British musician Indiana – AKA Lauren Henson – is best know for her 2014 single ‘Solo Dancing’; her debut studio album No Romeo was released in February 2015. She has a son Harvey, 6, and daughter Etta, 1 – and lives in Long Whatton, Leicestershire. Here, she recalls the sounds of her childhood, and the tunes she shares with her own children.
“From the music I was brought up on to the music I now play to my children, this is a collection of songs that each speak to a part of me and my babies. I can already tell they’ll both have a great relationship with music. Hopefully they’ll appreciate my musical taste when their older and they’ll thank me for making them cool from a very early age…”
Polly – Nirvana
My earliest memories of music are listening to Nirvana with my sister. She is nine years older than me so I was too young at the time to get what they were all about, but I loved dancing around to them.
Wonderwall – Oasis
A song from my childhood. My dad was a huge Oasis fan and because of this the band will always have a precious place in my heart. I have an early memory of him standing at the top of our garden with his arms out stretched shouting out the lyrics to Wonderwall. At the time I was so embarrassed but now I cherish that memory, we played it at his funeral and that song will always remind me of him.
Give in to Me – Michael Jackson
I’ve been listening to Michael Jackson a lot with my kids recently. My son Harvey is in complete awe of Michael Jackson and loves practising his moves.
When Doves Cry – Prince
We love listening to Prince, too. I went to see him in concert last year. Singing along to Prince I don’t sound like Indiana at all, I sound like a 14 year old girl screaming.
Kiss the Clock – The Chromatics
I’ve listened to this so much while writing my new album. There are no vocals, just amazing sound and production so I can just listen to it over and over again.
Homecoming – Makeup and Vanity Set
This is something else I’ve been into at the moment. I don’t listen to it with the kids yet but one day I’d like to show them as its really inspired my own work.
Never Born – Indiana
While (secretly) pregnant with Etta I wrote a song called Never Born without thinking about what it meant. The song is nothing about Etta and I didn’t even think about how it was a weird title at the time!
Do You Remember – Jarryd James
I recently discovered this song. His voice is beautiful and the production is right up my street. It’s no wonder as the guy that produced it also co-wrote a song on my album called Jack.
Nasty Girl – Notorious BIG
I love some old school R&B and hip hop from the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s.