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 Tracy Winu Landu about her life in music.
Describe your taste in music in three words.
Varied, vibrant and “vibey”.
What’s your favourite musical genre?
Hmm that’s a difficult one. I’d say RnB and neo-soul.
Your favourite artist?
I haven’t had a favourite artist in a long time, but I’d say Adrian Marcel.
Your favourite song of all time?
Michael Jackson – ‘Bad’.
What was the first album you ever bought?
Trey Songz – Passion, Pain, Pleasure.
First gig you went to?
A Trey Songz concert.
What was the last song you listened to?
Bryson Tiller – ‘Exchange’. It’s about time the video was released! If you haven’t watched it already, please do. I love it.
Which musicians do you admire?
I admire Adrian Marcel because he has come from humble beginnings and still keeps that same attitude about him, although he has an incredible voice and is super talented.
What’s your opinion on music videos?
I love it when a music video correlates with the lyrics or at least matches up to the theme of the song. These days I watch music videos that seem so abstract when they don’t need to be. I feel like some artists try to put too much in a music video when maybe, something more simple will do.
In your opinion, what’s the most annoying song of all time?
Ylvis – ‘The Fox’.
Who do you think is the most overrated artist out there?
I would say a particular artist but I would get slammed by their fans… (So I won’t!)
Where do you find new music?
SOUNDCLOUD!
Do you play any instruments?
Unfortunately, I don’t. However, I have a keyboard and guitar taking up space in my house so I may take up the opportunity to learn how to play them this summer!
Rock or pop?
Pop.
Classical or heavy metal?
Classical!
What song will always cheer you up?
Bruno Mars – ‘Lazy Song’.
What song always makes you cry?
Joe – ‘Good Girls’. I don’t know why lol.
What’s your musical guilty pleasure?
A bit of Justin Bieber!
What does music mean to you?
A lot. I grew up listening to RnB, hip-hop, gospel music and all of them gave me a different feeling. There is always something that I can listen to that suits the state I am in and that’s so comforting. When I listen to songs from the past I always remember the good memories of my childhood. The nostalgia is undeniable.
What do you love most about music?
I love that music is therapeutic. I also love that you can imagine different scenarios and put yourself in the artist’s place and act out being in a music video. That’s also pretty fun.
If you could sit down for a chat with any musician (dead or alive) – who would it be?
I would sit and chat with August Alsina because his life before the music is so troubled but beautiful. I was hooked when I first discovered his music early on in his career because of his voice, and also that I can relate to his struggle and pain at that point in my life.
Tell us your best musical memory.
Wireless 2015 – it was EPIC!
What’s your best musical memory? Tell us about your life in music in the comments below!
