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 women’s editor Rae Coppola about her life in music.
Describe your taste in music in three words.
Varied, upbeat, cheesy.
What’s your favourite musical genre?
I love the 90’s but also the Arctic Monkeys, so I’ll have to go with indie rock.
Your favourite band?
The one band I could listen to for the rest of my life and never get sick of – Muse.
Your favourite song of all time?
This is easy. The Killers – ‘Mr Brightside’.
What was the first album you ever bought?
Although I am ever so slightly ashamed of it now, it was definitely one of the NOW! CDs; more than likely Now That’s What I Call Music! 62.
First gig you went to?
When I was 14, I went to see Kids in Glass Houses at Manchester Academy. It was a pop-punk fan’s dream as Boys Like Girls were supporting. I remember bouncing non-stop, and feeling invincible enough to run into the mosh pit when the chorus’ sounded.
What was the last song you listened to?
RAC – ‘Back of the Car’ (ft. Nate Henricks). I had to Shazam the title because it was playing in the background of FIFA ’16.
Which musicians do you admire?
I admire musicians who write their own music, with honest lyrics, and try to spread a message or make changes. The artists and bands who go beyond their line of duty, and refuse to use sex as a gimmick to get attention are few and far between, but inspirations to all.
What’s your opinion on music videos?
I rarely watch them as I tend to use iTunes or Spotify for music. I think they’re fading out and becoming pointless commodities in today’s day and age, especially since the majority of the time the video does not fit the song and is merely for creative expression or to get attention.
In your opinion, what’s the most annoying song of all time?
It’s a toss-up between every song Nicki Minaj has ever released, but the winner has got to be ‘Stupid Hoe’. It is unnecessarily derogatory and I cannot find one redeeming quality about it.
Who do you think is the most overrated band out there?
One Direction. No explanation needed.
Where do you find new music?
I enjoy watching local bands, even if I’ve not heard of them before. I find new music by hearing what they play and what they cover.
Do you play any instruments?
I can play the clarinet, and although it’s not the coolest instrument in the world, it always got me out of school hymn practice.
Rock or pop?
Always rock.
Classical or heavy metal?
I’m partial to the odd bit of classical music when I’m reading. It really helps me concentrate and visualise what’s going on. I love a bit of Clint Mansell and Two Steps From Hell.
What song will always cheer you up?
Spandeau Ballet – ‘Gold’.
What song always makes you cry?
Blink 182 – ‘I Miss You’. The song was played at the funeral of one of my very good friends, and now every time I hear it I burst into tears.
What is your musical guilty pleasure?
Disney songs. I love the Mulan soundtrack, and know all of the words off by heart.
What does music mean to you?
Music is the soundtrack of life, I cannot physically imagine a world without it.
What do you love most about music?
I love the way it can be interpreted in so many different ways, and how a song can mean something completely different to one person as it does to another. It’s interesting to look up song meanings and see all the conflicting opinions.
If you could sit down for a chat with any musician (dead or alive) – who would it be?
It would be a dream come true to have a coffee with Freddie Mercury. He had such talent when it came to singing, songwriting and showmanship. I bet he’d have an espresso.
Tell us your best musical memory.
This is both the best and worst musical memory I’ve had so far. At Leeds fest (2014), I felt sick when Disclosure were playing, and got casually crowdsurfed out of the overflowing NME tent. I missed the performance, but crossed crowd-surfing off my bucket list.
