King Cedar is the moniker of Stephen Macartney, a folk songwriter based in Bangor, County Down. 

Known for his alt-folk band Farriers, who had critical and commercial success with their album 'Years Ago in Our Back Yard', Macartney started King Cedar in 2015.

He released his debut EP in 2018, and now his Los Angeles-recorded debut album ‘Everything More, & Other Stories’ is released on March 24th.

1. What’s the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today?
I still listen to a lot of the music I grew up listening to. Bands like The Beatles, songwriters like Simon & Garfunkel, or Jeff Buckley. There's loads. I suppose the real greats never get old; they still inspire me to this day. 

2. In three words, describe the minute before you walk on stage.
Do. Not. Panic.

3. How do you wind down after a gig?
Post-gig-comedown is a weirdly unpleasant experience. I'll pack my gear, have a pint and chat to some people. Then everything gets quiet and everyone goes home, and it becomes an eerily solitary moment.  

4. What’s the one song (by another artist) you wish you’d written or recorded first?
‘The Dawn Chorus’ by Dolbro Dan. 

5. What is your pet peeve?
Just one? But there are so many!

6. Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.
Record: ‘Blue’ by Joni Mitchell, but only from November until the end of December.  
Book: ‘South’ by Ernest Shakleton, preferably when travelling. 
Film: ‘Hear My Song’, directed by Peter Chelsom (1991). It's magical. 

7. Pick the director and lead actor(s) for a biopic about your life.
It would have to be someone like Richard Linklater or John Hughes, starring John Cusack, but it has to be made in the ‘90s. I know that makes zero sense chronologically, but I'd probably enjoy it more than the real thing. 

8. You’re ordering take-away, what do you get?
You can't go wrong with a pepperoni pizza. Next day leftovers are encouraged. 

9. Describe your perfect day off.
Staying in bed a little too long, spending time with loved ones, going to a good bar that plays great music and is patronised by wonderful people. 

10. Tell us, in one sentence, why we should come to your next gig (whenever it may be.)
Live music is just such a wonderful way to enjoy a moment; it immediately becomes a conversation between the performer and the crowd which, when done right, is a uniquely enlightening experience. 

BONUS QUESTION: Recommend a podcast and tell us why we should subscribe to it.  
‘Fall of Civilisations’ is the best podcast I've heard recently. It documents the life-stories of great empires from their inception to their inevitable, often violent death spirals.  

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‘Everything More, & Other Stories’ is released on March 24th.