Booka Brass have generated an ever-increasing fanbase with their slick twists on contemporary songs, not least on their 2016 debut album 'Chilled Milk', and their various guest appearances and collaborations with everyone from James Vincent McMorrow to Lisa Hannigan and The Frames.

The Dublin brass outfit are on the line-up for the Jameson Bow St. Sessions next week, performing both their own set and a collaborative set with BARQ and Soulé.

Before they hit The Sugar Club on Thursday, January 26th, we caught up with them for a chat about their influences, their favourites and what we can expect of the gig.

 

What’s the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today?
I was big into Rage Against the Machine, RHCP and Biffy Clyro back in the day, with mixes of Miles Davis, Tribe Called Quest and Mahler thrown in as well.

When did you first realise that you wanted a career in music?
It was probably in the National Youth Orchestra. It was my first experience with a full string section and the sounds happening around me were just amazing. That made me want to be surrounded by music all the time!

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

How do you wind down after a gig?
Usually like to find my own space to chill out after a long set. Get some headspace before I go out and enjoy the rest of the night!

What’s the one song you wish you’d written or recorded first?
The Father Ted theme tune.

What song of yours are you most proud of?
For me, it's Formations. I love the build to the massive middle section.

What’s your favourite venue to perform in?
Every venue has it’s own feel so it’s a very difficult question. My favourite gig was in Vicar Street. The sound in there is phenomenal!

Your best and worst gig so far?
Our most recent tour had some of the best gigs we played, with unbelievable crowds. The worst gig was probably one of the Midnight Hour shows in Whelan's when we were just starting off. We have come a long way since then, I think.

Whose career do you envy, and why?
It’s hard to envy someone’s career when usually they’ve put a lot of work in to get there. I envy the work ethic of people like Michael League and Jack Stratton. They’ve got an insane drive to produce great music.

Vinyl or digital downloads?
Vinyl for dayzzz.

Give your thoughts on Spotify in three words.
Tunes Tunes Tunes.

You can only have three albums on your phone/in your house at any one time - what three would you pick for today?
Anderson .Paak - Malibu, Kendrick Lamar - Untitled, A Tribe Called Quest - The Anthology.

Name one piece of music memorabilia that you wish you owned.
Chet Baker's trumpet.

Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.
Birth of the Cool - Miles Davis, 1984 - George Orwell, In Bruges.

Pick the director and lead actor(s) for a biopic about your life.
The cast and directing team of In Bruges.

You’re ordering take-away, what do you get?
Prawn Tikka Masala with peshwari naan, ah yeah.

You’ve been given €100,000 to spend, but only 1 hour to spend it. What do you buy?
Eh, trumpets?

Describe your perfect day off.
Doing a thousand piece Where’s Wally puzzle.

A big part of the Jameson Bow St. Sessions is collaboration - what have been your favourite famous musical collaborations over the years?
The James Vincent McMorrow collab in front of 10,000 people was ridiculous!

Can you give us a teaser of what to expect from your own Bow St. Sessions collaboration?
Ah Jaysus, can’t be ruining any surprises - but the super band that is Barqé Brass will melt everything within reach.

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Barq, Soulé and Booka Brass play the Jameson Bow St. Sessions on January 26th at the Sugar Club. Register for free tickets here. Drink Aware.