At 360°Sound, we’re passionate about the compact disc. We believe that today, over four decades after its introduction, the CD remains an exceptional format that’s perfect for collector-minded music fanatics. That’s why in 2021 we started CD Junkies, an interview series that spotlights CD collectors from around the world.
Our newest junkie is Rogelio Ramirez. The 29-year-old, who hails from San Juan, Philippines, has worked at the CD Bin store in Manila since 2011. He has operated the store online for the last 10 years. In this interview, Ramirez discusses his favorite genres, popular CDs in the Philippines, the future of the CD, and more.
360°Sound: How long have you been collecting CDs? Do you remember the first CD you ever bought?
Rogelio Ramirez: I started collecting around 2014. The first CD that I bought from another collector is 6cyclemind’s Panorama. They were the first local band that I saw in our province in 2006.
About how many CDs are in your collection?
I haven’t really counted it, but I think it’s up to 2,800 as of now.
What do you love about the CD format?
It’s the cheapest and most convenient format, and I collect mostly late ‘80s to late ‘90s bands and artists.
What are some of the recent best-selling CDs at CD Bin?
We don’t have multiple copies of one album, so I think I should just go to the most sellable genre, which is new wave.
What are some of your favorite genres?
Favorite genre is indie rock. Fave subgenres are shoegaze, dream pop, twee pop, noise-rock, slowcore, post-rock, math rock, and Krautrock.
What CDs are at the top of your want list?
The only CD that I have been looking for until now since discovering them is Low’s I Could Live in Hope (1994). I love you in heaven, Mimi Parker. It’s quite rare here in Manila, and it’s pricey on Discogs and other online sites. So, my only “Hope” is that they will reissue it again on CD and vinyl.
How do you feel about the future of the CD? Do you think we will see a CD revival?
Based on my observations here at CD Bin, I think the future is bright because I always have younger kids who shop here.
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