Discogs Founder Calls Coffee Maker His Most Essential Tool

Kevin Lewandowski, who founded the vinyl database Discogs 25 years ago, identified his AeroPress coffee maker as the single tool he cannot live without. In a recent interview, the Discogs executive stated that he uses the device multiple times a day. He noted that he had just finished brewing a cup at the moment the conversation began. The choice stands in contrast to the tech-heavy environment he built, which catalogs millions of album versions and pressings.

Lewandowski described his current digital footprint as cluttered. He estimated that his work computer typically holds about 30 open browser tabs. His personal machine fares worse, with the founder guessing the number sits at 40 or 50. He admitted to checking X and Instagram occasionally but said he does not post content regularly. Despite this digital load, he maintains that the manual process of brewing coffee remains his most reliable daily ritual.

The founder also discussed his interest in home automation. He said he has been tinkering with Home Assistant software to control his garage door and outdoor lights. Lewandowski described this custom setup as his favorite gadget because he built it himself. He said he enjoys the process of creating his own tools rather than relying on off-the-shelf products.

When asked about creative projects, Lewandowski pointed to the rhythm game Rez. He described the title, released around 2000, as the closest a video game gets to DJing. He said he has an idea for a similar game but that it remains just a concept for now. He expressed a desire to create a title where players feel like they are controlling the music directly.

Lewandowski explained his methods for maintaining focus. He said he either clears his desk completely or changes his physical location. He often heads to a coffee shop or sits outside to shift his environment. This change in setting helps him break out of mental ruts and regain concentration.

The founder also shared recent purchases of physical media. He bought four records at Mint Gallery in Portland the week before the interview. He also acquired three reissues from the Moodsville Acoustic Sounds series. Lewandowski said he still enjoys the experience of walking into a record store and finding a new item to bring home.

On a lighter note, Lewandowski discussed the tagline for his upcoming biopic, which he said 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 that colleagues advised him the image might not belong in the company chat.