Written By: Hamda Issa-Salwe / @HamdaINC
Music that gives me life is a brand new feature with GRM Daily where your favourite figures in the music industry talk us through a selection of songs and musical memories that form the soundtrack to their life.
This time round we’ve got one of the bubbliest voices on UK radio, hostess with the mostess Rebecca Judd. The presenter, DJ and radio personality has spent the last couple years making a name for herself on our airwaves hosting Strawberries & Creem festival, 4Music’s Trending Live and even GRM’s own #TBC Podcast.
Rebecca recently topped all those accolades when she kicked off 2020 by launching her new self-titled show on Apple Music where she spins live on Beats 1 radio from Monday to Thursday. For Music that gives me life we discussed some of Rebecca’s ‘feel good’ anthems and the tracks getting heavy rotation on her new show.
The song that made me fall in love with radio
“Back in 2012 I did work experience at BBC Radio 1xtra, Disclosure and Sam Smith’s “Latch” was playing in the background every minute of every day so that song is stuck in my head alongside all the good memories from working there. After my time at 1xtra, everything else just blossomed. I went on to community radio, then moved over to Westside Radio and all the rest… but “Latch” is the song that comes with my first memories of getting into it all. I still love it now.”
My go to karaoke tune
“A few years ago I used to go this night called Hip Hop Karaoke in central London and it was so lit. When I’d go I never actually got up and sang just ‘cos I really enjoyed watching other people do it. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever actually done karaoke properly but if I had to the song I’d probably pick would be Meek Mill and Rick Ross “Ima Boss”. I know most of the words, it’s one of my favourite songs and I love Rick Ross. Might even get one of my mate’s to come and do the ad libs, I want mosh pits going on.”
The one with lyrics that make me pause every time
Considering when this tune first dropped, the impact that it had made me proper emotional. I actually cried to this song, a single little tear. The song is “Home” by Headie One. The Faith Evans sample, the lyrics and the way he comes in… it just touched my soul. The fact that he went down the route of talking about his feelings, those lyrics had me like “wow”. I know I’m not the only one who felt emotional the first time they listened to that one.
What I’m currently playing on every show
“Since I started my new show on Beats 1 the song that I’ve been bangin’ out has to be Darkoo and One Acen “Gangsta”. That one is a tune! Plus you’ve got all the remixes that have dropped now, so that’s a song I feel like I’ll be playing for months. The way it makes me feel, it’s just so upbeat, happy and I’m ready to turn up. I’m proper excited to see what Darkoo does next. I wanna see massive collaborations, I can see her doing something with Wizkid.”
One track that gives me that ‘Friday feeling’ every day of the week
“September” by Earth, Wind & Fire is the one. I didn’t wanna just pick a recent song, this is from way back in the 70s so it’s a timeless. It’s a ‘feel good’ one. If I’ve got a big day, gotta keep my energy up, if I’m ever feeling down or whatever this is what I’ll listen to. I can’t think of anything that makes me happier.
Check out the last instalment of Music that Gives me life with Mabdulle right here
For more keep up with Rebecca on Insta instagram.com/rebecca_judd and tune in to Beats 1 on Monday’s to Thursdays from 2pm for free on Apple Music apple.co/Beats1