Entertainment

Arts Q&A: Duke Special grilled

Jenny Lee puts performers and artists on the spot about what really matters to them. This week, Belfast musician Duke Special

Duke Special's new studio album Hallow is entirely based on the poetry of Belfast poet Michael Longley
Duke Special's new studio album Hallow is entirely based on the poetry of Belfast poet Michael Longley Duke Special's new studio album Hallow is entirely based on the poetry of Belfast poet Michael Longley

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

When I was at school I really wanted to do music full-time, but way back then in the distant past there weren't many options at college or uni to do the kind of music I wanted to do. So, I joined a band in England aged 19.

2. Best gigs you’ve been to?

The best one I attended recently was American folk rock act Sun Kil Moon in Bangor.

3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?

1950s Caribbean music.

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

The Magnetic Fields' 50 Song Memoir – I haven't got to listen to it all yet.

5. And the book you’d take to a desert island and why?

The Essential Gore Vidal.

6. Top two films?

Frenzy (Alfred Hitchcock) and Magnolia (PT Anderson).

7. Worst film you've seen?

Die Hard 7 or 8. Everything about it is awful.

8. Favourite authors?

Victor Hugo and Pádraig Ó Tuama.

9. Sport you most enjoy and top team?

I do enjoy following various sports, but wouldn’t claim to be an avid follower. I adored Liverpool FC growing up as my big sister went to uni there when I was six.

10. Ideal holiday destination?

Czech Republic or Ireland.

11. Pet hate?

Airport snakes.

12. What’s your favourite:

Dinner? Cheese and onion on toast under the grill.

Dessert? Pineapple delight.

Drink? Ale.

13. Who is your best friend?

Trina.

14. Is there a God?

Maybe, but nothing like what we think.

:: Duke Special's new studio album Hallow, entirely based on the poetry of Michael Longley, will be released on October 6. The album can be pre-ordered on CD, vinyl or digital download from Advocateduke.com. Every pre-order on all formats will include a special advocate pass which will give you access to exclusive content online. Duke's Irish tour ticks off on October 11 at Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar. He plays Belfast's Empire Music Hall on February 23.