My Ears Through the Years with Caitlin Horrex

Hello and welcome back to My Ears Through the Years! The series where we ask people in our industry to spill the musical beans on what their record players, cassette tapes, and iPods have been playing with over the years. So without further ‘Agadoo’, let’s get into another brilliant METTY playlist. 

This week we’re joined by a brilliant creative from Grey London, the wonderful Caitlin Horrex! Having been in the industry for the last six years, Caitlin has worked on campaigns for some of the biggest brands in the world, from Pringles to Aquafresh, from Helly Hansen to Volvo. But what songs is this N-Dubz stan listening to get those creative juices flowing? Let’s find out….

Q> Hi Caitlin! Tell us, what’s your first memory of music?

Caitlin> My Dad had one of the first generation iPods that was in a teal colour so every time we got into the car – no matter how short or long the journey– he would have a playlist on. I was exposed to a lot of great bands growing up: U2, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Muse, etc. I remember having  soft spot  for KISS – think I put my Dad off them by constantly requesting ‘Strutter ‘78’!

Q> The first gig you went to?

Caitlin> Arctic Monkeys. It was my younger brothers birthday however my Dad was worried about taking  him as he was quite clearly looked under 16. I was 14 and looked a little older so I went instead. ‘Humbug’ had just been released and it was all I listened to for weeks after. Definitely my favourite AM album. 

Q> What’s the first song that comes into your head at any given opportunity? 

Caitlin> ‘A Horse With No Name’ – America

Q> A song you grew up with? 

Caitlin> Led Zeppelin – Kashmir. Pretty sure it was the first song on Dad’s playlist.

Q> Your walk out music? 

Caitlin> YONAKA, FEVER 333 – ‘Clique’. Anything super angry with punky lyrics, I’m down for. It literally starts with ‘Get the f*** out my face, I’m trying to think...’  Would feel pretty iconic to come out to. 

Q> Your dancefloor anthem?

Caitlin> It has to be ‘It’s Raining Men’ - The Weather Girls. Classic.

Q> Your musical guilty pleasure? 

Caitlin> It’s gotta be N-Dubz. I feel like people cringe at me when I say it, but I used to worship them.  

Q> A song that reminds you of home / family / friends? 

Caitlin> Frank Ocean – ‘Lost’. I did a road trip around California, Arizona and Nevada with my best mates, and we had the ‘This Is Orange’ album on repeat. Every time I hear it, it takes me back to that time. 

Q> How was your musical taste changed? 

Caitlin> I’m a lot more open than I used to be. I used to be a dedicated heavy metal, rock’n’roll kinda gal and very snobby on what I thought was good music. Now I’d go to any gig with a mate  –  you never know when you'll discover your next obsession. I saw Kendrick Lamar at Glastonbury, would never have bought a ticket for him otherwise – but after that I was in his top 2% of listeners by Christmas!

Q> A song you wish you wrote? 

Caitlin> System of a Down – ‘Chop Suey’. Probably anything SOAD. They deal with pretty heavy stuff lyrically, but paired with beautiful melodies, heavy riffs and abrupt tempo changes. It feels very impressive and important to have music like that in the world. 

Q> Your unpopular musical opinion? 

Caitlin> Don’t hate me but don’t really get the whole vinyl thing…?  If we’re talking ‘technically’ the best way to listen music, then surely, it’s in a sound studio? I dunno. For me the BEST way is live. 

Q> Most underrated artist?

Caitlin> Turbowolf. I will never understand why they didn’t make it. Their sound is electric. Even thinking about the intro to ‘Red + Write’ gives me goose bumps.  

Q> Your desert island track / album? 

Caitlin> Bring me the Horizon  –  ‘Amo’ 

Q> Your funeral song?  

Caitlin> Foo Fighters – ‘Run’. A band that got me into music so feels like it would be a full circle moment. This song also sounds like an epic funeral song. 

Q> Song that made an ad?

Caitlin> Yes Sir, I Can Boogie for the Cadbury’s office advert. It’s such a classic. 

Q> Best Theme song?

Caitlin> Slow Horse: ‘It’s a strange game’ by Mick Jagger 

Q> Favourite film soundtrack / score?

Caitlin> ‘Lord of the Rings’ – Howard Shore. I saw an orchestra play this at the Royal Albert Hall and it was insane.  

Q> Track you’d most like to sync?

Caitlin> Skindred - Gimme That Boom. Such an epic song.