As you wander through the heart of Munich, you'll often catch a captivating tune drifting through the air. Welcome to Rosental 16, the house of soulful Riviera Records. Founded by David Hornung and Andi Müller, Riviera is more than just a record store; it's a paradise for those that love music. Join us as we sit with David and discuss the ever-evolving music scene, his experience as a DJ and music lover, and uncover how he came up with the idea to open a vinyl store in Munich's center during the pandemic.
Photography by Manuel Schüller
Could you share a bit about your early days in the music scene? Where are you from and what were your biggest influences growing up?
I grew up in a very rural area, in the Rhön region of Unterfranken in the middle of nowhere to be precise. I was drawn to my first parties when I was young. I was incredibly lucky that they played electronic music back then - primarily classic deep house. The whole thing already had an underground character back then, as the events usually took place in abandoned halls or barns etc. and mainly vinyl was played here. That really inspired me back then. And since there wasn't as much on offer here as in the big cities, I started organising these kinds of non-commercial events with my friends quite early on. .
Your renowned record store, Riviera Records, has become a beloved spot in Munich for music lovers. Could you share the inspiration behind the decision to open the store and delve into the concept that defines Riviera Records?
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Andi, because without him the project would probably never have come about. I've had the idea of opening a record store in my head for a long time. However, I always lacked the final conviction to put it into practice. When I talked to Andi about it, it suddenly happened very quickly and we said - let's do it! Our approach was to create a place where everyone is welcome - the friendly record store, so to speak. We also worked out the idea in Italy and found the name fitting. Who doesn't feel at home on the Riviera? This attitude to life is also reflected in our store. .
Opening Riviera Records in 2020, amid a global pandemic, was, to say the least, unconventional. However, in an interview, you mentioned that, surprisingly, that was the best time to open a record shop. Can you elaborate on the reasons behind your perception that this particular period was optimal for launching a physical music store, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic?
Riviera Records initially launched as a pop-up in November 2020 in the Dreimühlenviertel in Munich in the middle of the pandemic with lockdown restrictions and limited visitor numbers for stores and so on. The worst possible time, you might think. But we saw it the other way around and missed the lack of opportunities to meet up. Sharing music but also simply talking, getting to know new people. That was possible despite the restrictions. We got to know a lot of lovely people who then confirmed us in what we were doing. That's why we decided to continue and ended up at Rosental 16 in Munich. Meanwhile I’m running this shop with Max and Jonas and a wonderful team and we see it grows - that’s the best motivation for all of us.
The resurgence of vinyl records is undeniable, with reports indicating that they have outsold CDs for the first time since 1987. As a DJ that has experimented with both digital and analog formats, why do you think people are still drawn to the tactile and physical experience of vinyl records, even in a digital age where convenience and speed are prioritized?
First of all, I think it's good that digital formats have democratized electronic music and made it easier to access. When it comes to DJing, I definitely belong to the vinyl faction. But for me personally, there are several reasons for this. First of all, vinyl is much more tangible and I can work with it much more intuitively. Digital music is also a bit inflationary. You can easily bring thousands of tracks with you on a flash drive. With a record case, you might have 60 records with you. This also prepares you for the evening in a completely different way. The biggest point for me, however, is the fun factor. Personally, I miss the challenge of digital mixing. But in general, I would say that buying records and then putting them on your shelf is a bit more individual than downloading a track.
In an industry where personal branding often takes the spotlight, you prefer a more understated approach. How do you maintain authenticity in your music and presence without succumbing to the pressures of self-promotion?
To be honest, I have to admit that I am often at odds with myself. The best advertising for yourself is actually to convince others through your performance and not through a post on social media that is rewarded by the algorithm. But that's the way it is and you have to participate somehow. Nevertheless, my approach here is less is more.
How do you find new music these days? And who are you currently enjoying listening too?
At Riviera Records, of course, I'm always looking out for new releases. That's how I find out what's new on the market. Otherwise, I like to dig for new undiscovered treasures on Discogs. It always depends on my mood. On the one hand, I look for music that is really made for clubs or parties and on the other hand, I tend to listen to very relaxed or experimental productions. .
"Our approach was to create a place where everyone is welcome - the friendly record store, so to speak. Who doesn't feel at home on the Riviera? This attitude to life is also reflected in our store"