A question of taste with Kathy Scott

Kathy Scott is a founder of arts production organisation, The Trailblazery. She is also the curator of the Wonderlust stage at the Body&Soul festival, taking place at Ballinlough Castle, Co Westmeath, June 17-19. This year’s Wonderlust lineup includes a public conversation with drum and bass pioneer Goldie.

Best recent book: Currently Vivid Faces, Roy Foster’s brilliant account of The Revolutionary Generation in Ireland, 1890-1923 and Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilberts’ inspirational bible for creatives and In Times of Terror, Wage Beauty by Mark Gonzales

Best recent film: Definitely Lenny Abrahamson’s Room. So brilliantly directed, he has such a talent for nurturing incredible nuanced performances. I also loved how the film challenged the conventions of story telling by taking us on an unusual journey from the confined world of room to the outside world. The movie could have had a Hollywood ending at the moment of escape but instead it brought us into unexpected territory. This has stayed with me. I love rule breakers.

Best recent show/exhibition/gig: I went to see my brilliant friend Denise Gough in People, Places and Things in London’s West End last month. Her performance is simply breathtaking. I am so proud of her – she is a powerhouse. Her determination and resilience has finally paid off, she has made it with rave reviews and the best actress Olivier award. Kudos.

What formats do you access music?

A convert to Spotify. I love to follow people who have time to create amazing playlists. I am also starting to build a vinyl jazz collection. This makes me happy.

Best piece of music you’ve been listening to lately: The new album from The Gloaming , David Lyttle Jazz Trio, East Forrest, Nils Frahm

First ever piece of music or art or film or gig that really moved you: HG an immersive Artangel show in The Clink prison, London. My first introduction to the world of Robert Wilson – changed my psyche and my soul forever.

The best gig or show you’ve ever seen: A tie between Bjork Biophilia at Manchester International Festival and Patti Smyth in a bedroom in Reykjavik.

Tell us about your TV viewing: I haven’t had a TV for 10 years. I watch series on Netflix sometimes to wind down.

Radio listening: Podcast Obsessive

My current list includes Sounds True, This American Life, On Being and Desert Island Discs. I am writing this from The Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig where my friend Frank and I are plotting a podcast series for The Trailbalzery.

Name three of your music heroes: So hard to name three, but if I had to Bowie, Björk, Steve Reich,

Most expensive item of clothing you’ve ever bought: A Stella McCartney jumpsuit that I have yet to wear. My friends scream at me about this one. It was waaay too much!

Tech habits: My iPhone ( never enough storage) for day to day stuff. My MacBook Pro for work stuff. I practise yoga every day to unplug and slow right down.

Unsung hero — individual, organisation or group you think don’t get the profile/praise they deserve: I am a founder of The Trailblazery so my passion comes from giving a platform to unsung heros. Ruairi McKiernan is one Irish person that continues to inspire me. His latest video: A New Ireland Rising made me cry. You can watch it at

www.newirelandrising.com.

You are queen for a day – what’s your first decree?

My favourite quote — “You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching, Love like you’ll never be hurt, Sing like there’s nobody listening, And live like it’s heaven on earth.”