Achi news desk-
I’ve just read the egg/shell of the latest collection of poetry by Irish author Victoria Kennefick and it’s amazing. The poems deal with infertility and miscarriage, as well as the transformation of Kennefick’s ex-husband. It is a deeply moving, experimental and hopeful experience all at once.
Recommend a novel…
The best book I read last year was Kathryn Scanlon’s Kick The Latch, a novel based on the true story of a female horse trainer. Sharp, dark and brilliant.
What is the last film you saw in a cinema?
The Zone of Interest, which is absolutely chilling in the way it reveals how people can become so dehumanized to the suffering of others. It is an essential watch, especially with the current ongoing terror being inflicted on the Palestinian people in Gaza.
What music do you listen to often at the moment?
There’s a great wave of contemporary folk music happening in Ireland, so I’ve been listening to a lot of Lankum, Oxn, Lisa O’Neill and Poor Creature.
What musical instrument(s) would you like to be played?
Not the most portable instrument, but I’ve always had a strange obsession with wanting to learn to play the xylophone. I love the sound of it.
What have you seen recently that you think was completely overrated?
Opinions are ridiculously subjective so when something feels too high, there will always be people who don’t share that opinion. It’s hard enough to do anything creatively, so I always try to see what someone was trying to do with an album/book/TV show, even if it’s not for me.
What has been your most formative cultural experience?
Reading as a teenager and spending all my money on records led to working as a music journalist and later as a writer. It’s a rare thing to turn your hobby into your job, but I’ve been lucky enough to do this.
What is your go-to YouTube video?
* Always * Ships in storms, huge waves, sea rescues, container ships. This is not surprising if you read Hagstone.
What haven’t you managed to get around to yet but will when you have the time?
I’ve never seen The West Wing, so an election year in the US feels like a good year to fix that. But at least I’ve seen The Sopranos and The Wire, which a friend recently admitted – to my horror – that they hadn’t watched either.
What was the most memorable theater show or exhibition you saw recently?
I am a long time admirer of the performance artist Marina Abramovic and I interviewed her last year before her Royal Academy show in London. The exhibition was a huge retrospective of her career, and it was fascinating to see in person some pieces that I’ve been thinking about and looking at for years.
Favorite movie?
For story, soundtrack and performances, I’ll go with Wim Wenders’ Paris, Texas.
Who or what are you always turning off?
Reality TV shows were not made for me (except The Traitors, which is epic).
Who is your favorite artist and why?
Too hard to choose one. Leonora Carrington. Maggie Hambling. Dora Maar. Alice Maher. Aideen Barry. Amanda Coogan. Lezley Saar. Frida Kahlo. Joe Spence.
Favorite living author?
A classic Sophie’s Choice question, and one that can change, but I’ll go with Annie Ernaux.
You are in a station or airport shop before a journey. Which magazine do you grab?
Sight and Sound. The writing for film is next level. Yes, everyone on the internet is a reviewer, but in hindsight, in-depth film criticism is rare, and when it’s done well it’s a joy to read.
Favorite actor?
I’ll watch Maxine Peake in anything, and next month she stars in Robin/Red/Breast on stage in Manchester. It is based on Play For Today on the BBC in 1970 and is a dark folk horror story. I loved the original and this (due to Peake) is not to be missed.
Favorite song?
For today, I will say Let’s Dance by David Bowie.
Favorite band?
Recently, she is an Irish singer and the overall CMAT queen.
Recommend an album…
Kate Bush’s The Hounds Of Love is a perfect and unbelievable album, turning 40 next year. Although it is full of her chart hits (Hounds Of Love, Running Up That Hill, Cloudbusting) I love it for the B-side song cycle, called The Ninth Wave.
If you’re a fan of graphic novels, what’s the best one you’ve ever read and why?
I’m a huge fan of Lizzy Stewart and I loved her last book Alison, about an artist trying to make her way in the world.
Recommend a box set…
I’ve just tasted Ripley, which is stunningly shot, full of noir moods and has a wonderful central performance from Andrew Scott.
Recommend a podcast…
Ian Lynch’s Fire Draw Near about the history of Irish folk songs. I have learned so much from him.
The Beatles or the Stones?
The Beatles, with maybe The Stones from 1968-1972.
James Joyce or Samuel Beckett?
Both, but at different times, depending on the mood.
Vinyl or MP3?
Vinyl forever.
Sinéad Gleeson’s Hagstone is out now (4th Estate, £16.99)
