He was once a member of Irish indie-rock band The Voyeurs, but in recent years Dubliner Richey McCourt has turned his attention to songwriting and producing for other pop artists.

He has co-written songs for Will Young, Rebecca Ferguson and many more, as well as producing new Irish pop star Aimée and acting as her Musical Director.

We caught up with him to get the lowdown on his background and influences.

1. What’s the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today?
Was very much a rock fan as a teenager, and I still love putting on some Rage Against The Machine or Guns N' Roses now and then.

2. In three words, describe the minute before you walk on stage.
In my musical director role, most of my live work sees me side stage. A minute before stage time we do a group huddle, and that nervous buzz you get right before a show begins is like nothing else. It's when all that work you have put in as a team just ignites - magic.

3. How do you wind down after a gig?
Very differently from how I used to – honestly with two kids, there's a firm ‘work's done, you’re now on Dad duty’ reality to that aspect! Glass of red if they’re in bed when I get home!

4. What’s the one song you wish you’d written or recorded first?
Robyn's 'Call Your Girlfriend'.

5. You can only have three albums on your phone/in your house at any one time - what three would you pick for today?
Taylor Swift ‘folklore’
Beck ‘Morning Phase’
Beyonce ‘Lemonade’

6. Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.
Record: Kacey Musgrave's 'Golden Hour'
Book: Reni Eddo-Lodge’s 'Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race'
Film: 'It’s A Wonderful Life'

7. Pick the director and lead actor(s) for a biopic about your life.
Kathryn Bigelow directing Leonardo DiCaprio - because like me, his baby face has now aged appropriately!

8. You're ordering take-away, what do you get?
Pizza!

9. Describe your perfect day off.
Big beach walk with the dog and kids, time to watch nerdy synth related videos on YouTube and dinner and some Guinness down the local with friends.

10. Tell us, in one sentence, why we should come to your next gig.
I’m the musical director for Aimée, one of Ireland's newest and brightest pop artists - so you defo do not want to miss the show we put together. Her live vocals need to be heard to be believed!

BONUS QUESTION: Recommend a podcast and tell us why we should subscribe to it.
Broken Record – amazing studio and music industry insights with Rick Rubin and Malcolm Gladwell interviewing musicians and artists.

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