Golden Globe winner and Cecil B. deMille recipient Denzel Washington has proven himself to be an amazing actor and director. We were wondering how much his love for music helps him get into the many characters he has played during his distinguished career.  When we met for the upcoming film Equalizer 2, we asked Denzel what he’s been listening to these days (while discussing a project with director Bob Zemeckis).

“I was listening to some old stuff today, I was listening to Donald Byrd. I’ve been listening to this song called “Fed Up”, this song by Derez De’Shon.  I like this girl called SZA, I like her.  And The Weeknds.”

And when he gets into a character, does music help?

“It depends upon the part.  Like for example,  or Roman Israel, Esq. I collected a lot of different music. There was a song by Jack DeJohnette, a song called “Dancing,” and that became a part of the character for me. So it depends upon the role.”  He added, laughing: “ For Equalizer, not as much, – he reads, he doesn’t listen.”