Discogs Founder Ranks Coffee Maker Above Digital Tools

Kevin Lewandowski, the founder of Discogs, identified his AeroPress coffee maker as the single tool he cannot live without. In a recent conversation, Lewandowski stated he uses the device multiple times daily. At the start of that discussion, he had just finished brewing a cup with it.

Lewandowski built Discogs 25 years ago. The platform started as a marketplace for audiophiles trading rare first pressings. It has expanded into a comprehensive database cataloging album versions, pressings, forums, and user lists. The site now serves as a central hub for physical media enthusiasts, often compared to a blend of eBay, Reddit, and IMDb.

Despite building a major digital ecosystem, Lewandowski maintains a heavy screen presence. He estimated having 30 browser tabs open on his work computer at any given time. His personal machine typically holds 40 or 50 open tabs. He checks X and Instagram occasionally but rarely posts content to those platforms.

When asked about his favorite gadget, Lewandowski pointed to a DIY project rather than a commercial product. He has been experimenting with Home Assistant software to control his garage door and outdoor lights. He described his favorite gadget as one he made himself.

Lewandowski said he wishes he had created a video game similar to Rez. Released around 2000, Rez is a rhythm title where players interact closely with the music. He called it close to DJing in a video game format and said he has an idea for a similar concept, though it remains in the planning stage.

To focus, Lewandowski either clears his desk entirely or changes his location. He sometimes moves to a coffee shop or sits outside to find a different environment. He recently bought four records at Mint Gallery in Portland during the week prior to the interview. He also picked up three reissues from the Moodsville / Acoustic Sounds series.

On lighter topics, Lewandowski suggested the tagline for a biopic about him would be "The Secret Weapon." He admitted he rarely uses memes but expressed pride in one that placed a Discogs screen into a photo of a North Korean war room. He noted he was advised the image might not belong in the company chat.