Since releasing her first album 'Little Dreamer' in 2008, Beth Rowley has drifted in and out of the UK's music scene with her smoky blend of soul, gospel, jazz and pop.

Now, the Peru-born and Bristol-bred musician is back with a new album, 'Gota Fria', and is heading to Dublin this coming Monday

Ahead of her gig Upstairs at Whelan's, we had a chat with Rowley and asked her to answer entertainment.ie's Big Questionnaire.

What’s the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today?
Roy Orbison, my dad used to listen to him all the time.

 

When did you first realise you wanted a career in music?
When I was about 11. I knew I loved singing and we were always told to do what we love.

In three words, describe the minute before you walk on stage.
Nervous, excited, expectant.

How do you wind down after a gig?
With a glass of wine, either with mates - or if I'm on my own, I watch something easy on TV like 'Quantum Leap' or 'Forged in Fire'.

 

What’s the one song you wish you’d written or recorded first?
'Almost Persuaded' by Billy Sherrill and Glenn Sutton.

What song of yours are you most proud of?
'Brother', which I wrote with Ron Sexsmith.

 

What’s your favourite venue to perform in?
Shepherds Bush Empire and The Old Duke in Bristol.

Your best and worst gig so far?
Worst was in Wales in a beautiful old church. It was a full standing gig and someone collapsed and had to be carried out. Most of the crowd hadn't noticed so I wasn't sure whether to stop or carry on. I kept going but some of the band stopped so it was all a big mess! The man was ok and it was a good lesson how to handle it when things go wrong.

Whose career do you envy, and why?
I love Dolly Parton. She has a perfect mix of genius creativity, a sharp business mind and a brilliant sense of humour!

Vinyl or digital downloads?
Both! Vinyl first!

Give your thoughts on Spotify in three words.
Hard to resist.

You can only have three albums on your phone/in your house at any one time - what three would you pick for today?
Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young - 'Deja Vu', Beth Ditto - 'I'm Alive'  and Christine and The Queens - 'Chaleur Humaine'.

Name one piece of music memorabilia that you wish you owned.
One of Neil Young's harmonicas.

Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.
Album - 'Harvest' /Neil Young, Book - The Bible, Film - 'Man on The Moon'.

Pick the director and lead actor(s) for a biopic about your life.
Baz Luhrmann and Chloe Sevigny.

You’re ordering take-away, what do you get?
Chicken Korma, peshwari naan, pilau rice, onion bhaji.

You’ve been given €100,000 to spend, but only 1 hour to spend it. What do you buy?
I would give it to my family who had longer than an hour! (Then we’d all share it:))

Describe your perfect day off.
With my family, camping in warm Spain, sat by the pool drinking cocktails.

Tell us, in one sentence, why we should come to your gig.
Cos you’ll get something that is honest and real.

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Beth Rowley plays Upstairs at Whelan's on Monday, June 25th. Tickets are on sale from usual outlets now.