Ryan

Describe your style in three words?

who dat boy.

The first track you played on repeat? And where did you play it?

OutKast - Hey Ya!

I appreciate OutKast's artistic output and influence a lot more now, but I remember having this on CD when it first came out and just being fascinated with it. The strange thing was (and still is) that it sounded so familiar, but also just like nothing I'd ever heard before.

A song from your favourite album? And what does this track mean to you?

Kanye West - Devil In A New Dress

"I ordered the jerk, she said you are what you eat / You see I always loved that sense of humour, but tonight you should have seen how quiet the room was" is such an accurate representation of pettiness in a stagnant relationship that only exists to maintain a public performance.

A song from your most memorable gig?

Mos Def - Ms. Fat Booty

He must have been about 4 hours late but when Mos Def came on he had fairy lights covering the decks, balloons covering the stage and just nonchalantly rattled through the hits with his hood up the whole time. It's like he didn't even want to be there, but I'm so glad I was.

A song that always gets you up and dancing?

Talking Heads - This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody) - 2005 Remastered Version

This song is just so playful and innocent. I'd say it's my favourite love song alongside 'International Player's Anthem' by UGK and OutKast. The lyrics don't really make that much sense, but I guess love doesn't either.

A new song you're listening to? Why do you like this artist?

The 1975 - Sincerity Is Scary

I didn't rate The 1975 too much to start with but I've got to admit this was one of my favourite songs from last year. The lyrics tap into the zeitgeist so accurately and intelligently without just crowbarring in buzzwords for short-lived relevancy.

Best song to turn up loud? And why?

Dizzee Rascal - I Luv U

Dizzie's an absolute real one. He made this beat when he was 16. Sixteen! When I was sixteen I was still playing semi-pro on FIFA. 'I Luv U' is just perfect on so many levels and I could listen to that beat all day.

A song that defines the teenage you? And the memories it evokes?

The Streets - Could Well Be In

The chorus about seeing something on ITV about indications as to whether or not someone is interested in you says a lot about teenagers' approach to romance. There's a lot of overthinking and optimism, but unfortunately not everyone's as silver-tongued as Mike Skinner.

An anthemic song? Why does it get your pulse racing?

Radiohead - Idioteque

The song paints such a bleak, unsettling and uncomfortable portrait of technology but the irony is that I'll use a multitude of technologies and devices to listen to this song. I guess the great thing about technology is that you're allowed anything, all of the time.

Best song to end an all-nighter?

Burial - Hiders

Burial thrives in the after-hours. His music is like a scented candle for just wasting away into your own thoughts and drunkenness. It's like you know you should probably go to sleep, and you will, but just after this song finishes.