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 Joshua AP about his life in music.
Describe your taste in music in three words.
Mixed, mainly alternative.
What’s your favourite musical genre?
Alternative, but I’m also a fan of indie, chart music/pop, dance, RnB… I like a really wide mix of music to be honest!
Your favourite band or artist?
Right now, it’s between Alessia Cara, Oh Wonder, Panic at the Disco or even Sia! Mixed, like I said!
Your favourite song of all time?
I have so many! One song I’ve listened to many times and I’m still not sick of yet is probably ‘Here’ by Alessia Cara. It’s a brilliant song, and I think a lot of what Alessia sings about will ring true for a lot of people. But it’s definitely subject to change!
What was the first album you ever bought?
The first album I ever bought in full and have listened to in full is Oh Wonder by the band of the same name. Every song on that album is amazing, and I highly recommend them.
First gig you went to?
I think the first gig I ever went to was a Teenage Cancer Trust gig at the Royal Albert Hall several years ago. I did recently see Catfish and the Bottlemen live, and that was the first gig I’ve been to that I really managed to get into though. I knew (almost) every song, and it was a really good night. There you go!
What was the last song you listened to?
‘One Dance’ by Drake. Ironically, one of my friends said several months ago when the song first came out that it would become popular, and guess what happened!
Which musicians do you admire?
I like a lot of artists, but I especially like the artists that are making their own path through music. People like Halsey who are unafraid to stick with their own style are people that I admire, though I find that music is a really mixed scene today and I think that’s a great thing!
In your opinion, what’s the most annoying song of all time?
‘Baby’ by Justin Bieber. Cliché answer, I know, but it’s so not for me.
Who do you think is the most overrated band out there?
Again, for pretty much the same reason in that they’re not for me, One Direction. I don’t see the appeal, and whilst I have nothing against the band as people or Directioners, I just don’t see the appeal.
Where do you find new music?
Spotify is great for music discovery, plus I hear a lot about new music from friends, and from radio stations.
Do you play any instruments?
Not really. I’d love to be able to play the piano, but not really.
Rock or pop?
Pop. Though I am partial to certain rock songs. Tough question!
Classical or heavy metal?
Classical. I think I’d much rather listen to the ‘Planets’ suite by Holst to be honest. Sorry heavy metal fans!
What song always makes you cry?
Whilst I haven’t ever actually cried at this song, the song that makes me the most emotional is ‘When We Were Young’ by Adele. I think it’s pretty self-explanatory, but it encapsulates a lot of feelings that a lot of people feel. Adele’s an amazing singer as well, but that song especially has a lot of meaning for me.
What does music mean to you?
A lot. When I find a song that speaks to me personally and that I can relate to or that I can truly understand, it means a great deal to me. Any song that I enjoy means a lot to me though.
What do you love most about music?
It’s universal. Everyone enjoys music, and everyone knows a type of music that they enjoy. A life without music would be pretty boring, which is why I admire the work of charities that work to bring music to more people (like Musicians without Borders).
If you could sit down for a chat with any musician (dead or alive) – who would it be?
Ed Sheeran. I’ve loved his music for a long time, and everyone who does meet him says that he’s great to talk to. I feel like he’d be fun to have a conversation with, and would have a lot of interesting anecdotes to tell.
Tell us your best musical memory.
Although I’ve already mentioned it, the Catfish and the Bottlemen gig I went to is probably the best musical memory I have. I remember going and everyone was immersed in the music. It was a really good gig, and my best musical memory.
What’s your best musical memory? Tell us about your life in music in the comments below!
