‘First, last, and everything in between’ is an interview feature where upcoming artists talk about some of the favourite music from throughout their lives and how it’s influenced them.
Bek Jones is a mum of two from Wigan, who recently decided to follow her dream of becoming a musician. Her banging second single, No Dancin’ Anymore, was a recent tune of the week on the blog.
Bek joined us to talk through her musical loves, from Calamity Jane through to Todd Rundgren. Read the interview below, and you can listen along via the playlist for some of Bek’s picks, alongside her first two singles.
First song you remember falling in love with?
Can’t remember specifically which song but it will have 100% been a song from a Musical. This is where I first fell in love with music from being about 5 years old. I would watch Calamity Jane, The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins and Annie on repeat for years. I was, and still am, fascinated by the way the story was told through music and how the melodies and lyrics can paint a strong picture of emotion. I always felt drawn to the deeper/sad songs on the films, rather than the classic headline tracks. ‘The Black Hills of Dakota’ from Calamity Jane is one I was always drawn to.
I think most people really start to form their musical ‘identity’ as teens. What music would best define your teenage years?
I’ve always loved so many different genres, and in my teens I used to play different albums over and over that I’d collated over the years or took from my Dad haha… I obviously loved the pop classics growing up, but then would sit in my room for hours listening to Katie Melua, Neil Diamond, Fleetwood Mac & ABBA. (Which I never told my friends about).
As I got more into my teens I felt lucky as it was the time that Amy Winehouse released Back to Black and then later Adele’s first few albums followed. I was obsessed with these albums and I loved it as I felt like new styles of music were being celebrated and it was now cool to like these. They were the stand out albums for me and I just loved how raw and emotional the writing was.
What has most influenced your own music?
I’ve realised that I’m drawn to artists that master the art of storytelling alongside stunning musical arrangements. Artists that talk about real life and are relatable. I think that’s why I like so many different genres. For me artists like Stevie Nicks, Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Amy Winehouse, The Beatles etc. really execute both aspects and I think that makes the difference with a song.
It shouldn’t solely rely on lyrics or the music, getting both right is key. I try to look at my songwriting and assess if it meets both. And then also, what am I trying to say? Am I telling the story well etc. I try to hold my songs to the standards of the songs I adore if that makes sense…
What’s your go-to sad song?
Love is a losing game – Amy Winehouse
Go-to banger?
Edge of Seventeen – Stevie Nicks (The Live Version).
Your chance to really prove your hipster credentials – an obscure favourite that not many people will know?
Not sure it’s very hip lol, and not sure it’s that unknown, but I adore The 59th Street Bridge Song by Simon & Garfunkel. I play it all the time.
Your guilty pleasure?
Well I am from Wigan so I do love a good rave tune. ‘100% Clubland Classix’ is my go album when the house is empty and I’ve got to clean the house haha!
The last song you fell in love with?
Well, it’s actually an old song but I only discovered it last year when I was watching Ozark but it’s ‘I saw the light’ by Todd Rundgren. I just think it’s really simple, sweet and uplifting. I play it all the time in the car.
Bek’s latest single, No Dancin’ Anymore, is out now. Listen on Spotify
And you can find her social channels via the icon links below.
You can read previous editions of ‘First, last, and everything in between’ via the links below:
North-East singer-songwriter – Craig Redpath
Sunderland indie-funk-pop band – PICNIC
No Frills Reviews 
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