We get down to the nitty-gritty in our new rapidfire interview series

Hearing about a band or artist's influences and inspirations are all well and good, but sometimes, you just want to get to the nitty-gritty in an interview - like, what's your favourite takeaway dish?

Our new Q&A series sees us throwing rapidfire questions at musicians to get their most instinctive answers. There's no beating around the bush here - just honest, straightforward insights into their creative minds.

Formerly a member of Irish indiepop band Raglans, Sean OB has struck out on his own and released his latest EP 'Cigarettes and Perfume' last month.

The Dubliner – aka Sean O'Brien - has earned comparisons with the likes of Jamie T, but cites influences as diverse as John Lennon, comedian Bill Hicks and writer Hunter S. Thompson. You can also hear how acts like The Pogues and Joe Strummer have impacted his songwriting, as heard on new single 'Single Young Man'.

1. What’s the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today?

The Beatles mainly. Elvis and The Beach Boys were also my go-to as young lad.

2. In three words, describe the minute before you walk on stage.

Live fast, diarrhoea …..look that one up, kids.

3. How do you wind down after a gig?

Just go over how many times we fucked up with a drink and a smoke, and laugh at shit that went wrong.

4.What’s the one song you wish you’d written or recorded first?

White Christmas.

5. You can only have three albums on your phone/in your house at any one time - what three would you pick for today?

For today? Hmmmm...

The Pogues – 'Rum, Sodomy & The Lash'

Bad Brains – 'Altitude'

The Slits – 'Cut'

6. Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.

Record: Probably any Phil Spector compilation, you can't really go wrong with his production. Though he’s a mentalist!

Book: The Outsider / The Stranger (Le’Etranger) by Albert Camus

Movie: Goodfellas or Pulp Fiction.

7. Pick the director and lead actor(s) for a biopic about your life.

This seems too egotistical for anyone to answer to think their life is worth making a movie about. Tarantino has probably won the directing thing in my opinion, right behind Scorsese. Montgomery Clift could be interesting.

8. You’re ordering take-away, what do you get?

Whatever, I’m not that picky. Most takeaways are fine. Pizza, I guess.

9. Describe your perfect day off.

Drinks, my friends making me laugh, music, food, smokes, sex - what does anyone else do on their days off?

10. Tell us, in one sentence, why we should listen to you.

Because they like good new music that has balls.

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The 'Cigarettes and Perfume EP' is out now.