THIS WEEK: MELANIE FITZPATRICK

Q: Is there particular song that reminds you of childhood memories and family time?

A: There are lots of songs that remind me of my childhood, as there was always a lot of music played in our house! But one that stands out the most is George Michael and Aretha Franklin ‘I knew you were waiting’. My sister had a record player and this single, and I used to play it over and over again. When I think about it, I can see myself in my bedroom, sun shining, windows open, and dancing for everyone to see (cringe).

Q: Which songs take you back to your teenage years?

A: One song, that brings me back to my teenage years, has to be ‘Black velvet’ by Alannah Myles. When we were young teenagers, my friends and I used to meet at the Lakeland Forum, and this was always played in the café there.

I also participated in youth club a couple of nights every week, so there are lots of songs that remind me of good memories there, including nearly every song by Madonna. We even had a dance troupe that visited lots of places across Northern Ireland dancing to ‘Vogue’ – I still remember the moves and I still have some photos somewhere!

Q: What music gets you through tough times?

A: I like to listen to classical music when I am having a tough time. There are no words to make me sad, and no words to force happiness. Just music. My current favourite is ‘Islands – Essential Einaudi’ by Ludovico Einaudi. And if that does not work, I put on ‘Bits & Pieces’ by Artemesia and dance myself through it!

Q: What type of music would best describe your first love?

A: The music that would describe my first love... has to be ‘No Regrets’ by Robin Williams, ‘Green Eyes’ by Coldplay, and ‘You could be happy’ by Snow Patrol. These were the songs that I listened to most during our brake up, and still have the power to remind me of how I felt – just like it was yesterday.

Q: If you could choose a band to play on the soundtrack of your life who would it be?

A: If I had to choose a band to play the soundtrack of my life, if would have to be Gorillaz. They take risks, they provide an alternative sound, they have a mixture of dance music and fantasy songs, AND they are cartoon characters. Brilliant!

Q: If you could play a song to give you confidence what song would it be?

I challenge anyone to listen to ‘Walking on Sunshine’ by Katrina and the Waves and not feel more confident. It reminds me of working with young people for the a Lakeland Players panto performance (many years ago). When we introduced this song there was a wow moment for the young singers who lifted the stage with the volume they produced. I even remember the sound engineer asking them to keep it down a bit ….

Q: What song brings back happy memories and why?

A: There are so many! But one song that brings back happy memories is ‘Say Hello’ by Deep Dish (from the George Is On album). It reminds me of getting ready to go out in Belfast when I first moved up. I had lots of new friends and lots of new places to visit. I was an exceptionally scary time, but also a very exciting time.

Q: If you could choose three songs to listen to for the rest of your life what would they be and why?

The first song that I could listen to over and over again is ‘Ode to Billie Joe’ by Bobbie Gentry. I know every word and the story it tells is amazing. The second is ‘Amsterdam’ by Coldplay. This song is full of darkness and sadness but finishes with light and hope. The third song would have to be ‘Don’t stop the Music’ by Rihanna. This is upbeat and I sing every word when I am dancing around the floor!

Q: What song reminds you of your one true passion?

My one true passion is dance. There is one album (with four pieces of music on it) that brings back amazing memories for me called ‘Ravel: String Quartet in F major’ played by the Travincer Quartet. I used to be a dancer in the Ardhowen Youth Dance and the Ulster Youth Dance. Under the tutelage of Mags Burn, we danced to this amazing music. I remember feeling every emotion possible from the music as I danced. I still listen to this album when I am driving by myself. And I cant forget to mention the Dirty Dancing album… every little girls dream to dance to this!

Q: What song reminds you of the one place you love to visit?

I love to visit my baby brother (he is 38…), his wife, and his two girls. The song that reminds me of this is ‘Baby Shark’ do do do do do do. Sorry for putting that in your head…lol