I've played in a couple of bands and learn new music frequently. Usually the music that's already going around in my head that I've heard from somewhere.
I've many songs that bring up childhood memories: Don't Worry Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin Telegraph Road - Dire Straits Leave a Light On - Belinda Carlisle Neverending Story - Limahl
No particular order: Nick Drake, Incredible String Band, Deep Purple, the Offspring, Cat Stevens, ELO, Nobuo Uematsu, Dire Straits, John Williams, Alan Silvestri, Led Zeppelin, the Doors, Gong, Meat Puppets, Beatles, Daddy Cool, 50s, classical, folk, video game music, Pink Floyd, Syd Barrett, Bill Callahan, Danny Elfman
I've found being around people inspires me to write things. If I spend to long on my own, I don't get inspired as much.