1. When did you think about a career in music and what were your first steps into it?
I’ve been in the creative industry since I was 16, although music was always my first love. Before heading to drama school in London in 2003 I spent two summers doing residential courses with the Ulster Youth Choir, perfecting my music craft. I spent over 15 years in professional theatre but in 2016 I really discovered my talent for songwriting. Entering new territory was daunting but I was getting an extremely positive reaction to my work and I had a gut feeling telling me to pursue this new road.
2. Best gigs you’ve been to?
I saw the Spice Girls reunion tour last year at Wembley Stadium and it was probably one of the best nights of my life. To see such an iconic band at this particular venue was the ultimate experience. It was two hours of jam-packed classic pop music and nostalgia. I’ve seen Mariah Carey three times now but last year I saw her at the Royal Albert Hall. It was a glorious evening. Finally, Northern Ireland singer-songwriter Leah McFall at her solo show in east London back in 2017. It was a really intimate show and her vocals were outstanding.
3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?
Erasure. I know Andy Bell so, you never know, it might even happen.
4. The record you’d take to a desert island?
Mariah Carey’s Greatest Hits. I love every song on there. I don’t think Mariah is given half of the credit she deserves for her songwriting.
5. And the book?
I really got into reading again during lockdown. I read The Silent Patient, so something along those lines I’d happily read on a desert island.?
6. Top three films?
Titanic and classics like Death Becomes Her and First Wives Club. I can practically quote them word for word I enjoy them that much. You just don’t get movies like that anymore.
7. Worst film you’ve seen?
I’m not crazy about these Disney remakes, where they bring the classic animations to real-life screen. Some things should be left untouched.
8. Favourite authors?
JK Rowling, Stephen King and Alex Michaelides (who wrote The Silent Patient). He even responded to my Instagram DM recently.
9. Sport you most enjoy and top team?
I’m not a sports person, though I am big into fitness. I have been doing Bikram yoga for 12 years and I love high-intensity workouts too.
10. Ideal holiday destination?
I went on a cruise last summer around the Mediterranean and it was an amazing experience. I definitely fancy another cruise when that is possible again.
11. Pet hates?
I hate it when people are flaky. I’m not big into laziness either.
12. What’s your favourite:
Dinner? There is a restaurant in London called Honest Burger and they do the most incredible vegan burger.
Dessert? Lemon sorbet or Ombar vegan chocolate.
Drink? A really dry Rose wine.?
13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?
My absolute best friend is my mum. She has done nothing but show me unconditional love my entire life.
14. Is there a God?
I respect there are lots of different faiths out there and everyone is entitled to believe in whatever they choose. However, I find it sad that there are people out there who weaponise their faith to target others and I definitely feel there are people who hide behind books of faith to disguise their own deep-rooted bigotry. That’s wrong.
Conleth Kane’s new album Liberty is available to download now. The music video for his new single Proud has just been released and is available to watch on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZtY3Wo2go). He will be supporting Brian Kennedy in intimate gigs at The Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle (September 25) and The Stormont Hotel, Belfast (September 26) and) as part of YouniqueAesthetics Festival of Love. Book at Ticketsource.co.uk
