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 Sophie Howard about her life in music.
Describe your taste in music in three words.
Eclectic, fun and unusual!
What’s your favourite musical genre?
I would have to say indie as it can be either really fun and upbeat or quite mellow and sad.
Your favourite band or artist?
I don’t have an all-time favourite band so to speak, but the bands/artists I regularly listen to are The 1975, Fleetwood Mac, Coasts, Iggy Azelea, Catfish and The Bottlemen, Ellie Goulding, Mystery Jets, Taylor Swift (see, quite eclectic!)
Your favourite song of all time?
Ooooh this is a tough one! Like bands, I wouldn’t say I have a favourite song of all time but one song I will always be able to listen to and never get bored of is ‘Raspberry Beret’ by Prince. My mum used to listen to Prince when I was younger and ‘Raspberry Beret’ is the one I always remember singing along and dancing to.
What was the first album you ever bought?
I really can’t remember this! Up until I was around 13 my parents bought my music for me when CD’s were still in fashion! I can’t remember the first album I bought but I remember buying Beyoncé’s Dangerously in Love album.
First gig you went to?
I think I was around 12 or 13 and for my birthday my parents bought me tickets to the Taste of Chaos tour! Bands included Funeral for a Friend, The Used, Killswitch Engage and Rise Against.
What was the last song you listened to?
I always listen to music on my way to work and I use Spotify. The last song I listened to was ‘Love Me’ by The 1975.
Which musicians do you admire? Do you have any musical role models?
I wouldn’t say I had a role model but musicians who I really admire are Stevie Nicks and Lady Gaga. Gaga is inspirational at standing up for what she really believes in, such as gay marriage, and Stevie Nicks just because she was a member of one of the most influential rock bands whose music inspires and moves people to this day.
What’s your opinion on music videos?
I love them! One of my favourite things to do on a Saturday morning is flick through the music channels on Sky and dance around when making breakfast. If the theme of the video correlates to the emotion of the music then they’re even better.
In your opinion, what’s the most annoying song of all time?
‘7 Years’ by Lucas Graham.
Who do you think is the most overrated artist out there?
Drake.
Where do you find new music?
Spotify. There is a New Music Friday playlist which I have found some fantastic bands through.
Do you play any instruments?
I don’t now but when I was younger I used to play acoustic guitar and bass.
Rock or pop?
Rock.
Classical or heavy metal?
Neither!
What song will always cheer you up?
‘T-Shirt Weather’ by Circa Waves.
What song always makes you cry?
‘He’ll Have to Go’ by Jim Reeves.
What is your musical guilty pleasure?
Billy Ocean! I absolutely love him!
What does music mean to you?
I think everyone says this but it really means a lot. Without music we would live such dull lives and those who have the talent wouldn’t be able to express themselves.
What do you love most about music?
How it has the ability to make you feel. You can go from listening to a dance anthem which makes you ready to go out for the night, to curling in a ball in bed and crying your eyes out at a soft indie song or one which has memories attached to it.
If you could sit down for a chat with any musician (dead or alive) – who would it be?
Freddie Mercury, simply because my dad idolises him, and Matt Healy from The 1975 because he’s such an interesting person!
Tell us your best musical memory.
My best musical memory was actually from a McFly gig I went to about 10 years ago! They were playing at the Sheffield Arena and my cousin and her best friend had camped out the night before tickets went on sale to get front row seats. We ended up getting seats on the second row on Dougie’s side (because he’s the fittest, obvs) and it was just one of the best gigs I have ever been to! The atmosphere was amazing and there is something really special about being so close to the stage when watching one of your favourite bands. Despite now being in our early twenties and growing up musically, it’s still a gig we talk about to this day!
What’s your best musical memory? Tell us about your life in music in the comments below!
