Give us the background - When and why did you decide to open a record shop?

One of my earliest memories goes back to when I was a kid, alone at home, stumbling upon my parents’ record player. Playing those records from Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin, and Fleetwood Mac took me to a place of pure joy and excitement. I’d dance around the living room, feeling like I’d discovered magic.
As I got older, I found out there was a music shop in the nearest town, about 20 miles away. I didn’t even know such places existed! From then on, every bit of my pocket money went into buying music.
Fast forward 25 years, a record shop I follow announced a special listening party for a new Bon Iver album. Despite a long day at work and a 45-minute drive, my fiancée and I went for it. When we got there, they were serving beers and cocktails. We spent a wonderful hour in a beautiful space, listening to great music, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. It was a truly special evening that stuck with me.
I’d worked in and managed independent coffee shops and cocktail bars before, and they were always such great places to be. That night with Bon Iver got me thinking: what if there was a place that could recreate that magic every day?
The idea just wouldn’t leave me alone. I wanted a space where I could feel the same joy and wonder that record shops brought into my life. But Exeter didn’t have such a place, so I decided to make it happen.

Can you remember the first record you sold in the shop? And the last?

The first record we sold was Fearless Movement by Kamasi Washington, which felt so fitting. Kamasi is a modern jazz powerhouse, and his music embodies the kind of forward-thinking creativity I wanted 12 Bar to champion. It was such a proud moment, knowing that someone else was taking home music that means so much to me.

The last record we sold was Plastic Beach by Gorillaz. I love seeing the diversity in what our customers pick—it shows how music brings something unique to everyone.

Do you remember the first record shop you went to? And the first record you bought?

Growing up, the only place to buy music was Woolworths, which had a limited selection of CDs and tapes. I’d save up my pocket money to buy whatever caught my eye.

When I moved to Exeter, I discovered Solo Records, and it completely changed the game for me. I became obsessed with the place, visiting almost daily. It wasn’t just about the records—it was a hub for the local music scene. You could buy tickets to gigs and festivals, chat with other music lovers, and explore an incredible selection of music.

The first record I bought there was OK Computer by Radiohead, and it’s still one of my all-time favorites.

What is your favorite record shop (apart from your own!) and why?

There are a few that stand out. I love the vibe at Jam Records in Falmouth. It’s got this welcoming, laid-back energy that makes you want to stay and browse for hours. Truck Store in Oxford is great—they’ve got an incredible selection and a genuine passion for music that shines through.

I haven’t had the chance to visit Capsule Records in Hove yet, but their aesthetic and dedication to vinyl culture really resonate with me. Laurence from Capsule was super supportive and reached out to offer us advice as we were launching.

What's your most memorable record store experience?

The memory that stands out most is the pre-release listening party I mentioned earlier. Sitting in a record store, drinking a beer, and discovering new music with other people was such a special experience. It felt like the perfect combination of community and creativity.

At 12 Bar, our launch day is another highlight. We had people queuing out the door, which was overwhelming in the best possible way. Seeing so many people excited about what we were building was incredibly rewarding.

Now, hosting gigs at the store has become a huge part of what makes 12 Bar special. We’ve had some amazing bands play, and I’m really passionate about bringing more jazz and electronica to Exeter. Those moments remind me why I started this journey.

What's the best gig you’ve ever been to?

That’s a tough one. It’s a toss-up between seeing Björk and The Stooges at Glastonbury in 2007. Both were unforgettable for very different reasons. Björk’s performance was otherworldly—her voice, the visuals, the energy—it was pure magic. On the other hand, The Stooges brought this raw, electrifying punk energy that had the crowd buzzing.

More recently, Nils Frahm in Bristol was a standout. Watching him perform live is like being transported to another dimension. The way he blends classical and electronic music is nothing short of genius.

What's your all-time favorite book?

I’d have to say anything by Albert Camus or Roald Dahl. Camus’ writing always leaves me questioning life in the best way, while Dahl is just the master at creating amazing characters and stories.

What's your all-time favorite film?

Vertigo by Alfred Hitchcock. It’s a masterpiece of storytelling, and Bernard Herrmann’s score takes it to another level. The combination of suspense, artistry, and music is unparalleled.

What would make up your Desert Island Discs?

Miles Davis – Kind of Blue: A timeless masterpiece that never gets old.
My Bloody Valentine – Loveless: A sonic dreamscape that’s perfect for getting lost in.
Radiohead – In Rainbows: One of the most beautiful and emotional records I’ve ever heard.
DJ Shadow – Endtroducing: The ultimate trip into instrumental hip-hop.
Hania Rani – Esja: Stunning piano compositions that are both soothing and inspiring.
Floating Points & Pharoah Sanders – Promises: A transcendent album that feels like a meditation.

OTHER RECORD STORES