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The first tune I was captivated by
My most primal memory is walking into a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The inaugural 45 I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won 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 chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I perform at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I inexplicably know every lyric to
I recently became aware that I know virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect song to blast at a party
It hinges on what stage of the event you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.

The song I can never listen to
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The best song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.

The track that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The piece that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.

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