The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes

The initial track I was captivated by
My most primal memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: ā€œFull speed ahead!ā€ When it got to the refrain, I remember thinking: ā€œThis must be music!ā€

The first single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I do at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I oddly know every lyric to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The ideal track to put on at a party
It relies on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The number I can never hear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he placed the record on the record player, I was hooked.

The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.

The piece that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.

The song I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.

Katie Fernandez
Katie Fernandez

A polyglot traveler and cultural enthusiast who has visited over 30 countries and shares practical advice for immersive language experiences.