy Dacus is a thoughtful songwriter who appreciates the album as a storytelling medium. She collects vinyls that feature strong narratives and warm production. Her listening sessions are focused on the lyrics and the arc of the album. She invites friends to discuss the themes and meanings behind the songs.

Clairo

Clairo has a love for soft rock and lo-fi bedroom pop. She collects vinyls that have a cozy and nostalgic feel. She invites friends to her home to listen to records that sound best on a rainy day. Her listening parties are comfortable and relaxing experiences.

Hayley Kiyoko

Hayley Kiyoko is a pop star who directs her own visuals and curates her own sound. She collects pop vinyls that feature bold production and catchy choruses. She hosts parties where she plays the latest pop releases alongside classic hits. Her energy encourages everyone to sing along and enjoy the music.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a Broadway legend who appreciates the drama and soul of musical theater. He collects cast recordings and soul albums on vinyl. His listening parties are theatrical events where he shares the music that shaped his career. Guests are treated to a masterclass in performance and vocal excellence.

Share your favorite celebrity vinyl collector or tell us about your own listening setup in the comments.