A Question of taste: Music producer Ian Ring

Ian Ring is a Cork-based music producer, who has recently released ‘Rise’, the debut single from hisBoku project on Soul Jamz Records.

Best recent film you’ve seen:

Anima, the short film by Paul Thomas Anderson that accompanied the recent Thom Yorke album.

Best recent gig you’ve seen:

Bombay Bicycle Club at Cork Opera House.

Best piece of music you’ve been listening to lately (new or old):

‘Sunday’ by Foals — the song progresses so interestingly.

First ever piece of music that really moved you:

‘Porcelain’ by Moby.

The best gig you’ve ever seen (if you had to pick one!):

‘Justice’ at Live at the Marquee in Cork in 2012 — I have never felt an energy like it before.

Tell us about your TV viewing:

I mainly use Netflix, I think I have rewatched It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia and Peep Show more than any other human alive. Also, Chernobyl is really worth a watch on Sky Atlantic.

Radio listening and/or podcasts:

Podcasts by Blind Boy and Joe Rogan.

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

For music purposes it would have to be the 1960s, I love the soul music of that era, especially the whole Motown sound.

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

Michael Jackson, Prince, and Freddie Mercury.

Do you have any interesting ancestors or family?

My grandmother told me that I am related to Christy Ring the hurler in some way. I can’t remember how.

Unsung hero — individual or group you think don’t get the praise they deserve:

Garry McCarthy (GMC). He runs music workshops for kids in schools and youth groups all over the country. It gives kids and teenagers something positive to put there energy into. They write songs, rap and learn how to produce music. I have seen it transform young people, it gives them confidence, let’s them express themselves and puts them on a positive path.

If your studio was on fire and you got to rescue one item, what would it be, and why?

Initially, I was thinking some expensive synth or pre amp, but all those things can be replaced so I would take my backup hard drive. As a producer, your sample collection/sounds you have collected over the years are everything. It can’t be replaced. It would be like a DJ losing his entire music collection.

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

Ban all single use plastic!