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 Alice Hearing about her life in music.
Describe your taste in music in three words.
Ambient, eclectic, authentic.
What’s your favourite musical genre?
Indie rock.
Your favourite band?
Foals.
Your favourite song of all time?
Every time I am asked this question, I think of a different answer. However, as of right now, it has to be ‘Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered’ by Ella Fitzgerald. The lyrics are genius and Ella Fitzgerald’s voice is perfect – it always makes my spine tingle.
What was the first album you ever bought?
The first album I ever bought for myself was Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not by Arctic Monkeys. Little did I know how big they’d get, especially now ten years on.
First gig you went to?
You Me At Six with my dad.
What was the last song you listened to?
Porcelain – Moby.
Which musicians do you admire?
I really admire Father John Misty for his ability to write extremely clever lyrics and his incredible way of performing on stage.
What’s your opinion on music videos?
Music videos are worth doing if they enhance the music or the screenplay is particularly impressive. The music video has to suit the song.
In your opinion, what’s the most annoying song of all time?
‘Hey QT’ by QT. Infectious and actually quite terrifying.
Who do you think is the most overrated artist out there?
Katy Perry. I’ve never found her voice particularly impressive or her style, fashion and music, particularly original.
Where do you find new music?
Spotify Discover Weekly or from other friend’s Spotify playlists. Sometimes I’ll flick from related artist to related artist until I find something I like. NME is another place I go to find good bands I haven’t heard of.
Do you play any instruments?
I used to. I taught myself ukulele but that doesn’t really count. I quit French Horn and piano very early on.
Rock or pop?
Rock if I absolutely had to choose. I think the quality of music doesn’t depend on the genre most of the time.
Classical or heavy metal?
Having once been into heavy metal, I find myself appreciating classical much more.
What song will always cheer you up?
‘Thinking About Your Love’ by Skipworth and Turner. I first heard this song watching the film Begin Again during a party scene where James Corden’s character challenges everyone not to dance to this song.
What song always makes you cry?
‘The Day I Died’ – Just Jack. Some of the lyrics are so poetic. The song itself is so happy and sad all at the same time.
What’s your musical guilty pleasure?
(Don’t judge me) Nickelback or Avril Lavigne because I grew up with their music. Avril just understood me, you know?
What does music mean to you?
Music has not only helped me to come to terms with myself as a person but it will make or break relationships for me. It will fill me with nostalgia or make me feel on top of the world. Music shapes my life.
What do you love most about music?
I love the way that anyone can relate to some sort of music no matter what mood they’re in. For any mood at all, there is a song out there that matches it.
If you could sit down for a chat with any musician (dead or alive) – who would it be?
This is a huge cliche, although I like to think it’s a cliche for good reason. I would sit down with Kurt Cobain and talk to him about the life of an iconic rockstar. I want to learn what drove him to end his life and if or how that could have been prevented.
Tell us your best musical memory.
At my first ever Reading Festival, I crowd surfed during Kaiser Chiefs’ set. They were playing ‘Ruby’.
What’s your best musical memory? Tell us about your life in music in the comments below!
