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 Carrie-Jennifer Cairns about her life in music.
Describe your taste in music in three words.
Not very great.
What’s your favourite genre of music?
I wouldn’t be able to pick one set genre. It depends on my mood that day.
Your favourite artist?
Definitely Ed Sheeran.
Your favourite song of all time?
‘You’re My Star’ by Stereophonics.
What was the first album you ever bought?
I’m not 100% sure. Perhaps Room on the Third Floor by McFly.
First gig you went to?
My first gig was McFly in 2005. My first parentless gig was My Chemical Romance in 2006.
What was the last song you listened to?
‘Adventure Of A Lifetime’ by Coldplay.
Which musicians do you admire?
I love Ed Sheeran for how he determinedly built his way up in the music industry. And Coldplay for their showmanship. Their last gig in Glasgow was utterly incredible!
What’s your opinion on music videos?
I like music videos but I think they’re getting a bit too theatrical these days. There’s often too much happening and you can’t quite focus on the song.
In your opinion, what’s the most annoying song of all time?
‘Hotline Bling’ by Drake. I keep getting it stuck in my head recently and sing the same lines over and over!
Who do you think is the most overrated artist out there?
I like a lot of her songs and yes, I would agree she’s very attractive, but I don’t see the great pull to Beyonce…
Where do you find new music?
Usually through friends or on the radio.
Do you play any instruments?
I used to play guitar and violin but that was a long time ago. I would love to play the drums but I’m not very co-ordinated.
Rock or pop?
Rock usually.
Classical or heavy metal?
I’d have to say classical but it depends on the heavy metal band.
What song will always cheer you up?
‘Magic Dance’ by David Bowie. It reminds me of my best friend who stays in Berlin.
What song always makes you cry?
‘Chasing Cars’ by Snow Patrol.
What is your musical guilty pleasure?
‘Beautiful Sunday’ by Daniel Boone. It’s a good song for dancing the Slosh haha!
What does music mean to you?
I couldn’t be without music. It’s the background to everything I do. I drive a lot and listen to music off my phone, and I work in a nursing home and spend a lot of time singing with and to the residents. It breaks the monotony of a long day.
What do you love most about music?
How easy it is to get lost in a decent album.
If you could sit down for a chat with any musician (dead or alive) – who would it be?
I would love to sit down with Kelly Jones of the Stereophonics. They’re such a great band, and they’ve been on the go for years yet each time they release a new album I get the same excitement I’ve had since I was a lot younger.
Tell us your best musical memory.
One of my best musical memories is about 4 or 5 years ago when my younger brother and his band were in a ‘Britains Got Talent’ style talent show and they won the local heats and got to represent our local area in a Scottish-wide competition. I was very proud. They were only 16 at the time and surprisingly good!
What’s your best musical memory? Tell us about your life in music in the comments below!
