Music has been a big part of Edric Tactay’s life since he was a child. Raised around music, Edric started collecting records as a kid and started DJing when he was just 12 years old.
Today, Edric still DJs around the San Diego area and has accumulated over 1,800 records. Here, Edric shares why music is such an important part of his life, what he was looking for when he was first in the market for shelves, and why Modern Shelving is the perfect solution for housing his ever-growing collection.
What do you do for work?
By day I work as an analyst for the Department of the Navy, and by night I’ve been DJing since 2006 across bars and nightclubs. Recently, I’ve been leaning more into vinyl gigs, which has brought me back to the roots of why I love music.
Why is music such a big and important part of your life?
Music became important to me long before I understood what “important” meant. I was raised around it — it was always playing in the background, shaping my memories and giving me a way to express myself.
I started DJing at 12, which gave me a sense of purpose and creativity at an age where most people are still figuring out who they are. I was in marching band, playing sax and drums, which taught me how to listen, how to collaborate, and how music connects people without saying a word. Music shaped my identity early on. It became my language, my creative outlet, my passion, and the one place where everything just makes sense.
How long have you been collecting records?
I’ve been collecting records since I was a kid, though my original collection was unfortunately stolen. For a while I only had about 30 records, but I really got back into collecting seriously about three years ago. I love all types of music. As of recent I’ve been picking up a lot of modern funk, house, and hip hop.
What were you in the market for when you were first looking for shelves?
I was looking for sturdy vinyl storage that could handle a large and growing collection. Vinyl is extremely heavy, so I needed something reliable that wouldn’t warp over time.
Most of what I found was solid wood — beautiful, but expensive when you’re storing a lot of records. I also wanted a matching cabinet custom-fitted for my turntables and mixer. Ideally, I wanted everything integrated into one cohesive storage unit, especially since I’m working with limited space.
Why did you decide to go with Modern Shelving?
I was drawn to the clean, modern design that Modern Shelving offers — it fit perfectly with my home aesthetic. I also appreciated that each shelf can hold up to 100 lbs., which is ideal for storing a substantial amount of vinyl.
What was your experience like working with lead designer Hailey Strange?
Hailey was incredible to work with. I gave her a simple line drawing of what I envisioned, and she brought it to life effortlessly. She also offered great recommendations on shelf widths and helped adjust the unit’s dimensions to ensure a perfect fit.
Where in your home are your shelves and what do you store on them?
They’re in my office/studio space, holding vinyl records, two Technics turntables, a Condesa rotary DJ mixer, Technics amplifier, and vintage JBL studio speakers.
Are you happy with your shelves?
I couldn’t be happier. It’s exactly what I imagined for my space, fits all my gear and records, and still leaves room for the collection to grow. And the best part — when I need more space, I can simply add another bay.
Anything else?
Thank you Modern Shelving for bringing my vision to life. For those stepping into DJing, do everything with intention. Stay genuine, because people can feel when it’s real — and that’s what truly resonates.
Edric’s collaboration with Hailey Strange brought his dream vinyl setup to life, perfectly balancing form, function, and creative expression. Hailey’s expertise ensured every detail—from shelf spacing to equipment layout—fit seamlessly within his studio space. The result is a clean, modern design that complements Edric’s artistry and keeps his growing collection beautifully organized. Ready to create your own custom setup? Speak with Hailey today: Book a Free Design Consultation
