London-based writer, editor and muso Emma Barlow tells us what music means to her, and shares six songs to get you out of bed in the morning. You’ll need never press snooze again…
Music for me is this incredibly potent and wonderful thing – it’s almost magical. At different times, music has counselled me through heartbreak and made me cry tears of pure joy… I can’t imagine a life without it.
Thanks to my parents and their diverse record and cassette collection, I started young. Music was always on in our house and in the car so by the time I was seven or eight, I was pretty well versed in the likes of Fleetwood Mac, The Smiths, Van Morrison, David Bowie and even Lionel Richie.
I listen to a lot of music. I might put a new album on while I’m getting ready in the morning and then music is on all day at work. I’m office DJ so we tend to listen to a fairly chilled soundtrack that everyone can work to… but that’s not to say I don’t stick a lot of my favourites on!
I find out about new music on blogs, twitter and I’m a big 6 Music fan. Spotify’s Discover Weekly playlist is also great plus, I have a bunch of music-loving friends and we’ll swap recommendations every now and then.
My current fave? The new LP ‘Another One’ by Mac Demarco – it’s literally the perfect soundtrack for sleepy summer days.
Six songs to get you out of bed in the morning
Anton Newcombe and Tess Parks – Cocaine Cat. Give yourself another five minutes in bed and let Tess’s raspy vocal ease you into the day in a sexy, gentle way.
Beck – Dreams. Despite the title this one will have you out of bed and feeling ready to take on the day.
The Libertines – Don’t Look Back Into The Sun. If, like me, you went to Glastonbury this summer, you’ll probably still enjoy reliving a Glasto moment or two.
Mac Demarco – Just To Put Me Down. This is a swaying your hips in the kitchen while making eggs kinda song.
Tame Impala – ‘Cause I’m a Man (HAIM remix). Put your headphones on and have a moment with the Haim sisters on the bus to work.
Vaults – Cry No More. Let siren-voiced Vaults wash over you as you get down to work.