About four years ago I discovered Stevie Wonder’s album, Innervisions, which came out in 1973. It’s great, really cool. My sister, Angela, who is 15 years older than me, gave it to me on tape and then I bought the CD myself.

It’s been a big influence on my music and the way I write. My favourite track is “He’s Mister Know It All”, but each song is really different and I know all the words off by heart so I can sing along. I take my stereo everywhere. I’m staying in a hotel in London at the moment while I’m recording, and Innervisions is among the CDs I have with me.

Stevie Wonder is my hero. He and Prince are the two musicians I really look up to because they are constantly changing. Each album they make is different from the last and they are not scared of taking a chance, doing something different.

Innervisions is so relaxing. I took it with me on holiday to Lanzarote recently and played it on the beach. It wasn’t the most peaceful place to be, and while my friends did their own thing I chilled out listening to this album. I completely shut out the world. I’m on another planet when I’m listening to music. And the title of the album is very apt.

Stevie Wonder is a legend and one of the reasons I went into music. I’m 19, and even though this record came out five years before I was born I find it inspirational.

Interview by Pamela Coleman.

Manchester-born singersongwriter Kavana’s latest release is “I Can Make You Feel Good” from the album Kavana on the Nemesis Virgin label