Entertainment

Arts Q&A: Eamonn McCrystal on Eva Cassidy, Agatha Christie and a good oul Irish cup of tea

Jenny Lee puts performers and artists on the spot about what really matters to them. This week, Cookstown-born multiple Emmy Award-winning pop tenor Eamonn McCrystal

Cookstown-born star Eamonn McCrystal first sang on Radio Ulster's George Jones show when he was seven
Cookstown-born star Eamonn McCrystal first sang on Radio Ulster's George Jones show when he was seven Cookstown-born star Eamonn McCrystal first sang on Radio Ulster's George Jones show when he was seven

1. When did you think about music as a career and what were your first steps into it?

Music as a career was never the plan, but it seemed like no matter what path I chose, music kept positioning itself front and centre, so I finally gave in and look what's happened since. Sometimes you have to listen to that nagging little voice – it's usually right.

2. Best gigs you’ve been to?

The Grammys – I have been to three and they were all pretty phenomenal. Also Paul McCartney and Beyoncé.

3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?

The Beatles.

4. The record you’d take to a desert island?

Anything by Eva Cassidy – I could listen to her voice forever.

5. And the book?

It has to be the Bible. It's full of stories and gives you hope for a miracle to get off the desert island.

6. Top three films?

Since a child I have always loved Mrs Doubtfire. God's Not Dead 2 is pretty good – but I'm a little biased on that one as I star in it and It's a wonderful life for a classic movies at Christmas.

7. Worst film you’ve seen?

Hmm, that's a tough one. It was that bad I must have forgotten it.

8. Favourite authors?

Agatha Christie – you can never work out who did it – and Adriana Trigiani (both as a person and an author).

9. Sport you most enjoy and top team?

I'm not really a sports fan; however, the rest of the family make up for me because they are all huge GAA fans. So I am now obliged to say: "Go on Tyrone".

10. Ideal holiday destination?

What's a holiday? It's been a long time since I had one – but I have been lucky to sing all over the world. I now live split between New Mexico and California, so I'm spoilt for sunshine. I love the Italian culture and food, but give me a good cup of tea during one of our storms in Ireland and I'll be very happy to listen to the rain.

11. Pet hate?

Bad manners; I can't stand rudeness.

12. What’s your favourite:

Dinner? Shepherd's pie.

Dessert? Carrot cake.

Drink? There's nothing like a good cup of tea.

13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?

I have so many great friends, I couldn't possibly just pick one – so I'm not going to.

14. Is there a God?

Absolutely – I even made a film about it.

:: Eamonn McCrystal's 10th studio album And So It Goes was released this month. He will be appearing on BBC Northern Ireland's Children in Need coverage tomorrow night. Eamonn.net.