After her father Richard’s passing, Jula turned to his vinyl collection — and something unexpected happened. What began as a personal ritual of remembrance soon resonated with millions online. In this interview, she reflects on the role music played in their relationship, her Polish roots, and where the journey is taking her next.
Marcin Mieszczak: Before I ask about your dad’s collection, could you tell me what music and vinyl meant to you when he was still alive? What did you listen to? Did you collect records yourself?
Jula (SOUNDWAVESOFFWAX): Music has always been a huge part of my life. When my father was alive, we spent a lot of time together dissecting songs, listening to albums and talking about our favorite lyrics. As I got older, I started listening to more electronic music and our musical tastes began to drift apart. Still, he always kept an open mind. He would listen to whatever I was into and show me the inspirations and history behind that music.
I never really got into collecting vinyl myself—there were already so many records around me growing up. But occasionally, my dad would buy me a record, and I had a small shelf in my bedroom just for those. He definitely shaped my listening habits. I even had a pink iPod Nano that he filled with every single Beatles song ever recorded!
What are your most important memories of your dad, Richard, as a music lover?
Honestly, almost every memory I have of him involves music in some way. He was always talking about music—whether I was playing dress-up or we were at a family gathering, he'd be sitting with his guitar, writing songs. At other people's houses, he’d somehow find a way to start a conversation about music.
We also went to a lot of concerts together. I remember going to a Beach Boys concert with him and laughing at how these old men were singing songs about young women on the beach and motorcycles. But we were dancing and having a great time anyway.
Tell us about his collection. How many records did he have, and what kind of music was in there?
It’s a really big collection—it fills an entire room. He got his first record when he was five years old and never really stopped collecting. His taste was incredibly eclectic. He was always inspired by everything and had a very open ear for whatever was in the shops.
How did you come up with the idea to create the SOUNDWAVESOFFWAX account and start sharing your dad’s music?
It took me a really long time before I could even step into the room with the records. About two years ago, I decided to start alphabetizing them. They were sort of in order, but also very messy, and some were still in boxes. I got six friends to help, and we spent two weeks sorting through everything. During that time, I started listening again.
I moved back into my family home in April—and ended up putting my bed in the record room, of all places, ha ha! One night, a friend was over, and as we listened to a record, I started talking about how much I missed my dad and the ongoing musical dialogue we used to share. Music was such an intimate connection between us.
Although I can still geek out with friends, his absence is always there. That night, my friend suggested I start a social media account—maybe I could find people from his generation or younger folks discovering music like I was.
When did you realize your profile was becoming really popular?
Actually, the first video I posted went viral, which I did not expect. From day one, it felt like something way bigger than I could control.
I’m incredibly grateful for all the kind messages and comments I receive—people have been overwhelmingly positive. I’m learning a lot about the music I’m reviewing and connecting with people who feel a deep bond with it. Without this amazing and supportive community, I probably would’ve stopped and just listened in private.
This project has shown me how social media can be a beautiful space for healing and grief. I just want to say thank you to everyone who helps keep my father’s spirit alive with me.
You’ve certainly discovered a lot of music while creating content. Do you have any favorite discoveries?
I’m learning so much—even the way I talk about music is evolving. My ears are more tuned in now. When you listen to full albums, you always find something to enjoy. I try to keep an open mind and avoid being too critical—it’s someone’s work of art, and there’s always something beautiful in that.
Of course, there are certain albums that really stand out and that I return to often, but to pick favorites is tough. I’m still very much on my listening journey.
Has anything happened while developing your profile that stands out?
When major media outlets (ed. note: Guardian, Washington Post, Discogs) started reaching out, that’s when it really hit me how much the project was resonating beyond social media.
I also get amazing comments and messages that truly stay with me. They help me through the more difficult moments of this journey and remind me why I’m doing this.
You mentioned in one of your reels that Seweryn Krajewski from the Polish band Czerwone Gitary was one of your dad’s favorite musicians. How did he discover Polish music?
My family is Polish. My dad immigrated when he was young, and he definitely brought a stack of Polish albums with him. My mom is also from Poland. So Polish music was always present in our home.
My dad played the accordion and would perform at our local Polish community hall. We also all speak Polish at home—even my cat is from Poland! Her name is Przemysłowa.
I think when you come from another country, music becomes a powerful way to stay connected to your roots. I’ve been lucky to connect with my heritage in that way too.
Do you have any plans for how you want to further develop your music-related content online?
I’d love to create longer-form content or talk more about listening as a daily ritual—it’s really changed how I move through the world. The way we listen to music has shifted so much because of technology.
It would also be great to have more conversations with people who have similar stories or are on their own musical journeys.
And yes, I make music myself! At some point, I’d love to share it—maybe even press it on wax… hehehe.
Wow. We look forward to receiving your own vinyl. Good luck!
Read the polish version of the interview.
Visit SOUNDWAVESOFFWAX on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundwavesoffwax/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundwavesoffwax
foto: Jula
