Perhaps uncharacteristically, I love metal, but I just enjoy the genre in general - I don't know any particular bands (if you have any recommendations, that'd be great).

I've not a drop of Italian blood in me, sadly, but I greatly admire the culture, and I practically grew up on Italian food - there's a strong Italian presence in this area. It just started as a small interest, but as I studied the language & culture in school I grew to love it more and more.