One Minute With... Rodney Smith, Roots Manuva

Where are you?
In Sheffield, South Yorkshire. I'm preparing to do a show and we are doing sound checks.

What are you currently listening to?
On the tour bus, a lot of old reggae: Lee "Scratch" Perry and Yellowman.

Who is your favourite band?
That's a hard one. I like a lot of bands. I think I would pick Elbow because they are a down-to-earth band and it's great they have been together for 18 years.

If you could have written one song, which would it be?
"Killer" by Seal. I want my songs to be as compelling and intriguing as this one. I have listened to it over and over again. I still don't understand why it is such a great song, but it is.

What distracts you from work?
Ladies... nice cars. I have a few.

What did you want to be as a child?
A bank manager. It is terrible saying such a thing at this time of economic crisis – but I had strange perception that bank managers could be as rich as hell and make money out of thin air.

Who is your greatest inspiration?
Tracey Emin, because anybody who can get out of bed and sell art for thousands of pounds is a genius.

Is there a song that changed your life?
Sinéad O'Connor's "Nothing Compares To You". It was written by Prince but the way she sings it with such honesty was reassuring.

Who is your hero?
Martin Luther King. The whole peace thing. His relentless regard for peace.