For most people, music is one of the most important things in life. It can inspire you, fill you with joy or even make you cry. But different music affects us all in different ways. Each week, I interview one of our writers or editors about the impact music has had on their life. This week, I talk to Kettle writer Alex Ramsden about his life in music.
Describe your taste in music in three words.
Varied, meaningful and interchangeable.
What’s your favourite musical genre?
If I had to pick it would be indie rock.
Your favourite band?
The Clash, the only band that matter.
Favourite song?
Changes all the time but right now it’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ by Nirvana.
What was the first album you ever bought?
Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not by Arctic Monkeys.
First gig you went to?
First big gig was Arctic Monkeys at Finsbury Park in 2014, saw local bands before.
What was the last song you listened to?
That would be ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ by Deep Blue Something.
#TheStoneRoses at the Etihad Stadium…94 days away!!!! pic.twitter.com/lPWex2NnfJ
— Alecks Ramsden (@alexrammo93) March 12, 2016
Which musicians do you admire?
Joe Strummer from The Clash is my all-time idol. I have one of his quotes tattooed on my chest.
What’s your opinion on music videos?
Done well, they’re a good creative thing, but some of them are just ridiculous.
In your opinion, what’s the most annoying song of all time?
Loads. Anything by Rihanna fits into that category!
Who do you think is the most overrated band out there?
Muse. I just don’t see the big deal, but Kings of Leon have a big following and I can’t figure out why either.
Where do you find new music?
Spotify, usually.
Do you play any instruments?
I make a half-hearted attempt at the harmonica but otherwise get too impatient to actually learn.
Rock or pop?
Rock.
Classical or heavy metal?
Neither, I value my ears.
What song will always cheer you up?
‘Junk of the Heart’ by The Kooks or ‘Jammin’ by Bob Marley.
What song always makes you cry?
Not sure why, but every time I hear ‘Songbird’ by Fleetwood Mac I get all emotional.
What’s your musical guilty pleasure?
That would be telling, then it wouldn’t be guilty anymore!
What does music mean to you?
Music is an outlet of creativity. It’s poetry, it’s emotion, it’s memories. It means a lot to have a song for an occasion.
What do you love most about music?
I take the Bob Marley stance here – “When music hits you, you feel no pain”.
If you could sit down for a chat with any musician (dead or alive) – who would it be?
Joe Strummer, definitely. Just to talk about anything and everything. He was opinionated; I’m fairly opinionated.
Tell us your best musical memory.
My best musical memory was when I went to Glastonbury 2013 and Arctic Monkeys went into a sort of classical version of ‘Mardy Bum’. It was such a stirring thing.
What’s your best musical memory? Let us know in the comments below!
