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 motoring editor Euan Antona about his life in music.
Describe your taste in music in three words.
Cheesy, random, comical.
What’s your favourite musical genre?
This is a hard question as I tend to like individual songs rather than a genre. I would say rock.
Your favourite band?
My favourite band would have to be Queen, nothing comes close to them!
Your favourite song of all time?
In terms of favourite song, it would be wrong not to have one of Queen’s tracks, ‘Somebody to Love’ or, of course, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.
What was the first album you ever bought?
Rather embarrassingly, I can’t really remember! I remember having an early Akon album back in the mid-2000s. I started getting into music properly around that time with my first iPod where you can just pick and choose what songs you want.
First gig you went to?
Well… Ok… Mum wanted me to go and see Westlife with her… So… Yep.
What was the last song you listened to?
‘Downtown’ by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis.
Which musicians do you admire?
I admire the big game changers in music, Brian Eno, Gary Numan, Boy Geroge and the like!
What’s your opinion on music videos?
I like a good music video personally, it gives an extra depth to a song! Could you imagine a world without MTV?
In your opinion, what’s the most annoying song of all time?
Without a shadow of a doubt, ‘Wonderwall’ – I hate it with a passion!
Who do you think is the most overrated band out there?
I have always thought that Mumford and Sons were overrated and, to the annoyance of most people, I never really got Busted.
Where do you find new music?
My friends have a pretty diverse music taste so a lot of music comes from hearing it in their cars or if I’m round someone’s house!
Do you play any instruments?
I like to think I can play the piano somewhat. I never took grades or anything, but I can play bits and bobs.
Rock or pop?
Ropop? Ok… Rock then.
Classical or heavy metal?
Classical. Holst’s Planet Suite is incredible.
What song will always cheer you up?
‘Yeah’ by Usher, it’s a running joke…
What song always makes you cry?
‘Amazing Grace’, heard the most spine-tingling version at a funeral and it gets me every time.
What’s your musical guilty pleasure?
Most of my music library is a guilty pleasure – I do love cheesy rap songs, think Soulja Boy…
What does music mean to you?
Music means a lot to me, it almost represents you and your life. You can often learn a lot about a person from the music they listen to – it never leaves you!
What do you love most about music?
As a fraudulent musician myself, I listen to the musical composure over the words. I love really clever and different yet satisfying songs.
If you could sit down for a chat with any musician (dead or alive) – who would it be?
Again, who would want to pass up on the opportunity to have a chat with Freddie Mercury, he was an extrovert, introvert, showman, icon and absolutely incredible at what he did!
Tell us your best musical memory.
My memories are just sharing music with other people, singing in the car or in a club or laughing at cheesy songs – music really does bring people together.
What’s your best musical memory? Tell us about your life in music in the comments below!
