‘My mum bought me Hardcore Ecstasy when I was seven – it’s an amazing collection’: Nick Grimshaw’s honest playlist | Nick Grimshaw

The first song I fell in love with
My father had a very small record collection, but it was very good, and he had all the classics: Bob Marley, Bill Withers, Ella Fitzgerald, Tina Turner. But I distinctly remember loving America by Simon and Garfunkel — there’s a feeling of hope, like a feeling of wanting to escape. We spent a lot of time in the car, going on trips that didn’t go anywhere, and that was our entertainment – we’d sing in the car, me and my mum and dad.

First song I bought
I remember my mum bought me a cassette called Hardcore Ecstasy, which is a great collection – I was actually seven years old. I just loved it. I think a rave is very attractive to a seven-year-old, you know, it’s very loud and lively. But the first song I remember buying was “It’s Oh So Quiet” by Björk, at Oldham’s HMV. It was weird and it stuck with me – I was nine years old. I think, to be honest, I bought it based on the line and the super futuristic look of the silver metal – I didn’t know who she was, but I loved her DIY fringes.

The song I play at karaoke
I love karaoke. I would love to do anything from Madonna’s back catalogue. I’m always trying to rap, and it’s always a lot harder than I think it is. But I’m a big fan of Pulp’s Common People – this is very well received and it’s a good collective individual moment.

The song I inexplicably know
Remembering song lyrics and not remembering anything useful from school has ruined my mind. I played Dr. Dre and Eminem a lot in my teenage years. I know word for word Juicy by Notorious B.I.G., Big Momma Thang, and Queen Bitch by Lil’ Kim are all anchored there.

Best song to play at a party
I think Grace Jones is one of those artists who has such a vibe in her music, she’s someone who reminds me – in my mind – how I would like to appear on the dance floor… I definitely don’t. Pulling into the bumper is a call to arms. I love the rhythm, the honking sounds of the cars, the sounds of the city – there’s something about it that feels like the essence of a good night out.

The song that makes me cry
I’m a big cryer, anything can make me cry: ads, dogs on Instagram. But Rosalía’s Mio Cristo Piange Diamanti I find very honest. She sings in 13 different languages, and I feel emotional because I think she’s telling the truth. There’s so much range and depth, it really pushes itself to the limits. That song makes me cry.

The song that changed my life
Having an older brother and sister who went to parties and clubs was very exciting for me when I was a kid. I was collecting flyers even before I knew what a club was. I was really obsessed with being in their rooms, listening to everything they played; A Man Named Gerald, Joy Division, Kraftwerk, NWA. I wanted to be part of this world. I remember struggling with schoolwork and asking them for advice, and they said, “Don’t get a real job. We’ve fallen in love with it. Go do what you want.” They both saw Manchester and the scene in the city as something really special – the music was important and the strange love triangle from New Order reminds me of my family and my need to do something in music.

Best song for sex
We have the radio all the time at home. I guess it doesn’t really matter what happens during sex. As long as it’s not one of your radio colleagues, Sarah Cox or Hugh Stevens. You also don’t want to hear your own trail.

The song that wakes me up in the morning
I need silence first thing, but Yebba’s Yellow Eyes is really nice in the morning.

The song I would want played at my funeral
As someone who chooses music every day, I would really like to have a day off at my funeral. But I like the idea of ​​feeling completely holy – I think everyone should grieve and cry hard. I want the soundscape of David Bowie’s Subterraneans – where everyone is leaving the church – to be moody, atmospheric and dramatic.

Nick Grimshaw Displays from BBC Radio 6 Music festival, 2March 8; All shows and sets are on BBC Sounds.