He's one of Ireland's most consistent and most underrated electronic producers and musicians, but 2021 could well be Bantum's year.

The Corkman, aka Ruairi Lynch, has collaborated with everyone from Loah to Rusangano Family to R.S.A.G. in the past, and releases his new EP, 'New Leaf' on May 25th.

We caught up with him to answer our ten questions and learn more about his work.

1. What's the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today?
I still listen to The Beastie Boys pretty religiously and a lot of the heavier stuff (Metallica, Nirvana) depending on my caffeine intake!

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

3. How do you wind down after a gig?
Beamish

4. What’s the one song you wish you’d written first?
'Da Funk' by Daft Punk. It's so deceptively simple and addictive that I keep going back to it, I've been trying to emulate that in my own music lately but still have some work to do!

5. What’s the last thing you watched on TV?
Nomadland. Beautiful film.

6. Name one record and one film that everyone should hear / see.
Everyone should hear the new single from Royal Yellow and everyone should see 'Purple Rain'.

7. What's your biggest pet peeve?
Spitting in public! 3 penalty points for that, I say.

8. Who's the most famous person saved to your phone contacts?
Denise Chaila.

9. You’re ordering take-away, what do you get?
The Rosso Pollo from La Tana Pizza on Barrack Street in Cork.

10. Describe your perfect day off.
Coffee, swim in the ocean, good seafood, music, Beamish.

BONUS QUESTION: Recommend a podcast and tell us why we should subscribe to it.
I’m loving the Broken Record podcast at the moment. It is hosted by Justin Richmond with interviews by the producer Rick Rubin, the writer Malcolm Gladwell, and the former New York Times editor Bruce Headlam. Really interesting stuff.

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Bantum's 'New Leaf' EP is out on May 25th.