„I support Record Store Week, because record stores are a huge part of the music industry and I don’t want the CD to die. A CD is a lot more personal than an MP3.“

How important is the specialized trade for you in times of the Internet and MP3, as a musician as well as a customer and music fan?

I think it’s really important. No matter how convenient and quick it is to download something, nothing is more exciting than getting a proper CD with a booklet to flick through.

What meaning do record stores have for the music culture in the general and for your music in particular?

I think record stores play a huge part in most areas of the record industry. For me they have been particularly important as around 90% of all my sales have been physical so people that have bought my album have preferred to buy it from a record shop than download it.

When and where did you buy your first records or CDs and what memories do you connect with record stores?

I think I’m probably a little young to remember buying CDs from record stores but I remember there was a little shop in the town that I lived in. I always wanted to go on and have since shared stories with friends who are musicians about that shop.

What are your current CD tips and which musicians and albums should not be missing from any CD shelve?

The classics like Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, The Beatles etc. should be a staple part of any record shop. These bands and artists have inspired a generation of bands and I think it’s important younger people get to hear their music.