“Witness (1 Hope) from Roots Manuva Gives Me Some Bad Girl Energy”: Eliza Rose’s Honest Playlist | music

First song I ever bought
Aaliyah, boat rock. My grandmother sent me and my cousin to pick up some pieces in Dalston and there was some change left over, so I went to HMV and bought this CD for £1.99. I wasn’t supposed to steal my grandmother’s money but I felt so grown up. If my Jamaican father had found out, he wouldn’t have been happy. I’d get a few licks.

The song to which I inexplicably know all the words
Mambo No. 5 (A Little…) by Lou Bega. I was working on my album recently and realized I knew every word. I was so impressed because I barely remember the lyrics to my songs.

The song I streamed the most
The Witness (First Hope) by Roots Manova. It’s an island itinerary to suit any occasion. If I’m feeling a little down, it gives me some bad girl energy and reminds me to be right. It also gives me a good adrenaline boost while running.

The song that I can’t stop myself from singing
The Genius of Love by Tom Tom Club. They’ve had a real influence on my sound and the newer stuff I’ll be releasing soon. I like funky electronic dance and I also like emotional stuff.

The song I pretend to hate that I secretly love
Nuttin Nuh Go So by Notch. There are a lot of dance artists whose music I love but whose lyrics have problems. One day my father said, “Do you know what they say?”

The song I tell people is my favorite
Billie Holiday I’m a fool because I want you. When she started working in a record store at age 15, Billie Holiday was my introduction to music that wasn’t commercial. I feel like if you say you like Billie Holiday, you sound a little weird.

My favorite karaoke song?
Amy Winehouse, you know I’m no good. I will plug Amy for any occasion, I’m a huge fan of hers. This was my anthem at Stoke Newington School where I went. We also had an Amy Winehouse concert. It was a great school and had a lot of funding for the arts. A large number of great artists have come out of that school.

The song is actually my favorite
Wifey riddim by effort. Love song by a dirty artist. Teen angst song. It reminds me of being fifteen years old, a sassy girl in my feelings, with my hair combed down, sitting in the back of the bus.

Best song for sex
Let’s Get It Right by John L. Watson. It sounds like a makeup song. His voice is so soothing and sultry. If I get into an argument with my partner, I will play this game to get him back into bed.

Best song to play at a party
I’ll pick one of mine: BOTA (worst of them all). I’ve been told that it was the soundtrack to people’s best nights out and that people got married to it. It’s a safe bet for me.

The song I want played at my funeral
Irma Thomas, time is on my side. A good way to leave laughing.

Eliza Rose x Oppidan’s Too Slow (All Night) is out now.