1. When did you think about music as a career and what were your first steps into it?
I was in a little indie band in my teens, but we only ever played one gig – in Portstewart. Years later I ended up playing lounge and wedding gigs and along the way I gathered up about 10 original songs and just thought that I should record them. My first album came out in 2002 and was pretty well received, but the second one really took off – thanks to the song Sailortown. Since then – seven albums in all – I’ve just been constantly working.
2. Best gigs you’ve been to?
The Blue Nile at the Ulster Hall (1996), Anais Mitchell at The Black Box in Belfast (2014) and Steely Dan at The Point in Dublin (2000).
3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?
The most exciting live band I’ve ever heard on record has to be Louis Prima with Keely Smith and The Witnesses, from their late 1950s three-shows-a-night residency at The Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas. I defy anybody to sit still when that stuff comes on.
4. The record you’d take to a desert island?
Bill Withers Live at Carnegie Hall. It’s mellow, funky and timeless.
5. And the book?
All of Us: The Collected Poems by Raymond Carver.
6. Top three films?
Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Raising Arizona and Being There.
7. Worst film you’ve seen?
A couple of years ago I read a fantastic review of a fishing documentary called Leviathan and convinced my whole family to go to see it. It was awful; two hours of rolling waves, fish guts and driving rain.
8. Favourite authors?
Richard Ford, Sebastian Barry and Denis Johnston.
9. Pet hate?
Jerks who let their dogs defecate on public footpaths.
10. What’s your favourite:
Dinner? Spaghetti with homemade bolognese.
Dessert? Apple crumble and custard.
Drink? The Balvenie single malt scotch (when I can afford it).
11. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?
The Irish painter Michael McGuinness. We met about 25 years ago through mutual friends in Portstewart and used to play music together. He’s based in London and every time I go over, we have a tradition of viewing an exhibition and then going somewhere afterwards to drink. Our conversations are deeply artistic and philosophical – and complete nonsense.
12. Is there a God?
My upbringing suggested an unquestioning acceptance that he was up there somewhere, watching us. As I get older, I’m not so sure. The old cop-out works for me: try to live a good life anyway – just in case.
Anthony Toner plays the Antrim Courthouse tonight, Ards Arts Centre on March 16 and 19, Ranfurly House in Dungannon on April 1 and No Alibis in Belfast on May 19 and 20. For all dates, see AnthonyToner.net
