Susanna Hoffs

BANGLE, MING TEA GUITAR

What music are you currently grooving to?

I recently discovered a young singersongwriter named Joy Oladokun. Her voice and songs are gorgeous and moving. And I’ve been listening on repeat to Joni Mitchell’s latest archival releases: Archives Vol. 1 and The Reprise Albums 1968-1971, as well as to The Velvet Underground and Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers, having just seen Todd Haynes’ new documentary. A perennial favourite is Águas De Março (Waters Of March) by Elis Regina And Antônio Carlos Jobim, a song which can be used as needed to get one through the day.

What, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favourite album?

An impossible question! I love so many! I’m going to go with Prince’s Purple Rain. I often start my day listening to Let’s Go Crazy. I love the way it opens with the warped gospel-style organ, and the line, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life…”

What was the first record you ever bought? And where did you buy it? My older brother and I took the bus to a record shop called The Warehouse in Westwood Village, Los Angeles. I bought Sweet Baby James, by James Taylor, and Let It Be, The Beatles.

Which musician, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be? Joni, Linda [Ronstadt], Bonnie [Raitt]. All four Beatles.

What do you sing in the shower? Everything.

What is your favourite Saturday night record?

Rock Steady written and sung by the amazing Aretha Franklin! This song can make any night a Saturday night.

And your Sunday morning record? Sunday Morning by The Velvet Underground, naturally. “Sunday morning, brings the dawn in, it’s just a restless feeling, by my side…”

“I often start my day with Let’s Go Crazy.” SUSANNA HOFFS