Now listening: reader playlist

This week's playlist is from Ava Lockyear, who spent two weeks at the Guardian as part of her work experience. Ava is a 14-year-old student from Orpington in Kent. Her parents have an expansive music collection, which has encouraged her to listen to a variety of genres, from swing to punk. Failure – Laura Marling Failure appears on Laura Marling's first album, Alas, I Cannot Swim. I like the simplicity of her music; just vocals and guitar. This can be chilling in places, but always a great listen. VCR – The xx The xx's second album, Coexist, is due this September. VCR is one of their singles, which reached No 15 in the UK indie chart. I love the soft, almost sinister vocals on this album that complement the guitar and xylophone riffs. First Love – The Maccabees The Maccabees are an indie band from south London. This track, from the album Colour It In, was the first of their songs to reach the top 40. I went to one of their gigs at Alexandra Palace in June and enjoyed the range of styles adopted by the band, all of which showed their talent and passion for music. 15 Steps – Radiohead 15 Steps is the first track on Radiohead's seventh album, In Rainbows. I find that if you listen to their earlier albums, you notice their style has changed a lot in the last 20 years. I have to say I prefer the more recent material, but the older records are still great. I Saw You Blink – Stornoway The band is named after a Scottish town, despite the fact that they have never actually visited the place. This track is a single from their first and, until later this year, only album: Beachcomber's Windowsill. This song is enjoyably catchy and I can't help but (attempt to) sing along. Remember – Misty Miller Misty Miller recorded her debut album at 16, while studying for her GCSEs. Despite this, her album contains some beautiful material. I really enjoy the sounds she plays on her ukelele, especially since I have tried to play the ukelele myself (without much success). She lists Patti Smith, Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground among her influences. Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa – Vampire Weekend There are only a few words to this song, but this only brings more attention to the music – unlike some tracks that are saturated with unnecessary lyrics. Lonely Boy – The Black Keys This track is the single on the band's most recent album, El Camino, and was voted the third-best song of 2011 by Rolling Stone. I find the video comical and the song catchy. This is my best friend's favourite song, so I was introduced to this through her. Back of your Neck – Howler Howler was named third best new band of 2011 by NME, and their lead singer featured in the 50 coolest people of 2011. Their debut album, America Give Up, which features the single Back of Your Neck, was released earlier this year through Rough Trade. • Interested in submitting a playlist? Email [email protected] with the subject line "Now listening" and tell us who you are, and one or two tracks you'd include.