Arts & Culture Top Ten with Wendel Patrick The musician and Peabody professor shares his favorite things. By Lauren Bell | October 2017 I bought my record player two years ago. I grew up listening to records and missed that analog sound. The crackles and warmth remind me of when I used to listen to records on my dad’s record player back in the day. I mixed my early albums on headphones because I couldn’t afford monitors or speakers. Even now I do most of my work with headphones. I put them on and I’m immediately somewhere else. I collect my favorite and most influential albums on vinyl. I love seeing the artwork and reading the liner notes. You don’t get that experience today with MP3s and streaming files. I’ve always played sports and been active. When I’m on the road, I love to go for long walks to explore new places, and I like to be able to sneak in a spur-of-the-moment run or trip to the gym. I love to travel, and this allows me to explore places I’ve always wanted to see. My piano was first thing I acquired when I moved into my first apartment, and the first substantial thing I ever bought. I play Frisbee with my dog in the park almost every afternoon. I never really played Frisbee until I had him. Now it’s one of my favorite parts of our day. Roti is probably my favorite food, and also a (very tasty) connection to my Caribbean heritage. I’ve had this miniature MIDI keyboard since 2010. It has allowed me to compose on airplanes, in hotels. . . I’ve used this to make so much music in the most remote places. Photography is a passion of mine. I take my camera wherever I can. Taking photographs gives me peace, and a creative outlet when I’m not making music.