Entertainment

Arts Q&A: Musician Gareth Dunlop on Hall & Oates, Alien and Sticky Toffee Pudding

Jenny Lee puts performers and artists on the spot about what really matters to them. This week, Belfast singer/songwriter Gareth Dunlop

Gareth Dunlop plays The Mandela Hall in Belfast on Friday night
Gareth Dunlop plays The Mandela Hall in Belfast on Friday night Gareth Dunlop plays The Mandela Hall in Belfast on Friday night

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

I think I landed a gig in a coffee shop when I was 15/16 and that's when the penny dropped that I could get paid for playing music.

Figuring out how to get paid for making my own music happened much later in a 'right time, right place' kind of way and I’m constantly taking steps along that road.

2. Best gigs you’ve been to?

Hall & Oates at Nashville Ascend Amphitheatre two summers ago: Great weather, great beer, backstage, good times!

3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?

It would require resurrection, but I think it’d be pretty cool to see Prince live with all my mates.

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

Bob Dylan – Blood on The Tracks.

5. And the book?

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield.

6. Top three films?

Alien

Trading Places

Wizard of Oz

7. Worst film you’ve seen?

The Shape of Water, I didn’t get it at all.

8. Favourite authors?

I’m not much of a reader, so no favourites.

9. Sport you most enjoy and top team?

Not really a sports fan but I wouldn’t turn off a good Ireland rugby game.

10. Ideal holiday destination?

Estes Park, Colorado.

11. Pet hate?

People being late, myself included.

12. What’s your favourite:

Dinner? Mum's Sunday roast

Dessert? Sticky Toffee Pudding

Drink? Whisky

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

Amy McKeown, we met 12 years ago at a gig and have been up to mischief ever since.

14. Is there a God ?

There might be, maybe lots.

Gareth Dunlop plays The Mandela Hall at QUBSU on Friday March 23. Tickets on sale now via Ticketmaster outlets.