A question of taste: Katie Kim

Katie Kim, aka Katie Sullivan, is originally from Waterford but is currently living in Dublin. She is one of the acts playing the It Takes A Village festival in Trabolgan, Co Cork (May 10-12), an event that also features Gilles Peterson, The Herbaliser, Don Letts, etc.

Best recent book you’ve read: Denis Johnson’s Angels. As well as novels, Johnson also wrote short stories, plays and poetry and that really comes through in this. It follows a mother of two fleeing her cheating husband. She meets Bill along the way while drifting through a dusty America and what happens to her, helps her fall into madness. It’s just written so beautifully. I loved it.

Best recent film you’ve seen: Us, Jordan Peele’s latest film. I thought it was great. Maybe an ending that didn’t satisfy hugely but he’s a bit of a master in tension buiding. I’m going to dive right into his new Twilight Zone episodes.

Best recent show or gig: Maria Sommerville at the Workmans Club in Dublin. I’m so excited for what’s coming for Maria. She’s finally got her debut album, All My People out and her live shows are goosebump- inducing.

Best piece of music you’ve been listening to lately (new or old): As well as Maria’s album, Johnny Greenwood’s soundtrack for You Were Never Really Here has been a constant in my ears since it was released last year. I was also just introduced to Scott Walker’s soundtrack for Children of a Leader and it’s a stunning piece of work.

First ever piece of music or film that really moved you: The Carpenters. I’d be lying if I said I remembered what song it was exactly, but I do vividly remember real tears while lying in bed when I was very young, listening to Karen Carpenter, not really understanding why it is she had to die! The drama of it all.

The best gig or show you’ve ever seen: The Beastie Boys in Dublin.

Of the other artists appearing at It Takes A Village, who are you most looking forward to seeing?

Junior Brother — he’s phenomenal live.

Tell us about your TV viewing: I’m addicted to High Maintenance presently but that’s about it.

Radio listening and/or podcasts: I listen to a lot of podcasts. This American Life, Blindboy, Desert Island Discs, Kermode & Mayo, 99% Invisible. But I only recently discovered Radio Diaries and I cant stop listening to it. It’s people from all walks of life given a tape recorder to document their lives over days or months. It’s really fantastic. Anything Radiotopia do is nearly always a safe bet.

You can portal back to any period of human cultural history or event — where, when, and why?

New York City, from 1980 to 1990. Although it was filthy and crime- infested, I’m ever fascinated by New York City during this period. It was a time and place for artists of all kinds. Post punk, nu wave, hip hop. Artists could still afford to live there and everybody seemed to be creating.

You are curating your dream festival — which three artists are on the bill (living or dead)?

Scott Walker, Philip Glass, Meredith Monk.

Do you have any interesting ancestors or family?

Danny Denton is my first cousin and an extremely talented author. His debut novel, The Early King & The Kid In Yellow. was published last year and we’re all so proud of him and what he’s achieved with this book. I’m so excited to see what’s to come for him.

Unsung hero — individual or group you think don’t get the praise they deserve: Percolator — a Dublin based band I’ve been a huge fan of for years and I think they should be playing some of Europe’s festivals’ largest stages. Their album Sestra came out a year or two ago and it’s one of the best Irish albums I’ve heard.

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

I’m not a vegetarian, but I’m forever trying to be! So I’d ban the slaughter of animals, so we didn’t have a choice anymore.

Des O’Driscoll