A question of taste with Stephanie Rainey

Stephanie Rainey is from Glanmire in Cork. Her next release on Warner Records is due in the autumn, and she is also playing Indiependence in Mitchelstown on Saturday.

Best recent book: The Girl on the Train.

Best recent film: I saw Still Alice recently. It was amazing. I cried a lot during that one.

Best recent show/gig you’ve seen: I went to see Billy Elliott in London recently and it blew me away. It’s a bit awe-inspiring when you sit there and realise they’re doing everything live. Singing, dancing, changing the set. The kids in it were incredible too. So talented at such a young age.

What formats do you use to access music?

Generally I use Spotify. I’ve just gotten a record player though and I’ve got a lot of great vinyl that I’m looking forward to listening to. I miss listening to full albums. I don’t do that as much on Spotify.

Best piece of music you’ve been listening to lately (new or old): I put on Abbey Road by the Beatles recently and fell in love with it again. The entire ending of that album is amazing.

First ever piece of music or art or film or gig that really moved you: My dad used to sing me ‘After the Goldrush’ by Neil Young when I was really small but I still remember it now. The lyrics are magic but the melody is a bit sad. I love that song so much.

Best gig or show you’ve ever seen: Best big gig was Paul McCartney but the best small gig was Foy Vance. He blew me away.

Tell us about your TV viewing: I watch a lot of rubbish TV. I’m partial to the odd bit of Geordie Shore.

Radio listening: I like listening to the radio in the car. I love the morning shows where everyone gives out.

You are curating your dream gig. Which three artists would appear (living or dead)? The Beatles, John Mayer, and Micheal Jackson.

Your best celebrity encounter: I went to meet Capitol records in America a few months ago and met CeeLo Green in the lobby of my hotel. His friend told us she had spent a few summers living over a pub in Dingle and we swapped numbers. I was in a studio a few months ago too and John Newman walked in.

Most expensive item of clothing you’ve ever bought: Probably a dress for about €250. I’m not mad into clothes shopping but if I really like something I’ll buy it. I did wear a hat for a shoot recently that was £600. £600 for a hat!

Tech habits: I keep things pretty simple on and off the stage. I’ve got a phone and a laptop for life/work and a guitar and a tuner for gigs.

Unsung heroes: I’ve always said that nurses don’t get the recognition they deserve. They are some of the most amazing people on the planet in my opinion.

You are king for a day — what’s your first decree? I’d make it manditory for all restaurants to serve tomato soup. I love tomato soup.

See stephanieraineymusic.com