Discogs Founder Kevin Lewandowski Shares His Favorite Tools and Hobbies

Image: Discogs’ Kevin Lewandowski can’t live without his AeroPress · Source

Kevin Lewandowski, founder of Discogs, reveals his indispensable AeroPress coffee maker, DIY home automation projects, and passion for vinyl records in a recent interview.

Kevin Lewandowski, who launched Discogs 25 years ago, recently discussed his favorite tools and hobbies in an interview with The Verge. Discogs originally started as a marketplace for buying and selling vinyl records but has evolved into a vast database covering various album versions and pressings. It also features forums, user groups, and curated lists, making it a hybrid of eBay, Reddit, and IMDB but focused specifically on music.

Lewandowski highlighted that his most indispensable tool is his AeroPress coffee maker, which he uses multiple times daily. He expressed enthusiasm for tinkering with technology, citing his recent development of a home automation system using Home Assistant software to control devices like his garage door and outdoor lighting. He described this custom-built setup as his favorite gadget since it is self-made.

He mentioned aspiring to create an innovative rhythm game similar to Rez, a game where players influence the music they interact with, describing it as akin to DJing in gameplay. While this remains an idea, it demonstrates his continued interest in blending technology, music, and interactive experiences.

On the subject of physical media, Lewandowski remains an active vinyl collector. He recently visited the Mint Gallery in Portland, acquiring four records, and also purchased reissues from the Moodsville/Acoustic Sounds series. This underscores his ongoing engagement with physical music formats despite the rise of digital streaming.

Regarding work habits, he said that to focus he either clears his desk or changes location, sometimes working from coffee shops or outdoors to switch environments. While he occasionally checks social platforms such as X and Instagram, he prefers not to post often. Lewandowski also has a humorous side, recalling a meme he created involving a Discogs screen inserted into a North Korean war room image, though admitting it was not ideal for company chat.

Lewandowski’s reflections showcase a blend of passion for music culture, hands-on technology projects, and practical tools that fuel his personal and professional life.