Person to Person: 'I don’t really have a favourite song. I’m more of an albums person'

Tell us about yourself;

By day, a graphic designer and dad. By night, a musician, songwriter, film-maker, and producer.

Where were you born?

The Erinville, Cork city.

Where do you live?

Carrigaline.

Family?

My wife, Catherine, and three daughters, Ada Rose, Evie May and Eliza Jean.

Best friend?

Catherine is my best bud.

Earliest childhood memory?

Sitting on my dad’s shoulders, watching Cork footballers beat Mayo in the 1989 All-Ireland Final at Croke Park. Dave Barry scored the best point I’ve ever seen that day.

Person you most admire?

My parents -Rita and Dan Tobin.

Person who most irritates you?

Most drivers.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Last summer, watching the stage musical Wicked with the kids in London.

Favourite TV programme?

I can’t just pick one, so here are a few that I’ve looked forward to sitting and watching. The Walking Dead, Severance, Slow Horses, Lego Masters Australia.

Favourite radio show?

I listen to James O’Brien on LBC every day, Arena (with the late, great Seán Rocks, and now presented by the mighty Rick O’Shea), Rising Time (Shay Byrne and Lilian Smith) on RTÉ Radio 1.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Roast chicken, mashed spuds, veg, and gravy.

Favourite restaurant?

I don’t get to eat there often enough, but Monk’s Lane, Timoleague. Michelle and Gav have created a very special place to eat, drink, and socialise.

Last book you read?

The Eyes of Gaza by Plestia Alaqad - a heart-wrenching account of life in Gaza on the days before and after October 7.

Best book you read?

Lord Of The Flies by William Golding - a story that still resonates in the world we live in today.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

We Are Together Again by Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy - bought it on vinyl last weekend, and it sounds sweeeeeeet. One of my favourite songwriters.

Favourite song?

I don’t really have a favourite song. I’m more of an albums person. Albums that have shaped, and continue to shape my own music. Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness - Smashing Pumpkins, Selected Ambient Works/Drukqs - Aphex Twin Play, Moby, Boxer - The National Gold, Ryan Adams, Sunday 8pm - Faithless.

One person you would like to see in concert?

I would love to see Raye, I think she’s incredible.

Do you have a pet?

We lost our cat, Conor, a few years ago. We still miss him. Not ready for a new family member yet.

Morning person or night owl?

I’m both; I can function on very little sleep.

Your proudest moment?

Watching my kids perform on stage at The Opera House.

Spendthrift or saver?

Not enough of both.

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

I would love to see a dedicated arts centre in Carrigaline.

What makes you happy?

My kids’ laughter.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend, oh and a mighty Corkonian....

What else are you up to at the moment?

I just released a new song Myself & Me - a co-write with the amazing Elly O’Keeffe.

On April 17, my second single from my new album Mountain Common - that drops May 15 - will be released. A few Irish shows starting in June.