What first sparked your love of music?

I was involved in choirs and various bands as a kid but first started to love it as a teenager, spending as much time as I could trying to figure out how to play chord symbols on the piano for the hymns sung in church.

How did you get started on your musical journey?

It all started in church, hearing the various harmonies and learning many, many songs and hymns by heart. Seeing and hearing people of various singing abilities, backgrounds and ages singing together really showed me how music can be an incredibly unifying activity. 

How does music fit into your life right now?

It's in everything I do – whether I'm writing about it, thinking about it, listening to something in the gym or singing with my children, music is in everything I do. I could do a better job of practising a little more though!

How does your passion for music inspire your work?

I believe that different forms and styles of music can help us to come together and be an amazingly creative outlet, especially given the stresses of daily life! Because of that, my work is fuelled by the idea that something I write, record, play or talk about can make a difference in someone's life. 

What music have you been listening lately?

I've been checking out various Funky Knuckles tracks recently, and Bashy's new album called Being Poor Is Expensive contains so much information. I'm looking forward to getting stuck into Radiohead's Pablo Honey and Orchestra Super Mazembe. Oh, and catching up on so many of the Proms too!

Can you tell us about a musician or musicians that you particularly admire? 

I've been doing some research and recording a podcast about Miriam Makeba, and I'm struck by her fearlessness and resolve. It's one thing to create and perform your own music – it's another thing to use your platform to speak up about injustice. I have so much admiration for people who have done that and those who are doing that currently. It goes back to my earlier point of music making a difference in someone's life.

Can you tell us about a memorable musical moment?

I worked as the musical director for a couple of musical theatre shows in Germany which was an incredible experience. To have had the opportunity to work with many talented young musicians, actors and dancers was amazing, but to see how many of them, years later are still playing, acting and dancing is a reminder that those musical memories are not just mine, but are shared by all those who took part!

Photo credit: Benjamin Ealovega