Person to Person: I've been involved in IndieCork for the past 12 years

Tell us about yourself:

My name is Tony Langlois and I’m the music co-ordinator of the IndieCork film festival. I also work at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, where I lecture in Media, with a particular focus on Sound Media.

My research background is all about North African music, but I’m also very interested in the sounds of nature, and have made soundtracks for films that combine many of my interests.

Where were you born?

I was born in London, though both my parents were from the island of Jersey, and that’s where I grew up.

Where do you live?

By the mighty River Lee in the middle of Cork city.

Family?

I’m married to an excellent lady, and have two grown-up children, now with their own families.

Best friend?

I’d love to say my dog, but in reality I find his loyalty to be questionable. My wife is therefore Number One, though I have a handful of very old friends. Getting older by the day, but of course not wiser.

Earliest childhood memory?

The sunlight on wood chip wallpaper - with musical accompaniment, which I’m almost certain was Telstar by the Tornadoes.

Person you most admire?

These days it’s a bit reckless to admire someone, only to find in a year or two that they are actually shameful beasts, have been cancelled by some self-righteous posse and all their ‘admirers’ considered with suspicion.

In general, I admire those who are driven by imagination rather than ego or anxiety.

Person who most irritates you?

I’m infuriated by all despots. My shortlist is getting longer…

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Anywhere in Ireland that has both sea and mountains is ideal. Have had some great holidays on the Beara Peninsula and Connemara. When I can, I love to revisit Brittany.

Favourite TV programme?

Last year, I accidentally recorded all the Angelus broadcasts, so statistically these would have to be my favourite. Watching them all back one wet Sunday was an inspiring experience.

Favourite radio show?

Everything after 7pm on Lyric FM is excellent, and I listen to a lot of online stations. I probably listen to too much current affairs, but I’m also a great fan of the cheesy lounge music on Luxuriamusic.com.

Your signature dish if cooking?

I am incapable of following a recipe, so if you came around expecting my signature you would find it had morphed into something else. Like my actual signature in fact.

Favourite shop?

I’m told that I spend too much time in Bradley’s delicatessen, particularly in the beer section. Otherwise, I love to browse in the Midleton Army Surplus shop (where you can buy an anchor!) and at Plugd Records in Cork city.

Last book you read?

I’m re-reading the Shikasta series of novels by Doris Lessing. She was a writer of great perception, and the genre of science fiction allows authors to imagine life across much greater time-spans than we experience in our everyday lives. Taking the extremely long view is the essence of wisdom, in my opinion, and we need powerful myths to help us do this.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Coming from the last century I have a strange compulsion to ‘curate’ my own music and download rather than stream. And to pay musicians a little better! Albums are connected pieces that deserve to be heard together. So… my last album would be Small Medium Large by a group called SML. It’s supposed to be jazz, but full of wonky electronics. Wonderful stuff.

Favourite song?

I was glad to witness the exhumation of Born To Be Alive by Patrick Hernandez during the Olympic opening ceremony this year. 

It may not be the greatest song ever written, but I’ve a soft spot for it and have been known to bore people with a pile of dodgy remixes, after a particularly strong cup of tea.

One person you would like to see in concert?

PJ Harvey would be great to see live. Her music has always been uncompromising and her performances very theatrical. A proper artist.

Morning person or night owl?

I’m a morning owl. And a rock-pool filled with luminous shrimps by night.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

Electric trains around the city please. The next generation won’t believe how we put up with such traffic congestion and pollution. Eclectic trains would be my second choice.

Which popular saying has given you the most inspiration?

“Give a man a fish and he’ll walk a mile in your shoes’. Anon.

How would you like to be remembered?

As an apostrophe rather than a comma. Actually, I’d settle for a question mark.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I’m very busy working with the wonderful IndieCork team on this year’s festival. I’ve been on the team for 12 years now, and I see the festival going from strength to strength all the time. It’s a remarkable feat and I’m very proud of everyone involved in the event.

IndieCork Festival of Film and Music runs from October 6 to 13. See here.