Comedian Katherine Ryan has shared insights into her personal music preferences, highlighting songs and artists that have shaped her tastes over the years. Reflecting on her earliest musical influences, Ryan recalls her mother’s affinity for 1980s pop icons such as Madonna and Paula Abdul, with the track "Material Girl" standing out as an early inspiration during her childhood.

Her first purchase as a young music fan included three records—Alanis Morissette’s "Jagged Little Pill," a Sheryl Crow single, and "Waterfalls" by TLC—bought with money earned from household chores in her hometown of Sarnia, Ontario. Ryan credits her uncle for nurturing her appreciation for Canadian music during that time.

When it comes to performing, Ryan identifies "Son of a Preacher Man" as a go-to choice at karaoke, although she admits to avoiding the activity, joking that it reveals attendees as “attention-seeking alcoholics.” She also admits to knowing every lyric of the musical "Hamilton," despite only having seen it twice, highlighting her affinity for its score.

For social gatherings, Ryan favors early-2000s hip-hop and R&B tracks, citing Daddy Yankee’s "Gasolina" as a quintessential party song. Conversely, she notes a preference to avoid Will.i.am’s "What I Am" due to overexposure.

In a candid reveal, she embraces the Spice Girls’ music openly, dismissing the notion of being a “music snob” and naming "Wannabe" as a song she would play enthusiastically, regardless of company.

Discussing music to accompany intimate moments, Ryan generally favors silence but would select Mario’s "Let Me Love You" if music were necessary. She reflects on the songs that had a significant emotional impact, naming Adam Sandler’s "Chanukah Song" and "Ode to My Car" as pivotal. She describes these songs as early examples of humor blended with music that addressed trauma and offered affirmation, particularly noting their influence on how she views comedy’s role in healing and messaging.

Ryan also expresses a poignant reaction to the importance of positive messaging in children’s entertainment, citing the designation of Sesame Street and artists like Will.i.am as vital sources of encouragement for young audiences.

Looking ahead, Ryan has partnered with meal-subscription service Gousto, continuing her work beyond comedy. She concludes her musical reflections by naming Sisqó’s "Thong Song" as the track she would want played at her funeral, underscoring her playful approach to music and identity.