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

The first track I was captivated by
My first memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The tune I perform at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I strangely know every lyric to
I recently became aware that I know pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect track to put on at a party
It hinges on the point of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the 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 number I can never bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ideal track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the record on the turntable, I was captivated.

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

The song that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and sheer brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.

The song I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.

Stephen Perez
Stephen Perez

A digital artist and designer passionate about blending technology with creativity, sharing insights and tutorials.