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The earliest tune I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick 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 record I purchased 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 father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The track I perform at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I oddly know all the words to
I not long ago realised that I can recall almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best tune to put on at a gathering
It depends on what stage of the event you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.

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

The ultimate piece to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.

The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.

The track that makes me cry
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.

The track 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.