2 hours ago
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The first song I fell in love with
I had an incredible piano teacher, who would play me a lot of jazz records that I would learn and sing along to. Chet Baker was charismatic, good looking and stylish. Even though I had a really soft, small voice, I’d give My Funny Valentine my best shot.
The song I inexplicably know every lyric to
Dollar Days by David Bowie, because I had to perform it recently at the British Library for the 10-year anniversary of his final album, Blackstar.
The best song to play at a party
I don’t know anyone who can resist dancing to Contortion by Sextile. They’re really good friends of mine, and I collaborated with them on their last record. I think they’re one of the best punk electronic bands out there right now.
The song I can no longer listen to
I’ve been a fan of Fontaines DC from the very beginning, and loved A Hero’s Death before it was released. It was one of my dad’s favourite songs. He was in a coma for a while and I used to play this to him, just try to bring him back. Even thinking about it makes me emotional, so I don’t think I can listen to it again.
The song I secretly like, but tell everybody I hate
I used to love Black Skinhead by Kanye West, but now I find him unbearable, and I cannot condone his political views and statements, so I cannot say in public that I like this song any more.
The song that changed my life
I didn’t hear Deceptacon by Le Tigre when it was released in 1999, but I was at a friend’s house while he was out, going through all his records, and played it by random. It shook me to the core and I think I played it 100 times in on repeat, dancing around, completely excited. I had never heard something so angry and feminine.
The song that gets me up in the morning
Heaven Hell Anywhere Else from Canadian band Chastity’s 2018 debut album, Death Lust, is not talked about enough. It’s post hardcore, talking about isolation, anger and youth.
The song that makes me cry
Non Voglio Mai Vedere Il Sole Tramontare, with vocals by Caroline Polachek, from contemporary opera Last Days by Oliver Leith about the last days of Kurt Cobain, because it carries so much emotion.
The best song to have sex to
Pure Love from the score of 2024’s Queer – which is one of the sexiest movies I’ve seen recently – composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, although maybe that’s what you should play after having sex, not during.
The song I’d like played at my funeral
Eden from the album Spirit of Eden by Talk Talk, which I think is a masterpiece from start to finish, and has a spiritual aspect that I find very soothing.
Jehnny’s new album You Heartbreaker, You, is out now. She tours the UK from 17 March.
