My Ears Through the Years with Lou Allen
Welcome back to My Ears Through the Years! The series where we ask amazing people in our industry about the tracks that have followed them through their lives and careers.
Next up on with a METTY playlist of absolute tunes, it’s amazing Lou Allen! Having begun her career in audio post production over 20 years ago, Lou is now managing director of Factory and SIREN, and the beating heart of the Factory Family. With such experienced ears in music and sound, we’re dying to hear what songs have been powering Lou through her life… Let’s press play!
Q> Hi Lou! Tell us, what’s your earliest memories of music…
Lou> I’m the youngest in the family and my brother and sister had very different taste in music. My brother was into Queen and Dire Straits and my sister was into Shakin’ Stevens and Michael Jackson. I remember ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) being played a lot; my mum is a huge fan. Also, ABBA, we loved to dance around to that! It certainly paved my way for my love of pop, disco and house music.
Q> What was the first music you bought yourself?
Lou> My very first single I bought myself was a 7” vinyl of DeBarge’s ‘Rhythm of the Night’.
Q> Your first gig?
Lou> Growing up in Kent in the 1970’s & 1980’s I didn’t really get to any gigs. I think I went to see The Wurzels with my dad once, but I don’t remember that. My first gig that I went to with my friends, was the Donnington Monsters of Rock in 1990 which featured Thunder, Poison, Quireboys, Aerosmith and Whitesnake. It was wild, I loved it. Not a gig, but I also just want to take a moment to mention raves in the 1990’s. There was hardly any access to the internet then (certainly none on your phone!) so I had no idea what a rave would look or sound like. When I entered an aircraft hangar at Lydd airport for World Dance in 1993, I just couldn’t believe what I was witnessing. It was intoxicating, quite literally. No phones, just living in the moment. I feel privileged to have been a part of that era and it shaped my lifelong love of dance music.
Q> The first song that comes into your head at any opportunity?
Lou> I wake up every morning with a song in my head but it’s never consistent. It can literally be anything from Whitney Houston to Luther Vandross, to the theme tune to Fraggle Rock. It’s like a lucky dip every morning!
Q> Your first slow dance?
Lou> ‘Move Closer’ by Phyllis Nelson. I’m cringing even thinking about it!
Q> The first song you felt you couldn't escape from?
Lou> ‘No Limit’ by 2 Unlimited
Q> A song you grew up with?
Lou> ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ by Candi Stato. This could be my other karaoke song too.
Q> Your walk out music?
Lou> Pete Heller’s ‘Big Love (David Penn Remix)’
Q> Your dancefloor anthem?
Lou> ‘At Night’ by Shakedown. Amazing memories of dancing to this tune. One of my friends (who shall go unnamed, but you know who you are) screamed so loudly in my ear when this came on in Pacha I still can’t hear properly in my right ear.
Q> A karaoke classic?
Lou> ‘I Will Survive’ by Gloria Gaynor. I know it’s a real cliché but jeez it makes you feel good.
Q> Your musical guilty pleasure?
Lou> Sad songs, I love an emotional ballad.
Q> A song that reminds you of home / family / friends?
Lou> ‘Lola’s Theme’ by The Shapeshifters. Brings back great memories of clubbing in the noughties.
Q> How has your musical taste evolved?
Lou> I never listened to classical music until I got a dog. I was told it’s relaxing for them, and now it’s my go-to in the morning.
Q> A song you wish you wrote?
Lou> ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham.
Q> Your musical unpopular opinion?
Lou> Taylor Swift. Although I admire her ambition and energy.
Q> Music that you think is underrated?
Lou> Some of my beloved House DJ’s. I’m a huge Defected (House label) fan. I love the way they embrace classic and new house music, and they love to share it. I’ve also attended a lot of their events, not only do they know how to party but it’s really inclusive. Go to a Glitterbox party and you’ll see what I mean.
Q> Your desert island disc?
Lou> ‘Off the Wall’ - Michael Jackson. Brilliantly produced by Quincy Jones. 10 songs, all in the right order, in my humble opinion.
Q> A song you’d like played at your funeral?
Lou> Anything by George Michael.
Q> Best sync moment?
Lou> The one I always remember, because I absolutely love the film, is Pulp Fiction and the dance scene with Uma Therman and John Travolta. It makes me smile every time I watch it. The track is ‘You Never Can Tell’ by Chuck Berry.
Q> Music that made an ad campaign?
Lou> I know someone has chosen this before but it’s the Audi campaign, Send in the Clowns. The visuals are so silly, and the track is so emotional, I love it.
Q> Best theme song?
Lou> It’s got to be the theme from Twin Peaks.
Q> Favourite film soundtrack / score?
Lou> The Shining. The sound and music are absolutely terrifying.
