Off the record: 

Needless to say, music is an integral part of all our lives, from the rock concert T-shirt you proudly wore to school the day after the show to the songs you chose for your wedding. It's our motivation, and it's our soundtrack.

You can learn a lot about a person simply by hearing what they hear. With this new, occasional Q&A column we're calling "Off the record," City will focus on people in the public eye that are outside of the music scene, and the songs, albums, and artists that mean something to them.

We thought we'd start big, so for the first installment, we pitched Mayor Lovely Warren a few questions.

How do you get your music?

I like to download and discover new music through iTunes.

First musical purchase?

Music by New Edition, back in the 1980's.

First live music event?

A Mary J. Blige concert.

Favorite band or musician?

New Edition

A song or lyrics that really spoke to you?

"Dear Mama" by Tupac Shakur.

Favorite type of music?

R&B and gospel.

Do you play an instrument?

Regrettably, no.

Memorable musical moment?

The death of music icons Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur.

What does music mean to you?

Music has an incredible ability to both unite us and define us. The power of music can be seen at Rochester's many concert series: Party in the Park, ROC the Park, Bands on the Bricks, Gospel Jubilee, and so many others. At these events, you see the community come together to celebrate the diversity that makes Rochester a great place to live, work, and play.