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The initial tune I was captivated by
My first recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The very first record I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The track I do at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I just discovered that I have memorized pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best tune to blast at a party
It relies on the point of the event you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.

The track I can never hear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The best piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.

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

The song that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.

The track I’d like played at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.