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 Tayler Finnegan about her life in music.
Describe your taste in music in three words.
Vast, slightly questionable!
What’s your musical genre of choice?
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZdiXvDU4P0]A pop/new wave hybrid.
Your favourite song of all time?
‘Vienna’ by Billy Joel.
What was the first album you ever bought?
B*Witched’s debut album. Clearly, even at four years of age, my music taste has always been impeccable.
First gig you went to?
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDnNF5cHCdo]I saw Take That on their The Circus Live tour in 2008. It’s all rock and roll!
What was the last song you listened to?
‘The Reflex’ by Duran Duran.
Do you admire any musicians?
I admire authentic musicians that are true to themselves. Specifically, artists such as Bob Dylan, Lana Del Rey and bands such as Oasis and Disclosure.
What’s your opinion on music videos?
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM]Brilliant cinematography can really elevate a song and offer a strong message on the state of a range of social issues, so, when done well, music videos can be just as important as the lyrics. However, recently they have become vehicles of a shallow, self-obsessed industry.
In your opinion, what’s the most annoying song of all time?
‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams. It makes me anything but what the title suggests.
Who do you think is the most overrated artist out there?
Ed Sheeran. He’s a great songwriter but I find his voice so boring. Sorry, Ed!
Where do you find new music?
Twitter and Kettle’s New Music Monday feature.
Do you play any instruments?
I play the piano.
Rock or pop?
Pop.
Classical or heavy metal?
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYH8DsU2WCk]Classical.
What song will always cheer you up?
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_a46WJ1viA]‘Blue Monday’ – New Order.
What song always makes you cry?
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIb6AZdTr-A]‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ by Simon and Garfunkel always pulls on my heartstrings.
What’s your musical guilty pleasure?
Honestly, most of my favourite songs are guilty pleasures. One song I like more than I probably should is ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ by Cyndi Lauper.
What does music mean to you?
Music is the soundtrack to life. As dramatic as that may sound, music can help you celebrate the highs, and offer solace when things aren’t quite going to plan.
What do you love most about music?
I love how music brings people together! Music is so unassuming and doesn’t necessarily command your full attention; it can be the main event or a background feature.
The story of @Adele‘s success, from @TaylerFinnegan https://t.co/WmKDWAIV6Z
— Kettle (@KettleMag) December 1, 2015
If you could sit down for a chat with any musician (dead or alive) – who would it be?
Adele – just because she seems like so much fun! I’d aim to ask her interesting, meaningful questions but I think it would feel more like a casual chat with an old friend.
Tell us your best musical memory.
At my graduation ceremony last year, an amazing classical singer, Danielle Thomas, performed The Beatles’ ‘In My Life’. With lyrics of acknowledging the past and moving into the future, it is one of my favourite songs. Listening to it in Liverpool Cathedral and reminiscing on the last three years – while realising what a huge journey lay ahead – was a hugely important, emotional moment that I will never forget.
How has music impacted on your life? Let us know in the comments below!
