What I’m listening to: contrary to popular opinion, I don’t just listen to metal. Songhoy Blues play high-energy African rhythm and blues from Mali. Bassekou Kouyate has an equally infectious single, Siran Fen . J.D. McPherson’s second album, Let the Good Times Roll , is out. And if it’s metal you’re after, try Torche’s ReStarter and Elder’s Lore . Both are really strong. What I’m watching: House of Cards – the show oozes class in every respect. The trick of the main character talking directly to the camera draws you in, and I still get excited at that bass-driven theme music. Silicon Valley is back next month. The first season was hilarious, but too short. I also like Italy Unpacked , where Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli and art historian Andrew Graham-Dixon embark on a food and art odyssey around Italy. What I’m reading: I recently enjoyed The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt, and I like post-war American fiction – anything by Cormac McCarthy or John Steinbeck. My next book will be The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund De Waal. What artists I’m following: local arts collective HK Walls. Design Anthology is a new publication with a focus on Asia. It’s stylishly presented and great to see a HKbased magazine that can hold its own. Where I’m surfing: mostly music websites – Pitchfork, Rough Trade, Drowned in Sound all offer reviews and showcase talent. The Week is great for aggregated news and when real life gets too depressing there’s always The Onion. I also stream BBC 6 Music or Radio 3. (As told to Pavan Shamdasani)