My first love is 70s progressive rock like Rush, Yes, ELP, Renaissance, Pink Floyd, etc. Then the more modern stuff like Porcupine Tree, Marillion, Dream Theater, etc. I've also always been obsessed with female vocals, particularly soprano or mezzo-soprano styles. And if my music isn't expressing complex melodies and epic, orchestral arrangements then it needs to be conveying some deep emotions with passionate delivery. I can't do bands like Nickelback, Creed, or any overly happy stuff. Definitely no synthetic, superficial, pop diva, cookie-cutter crap. I love all kinds of styles from metal to electronica to folk to classical as long as it's genuine, soulful, with unrestrained expression and real talent.