Nick Grimshaw's Musical Journey: From Childhood Tapes to Funeral Soundtracks
Radio presenter Nick Grimshaw has opened up about his deep and varied musical influences in an honest playlist feature, sharing stories that span from his early childhood to thoughts on his own funeral. Known for his work on BBC Radio 6 Music, Grimshaw's reflections offer a glimpse into the songs that have shaped his life, from a rave compilation bought by his mother at age seven to emotional tracks that bring him to tears.
Early Musical Influences and First Purchases
Grimshaw recalls growing up with a father who had a small but classic record collection, including artists like Bob Marley, Bill Withers, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tina Turner. He vividly remembers falling in love with America by Simon and Garfunkel, describing it as a song filled with hope and a desire to escape. Family car rides, where they would sing along together, were a key part of his early musical experiences.
His first exposure to music ownership came when his mother bought him a tape called Hardcore Ecstasy at the age of seven. Grimshaw notes that rave music, with its noisy and vibrant energy, was particularly appealing to him as a young child. The first single he remembers purchasing himself was It's Oh So Quiet by Björk, bought at an HMV store in Oldham when he was nine. He admits that the purchase was largely influenced by the font and silver metallic packaging, rather than any prior knowledge of the artist.
Karaoke Favorites and Lyrical Knowledge
A self-professed fan of karaoke, Grimshaw enjoys performing songs from Madonna's back catalogue and attempting to rap, though he finds it more challenging than expected. His go-to karaoke track is Pulp's Common People, which he praises for its communal singalong appeal. When it comes to inexplicably knowing every word, Grimshaw credits his teenage years of listening to Dr Dre and Eminem, with lyrics from songs like Juicy by the Notorious BIG and tracks by Lil' Kim firmly cemented in his memory.
Party Tracks and Emotional Connections
For setting the mood at a party, Grimshaw recommends Grace Jones, particularly Pull Up to the Bumper, which he describes as a call to arms with its beat and city sounds that capture the essence of a good night out. On a more emotional note, he admits to being a big crier, with Rosalía's multilingual song Mio Cristo Piange Diamanti often bringing him to tears due to its visceral honesty and emotional depth.
Life-Changing Music and Family Influence
Grimshaw attributes his passion for music to his older siblings, who introduced him to gigs and clubbing scenes in Manchester. He recalls collecting flyers and listening to artists like A Guy Called Gerald, Joy Division, Kraftwerk, and NWA in their rooms. Their advice to avoid a conventional job and pursue his interests in music left a lasting impact, with New Order's Bizarre Love Triangle serving as a reminder of his family and his drive to work in the music industry.
Personal Preferences and Funeral Plans
When it comes to intimate moments, Grimshaw prefers to avoid hearing colleagues like Sara Cox or Huw Stephens on the radio, emphasizing that the music doesn't matter as much as the company. For mornings, he enjoys silence initially but finds Yebba's Yellow Eyes to be a pleasant start to the day. Looking ahead, he has given thought to his funeral, expressing a desire for a day off from music selection but opting for David Bowie's Subterraneans to create a moody, atmospheric, and dramatic soundscape as attendees leave.
Nick Grimshaw will be presenting from the BBC Radio 6 Music festival on 28 March, with all shows and sets available on BBC Sounds.
