music

My Life In Music, with Kettle writer Natasha George

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 Natasha George about her life in music. 

Describe your taste in music in three words.

Uplifting, intense and varied.

What’s your favourite musical genre?

Rock, but really anything with a guitar.

Your favourite band and artist?

This is disgustingly difficult for me. Artist: Frank Turner or Laura Marling. Band: Stereophonics.

What was the first album you ever bought?

Let Go by Avril Lavigne.

First gig you went to?

I went to see Busted supported by McFly. They were my brother’s favourite bands. I really don’t remember a lot about it but I wish I did.

What was the last song you listened to?

‘From This Valley’ by the Civil Wars. I’m completely obsessed with this song and band at the moment.

Which musicians do you admire? 

To name a few: Laura Marling, Mike Einziger, Kelly Jones, John Mayer, KT Tunstall, Noel Gallagher, Newton Faulkner, Jack White, Hayley Williams, Lady GaGa.

What’s your opinion on music videos?

I love them. I’m really interested to see how my visual imagination of a song compares to the artist’s imaginings. I think they’re an amazing way to add depth, interpretation and fun to music.

In your opinion, what’s the most annoying song of all time?

‘Parklife’ by Blur.

Who do you think is the most overrated artist out there?

I think the charts are full of overrated artists. Aside from artist, the most overrated album is AM by Arctic Monkeys. Compared to how much I loved their previous albums, I just didn’t get the hype.

Where do you find new music?

Mainly from word of mouth or the internet. I find a lot of local bands through going to gigs. I also discover new music through my guitar teacher asking me to learn new things!

Do you play any instruments?

Guitar.

Rock or pop?

Rock.

Classical or heavy metal?

I would say I’m not at either end of the spectrum. I love heavy but not a fan of metal. I enjoy classical-based musical theatre but I don’t have a great deal of classical music on my iPod.

What song will always cheer you up?

‘Time of the Day’ by Discount Columbo.

What song always makes you cry?

‘Over the Rainbow’ from Wizard of Oz.

What is your musical guilty pleasure?

Kylie Minogue – I’ve seen her live three times and she was incredible so I’m not even guilty anymore.

What does music mean to you?

So much of my life and my relationships revolve around music and playing it.

What do you love most about music?

All the stereotypical, cheesy reasons. The emotions it brings out in me. How it sounds. How clever it is. I love its intenseness, its darkness, its energy, its vulnerability, its fun.

If you could sit down for a chat with any musician (dead or alive) – who would it be?

Jack White.

Tell us your best musical memory.

 When I was 16 and I was in my first musical. I came to singing the final number on the final night and I just sobbed throughout. 

What’s your best musical memory? Tell us about your life in music in the comments below!