-Robinson is the owner/operator of Indy record stores Luna Music.-

 

What do you think most affects which records people choose to purchase?

I think people are always looking for new sounds and new groups to call their own, so certainly the press has a big hand in that. But also sales are greatly affected by something as simple as in-store play; because we go out of our way to highlight artists that may not have broad exposure in traditional marketing avenues.

The Luna crew lends a strong personification to the stores. It’s astounding that the employee average runs around five years.

Virtually all of my co-workers were, at one point, customers — I think that they gravitated to us for a different and unique shopping experience and wanted to have a hand in keeping that vibe alive. I can’t express to you enough how truly fortunate I am to be working with some of the smartest and sharpest people around!

Bob Pollard of Guided by Voices is like an extended member of the Luna crew; how did you become chums?

I’ve known Bobby for about 18 years. He used to come into a record shop in Dayton, Ohio, where I worked right out of high school. He used to come in with Forced Exposure magazine and order records by Das Damen, Dumptruck and Wire. It wasn’t too long after that that he found out I took photos and asked me to shoot the band’s first press pics. The rest, as it goes, is history.

Do you have any predications as to which semi-obscure bands will next make the jump to the mainstream?

I think those Franz Ferdinand kids are on their way and also Amp Fidler.

Who is putting out the best music these days?

Label-wise: Stones Throw, Buzzin’ Fly, Domino. Artist-wise: The Stills, Ben Watt and Outkast.

Musically speaking, what is your biggest guilty pleasure?

You know, I am always looking for a proper soul single, so that extends into many late-’70s-dance 12-inches.

Are there any particular Indiana artists that you see as having the right idea?

Rhymefest — the guy is a star, period.

Any shows that you’re especially looking forward to?

Josh Rouse, Mark Kozelek and the band that’s playing our 10th anniversary show — but that’s a surprise ...