Protagonist of the third chapter of our ‘STAFF SELECTS’ series this week is our Social Media & PR assistant Bennie. Legend says she used to wear electric boots and a mohair suit performing with the Jets in the 70s - now she spends her days quoting Elton John’s lyrics and making Spotify playlists. Her taste in music is “a cross between your dad’s and your grandmother’s”: hit Spotify and join her in a music journey into early alternative, post-punk, old time classics and a few undiscovered gems - featuring the likes of The Velvet Underground, Wings, New Order, The Modern Lovers and The Brian Jonestown Massacre.

Q: What’s the first CD you ever bought?

A: Must have been “Brivido Divino” by Donatella Rettore - my mum used to play her songs in the car and I soon became obsessed with her (still am - her single “Splendido Splendente” is one of the few Italian pop songs you can find in my playlist). She was a huge icon in the 70s/80s in Italy, I still remember the first time I saw footage of her live performances, I was stunned by her extravagant stage persona, I’d never seen anything like that before - I think at the time she was for many Italians what Bowie was for the British.

Q: How would you describe your music taste?

A: I’d say it’s a cross between your dad’s and your grandmother’s. With a touch of soft boy. I normally listen to lots of classics from the 70s/80s, mainly post-punk and early alternative - but I’m also very much into jazz and blues.

Q: Who is the best person(s) you’ve seen live?

A: I was at The Jesus And Mary Chain gig at the Roundhouse a few weeks ago - never thought I’d have the chance to see them playing live. They’re living legends to me! It was a surreal experience.

Q: Who can you not stop listening to this year?

A: The Velvet Underground, Wire, Scott Walker, Wings, The Waterboys, New Order, The Ronettes, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The La’s, Lee Hazlewood, Frankie Valli, The Modern Lovers, The Kinks, Iggy Pop, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Replacements… I could go on for hours! If you check my Spotify wrapped though it would say it’s the Beatles - apparently my most played artist this year. Again - I’m a dad.

Q: What is your fave song of 2021?

A: “Bad Dreaming” by Valium State. Absolute banger.