Brian Campbell puts performers and artists on the spot about what really matters to them. This week Brendan Murphy of Co Down band The 4 of Us
1. When did you think about singing/performing as a career and what were your first steps into it?
It wasn't until I was a student at Queen's that I started trying to get a record deal. During the summer holidays I busked in France with my two younger brothers to earn enough money to buy some recording equipment. We demoed some songs and made a video for one of them using our parents' camcorder and it got shown on national TV. Record companies approached us. Looking back, we were very lucky. 2. Best gig or gigs you've been to?
U2's Zoo TV show in Dublin was a bit of a jaw-dropper in terms of spectacle and reinvention. The Blue Nile's show in the Ulster Hall in the early 1990s was also a highlight. Heartbreaking music and lyrics sung by a truly great singer. 3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band of choice?
Katmandu. Great guys and great musicians. 4. The record you'd take to a desert island?
Planxty. The first record I wore out and the only one from my mum and dad's collection that I listened to before I could afford to buy my own. 5. And the book?
Robinson Crusoe to get me in the mood. 6. Top three films?
The Godfather, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Schindler's List. 7. Worst film you've seen?
Autumn in New York. Richard Gere plays a serial dater who just happens to fall in love with Winona Ryder, the one woman in NY who has six months to live. So bad it's good. 8. Favourite authors?
Bob Dylan, Seth Godin. 9. Sports you most enjoy and top teams?
No real interest. I even managed to miss the coverage of the 2012 Olympics. 10. Ideal holiday destination?
Rome. 11. Pet hate?
Inappropriate background music in bars and restaurants. If I like the music I get distracted, if I don't I'm hoping someone will turn if off. 12. What's your favourite: Dinner? Fillet steak with potato gratin. Dessert? Strawberries and ice cream. Drink? Nice glass of Italian red. 13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?
I stopped rating my friends when I got out of short trousers. 14. Is there a God?
Fingers crossed.
* The 4 of Us play Roe Valley Arts & Culture Centre, Limavady, Friday April 18 (roevalleyarts.com; 028 7776 0650); and the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, Sunday April 26 (lyrictheatre.co.uk; 028 90 38 1081).