Privia — a quiet companion to a life filled with music
Unkompress is a cozy listening bar tucked away on a quiet street corner of Berlin. This is a place to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and let the music take over. Unkompress is the creation of founder Kevin Rodriguez, whose vision of a “life with music” exudes an easygoing air underlined by a quiet strength.
Kevin was born in Ecuador but raised in the USA in New Jersey, and has since made Berlin his home, where he spends most of his time every week at Unkompress. “It feels almost like my living room, making it a perfect place for spending time with music,” he says with a warm, easy-going smile.
It goes without saying that sound is central to his life. He likes to listen to vinyl on a high-fidelity sound system, enjoying a slow pace of life. Taking time to listen carefully and losing himself in his own space, is the kind of quiet of quality of life that Kevin strives for.
He has even tried his hand at making music. “I wasn’t exactly a hit as a producer,” he laughs, “but these days I find introducing music to others very fulfilling.” He believes deeply in the power that music holds: “Music can change how you feel. Even when you’re feeling down, the right song can help you move forward, it really can.”
Privia effortlessly fits in to this musically-rich life. “It has a touch of shine without being too showy, meaning it just blends into the room,” Kevin says. Even when compared against Unkompress’s warm and understated interior, it feels completely at home, while still retaining its own unique presence.
The modern touches of the Privia such as Bluetooth and digital connections are also important to Kevin. “The flexibility of the instrument means it fits into the way we enjoy music today. I love how both the old and new can live together in harmony.”
Kevin still plays a little piano now and then. From playing the recorder during childhood to using samplers and keyboards as an adult, his experiences have shaped the keen ear he has for music today.
“These days I often find myself introducing music to others. But when there’s an instrument like Privia nearby, I can’t help but want to make my own music,” he says. From the way he speaks it’s clear he has both an endless curiosity about music and an appreciation for the sounds that make up our daily lives.
PX-S1100RD
name / Kevin Rodriguez
job / Listening bar Owner
