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 Sarah Kempster about her life in music.
Describe your taste in music in three words.
Life changing music.
What’s your favourite musical genre?
Rock.
Your favourite artist?
The Rocket Summer.
Your favourite song of all time?
Oh my god, this is way too hard. I have like a list of 10. But off the top of my head, I would say, ‘Your Hand in Mine’ – Explosions in the Sky.
What was the first album you ever bought?
I think it was oddly Rhianna’s first album, Music of The Sun.
First gig you went to?
Again, my mother took me and my sisters to Steps Gold.
What was the last song you listened to?
‘Snap Out of It’ – Arctic Monkeys.
Do you have any musical role models?
I don’t know if I would say role models, because I appreciate musicians for creating music that I can then love for the rest of my life. But I do have some musicians whom I have gained power, and strength. Deaf Havana definitely have my upmost respect for pursing real music even though they have faced hard times. Pretty much any artist who makes music for the love and for saying something true. Akala would go with that also.
What’s your opinion on music videos?
I honestly can’t say I pay much attention to music videos because I just enjoy the listening. But I do appreciate the art and powerful movement that can go into some songs.
In your opinion, what’s the most annoying song of all time?
Aha this is incredibly hard. There’s a few at the moment that drive me crazy. But out of principle, I hate ‘Blurred Lines’. How that song was able to become a hit is crazy.
Who do you think is the most overrated band out there?
I would possibly say One Direction.. They are huge all over the world and I just don’t see why. They don’t write their own music and I just don’t really favour many of their songs. I can agree some are catchy, but yeah, if you’re talking about musicians who are massive and I just don’t see why they should be.
Where do you find new music?
Usually Spotify or YouTube to be honest. I go a lot off of suggested/likewise artists.
Do you play any instruments?
I have tried to play both drums and piano and neither really took off because of my time to dedication!
Rock or pop?
Rock.
Classical or heavy metal?
Classical.
What song will always cheer you up?
Quite honestly, right now, ‘Sweet Lovin’ by Sigala has a pretty good way of instantly putting me in a good mood.
What song always makes you cry?
‘Hurt’ – Johnny Cash (Cover).
What is your musical guilty pleasure?
I have no guilt in the music I like. If you like it, you like it!
What does music mean to you?
It means it can save a life and help bring colour to life also.
What do you love most about music?
How it can say the words you cannot speak yourself.
If you could sit down for a chat with any musician (dead or alive) – who would it be?
Too hard. But I’d probably also babble like an awkward kid. However, I would have loved to speak with Akala just to have a decent conversation about the world.
Tell us your best musical memory.
Reading 2014. I had my favourite bands all in one place and got to see them all. But especially the set on the Saturday night with Jake Bugg on the main stage, and then Arctic Monkeys. It was just one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. Surrounded by everyone in love with the music.
What’s your best musical memory? Tell us about your life in music in the comments below!
