When it comes to the concept of affirmations put to music, Michele Blood of Musivation must be given credit. I can still sing you her "I am a magnet to moneeeeyyyy" tune even though I don't hear it played very often.

Honestly, I think Michele's music veers to the cheesy side (apologies). But, she's the pioneer in this field and good for her. I actually saw her recently in person; she is a terrific speaker, very funny, down to earth, and likes a good swear or two. (She is, after all, Australian!) She also said that you might feel like a "dickhead" listening to some of her songs (acknowledging said cheesiness). At this point I decided I really liked her. I appreciate any woman who does not take herself too seriously.

Beyond that, my musical influences are vast and wide and include everything from the Bulgarian Women's Choir to Iron Maiden.

In college, I was a DJ and made my first live on-air mix using Diamanda Galas and Tibetan monks chanting.

My current favorite groups are Zero 7 and the Scissor Sisters. I'm also keen on Jamiroquai (I guess that retro-funk thing is my bag), and I'm a huge David Bowie fan. Jack Johnson is a surfer, so of course I dig his music. I've also loved Japanese pop group Pizzicato Five for years.

I was mildly obsessed with Stereolab in the 90s.

Finally, in electronica and dance:

Moby
Fatboy Slim
The Orb (not to be confused with Orbital, another pioneering favorite of mine)
and all the other electronica producers out there, such as Little Louie Vega

And of course, let's give props out to Pete Tong and the DJs who contribute to the Essential Mix.