They’ve been described as “a band serious about their music but humorous in their approach, including members with no musical training alongside members with music conservatoire pedigree."

A collective of musicians inspired by Stravinsky and Black Flag in equal measures, Belfast’s Robocobra Quartet certainly know how to make a lasting impression.

The eclectic band release their new album ‘Living Isn’t Easy’ on June 17th and play the Kasbah Social Club in Limerick on September 15th and Whelan’s, Dublin on September 17th.

We caught up with Tenor Sax player Thibault Barillon to learn more.

1. What’s the music you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today?
My dad was a big Pink Floyd fan and my mum was very much into chanson francaise, and the more I age, the more Jacques Brel resonates with me. I do
listen to both very much still.

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

3. How do you wind down after a gig?
Sip a leftover lukewarm beer from the green room while watching Gilmore Girls.

4. What’s the one song you wish you’d written or recorded first?
'Hey Jude' - why is this so simple, yet so universally touching you can get a stadium singing the same four bars for 10 minutes?

5. You can only have three albums on your phone/in your house at any one time - what three would you pick for today?
David Murray & The Gwo Ka Masters - 'Gwotet'
Krazy Baldhead - 'Bill’s Break'
Hannah Peel, Paraochestra - 'The Unfolding'

6. Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.
Steve Reich - 'Different Trains'
Daniel Kahneman - 'Thinking, Fast and Slow'
Wong Kar-Wai - 'In The Mood For Love'

7. Pick the director and lead actor biopic about your life.
Easy - Michel Gondry/Daniel Radcliffe.

8. You’re ordering takeaway, what do you get?
Kare Burosu.

9. Describe your perfect day off.
PJs on. Fire in the chimney. Watch cartoons while eating Cookie Crisps cereals (other brands are available). Cupcake & Dino, Regular Show and Adventure Time is a good mix. Go to the beach with the dogs, come back home. PJs again, fire in the chimney again, Cookie Crisps again, nap with cats and dogs while watching 5 hours of uninterrupted snooker. Then a couple Belgian beers and cheese. In bed before 10pm. Bliss. 

10. Tell us, in one sentence, why we should come to your next gig.
Because we improvise, every live show is different. It’s never the same gig, but it’s always good fun. Limerick on Sept 15th and Dublin (Whelan’s) on Sept 17th!

BONUS QUESTION: Recommend a podcast and tell us why we should subscribe to it.
Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics. It’s very funny but it also makes people from thousands of years ago so relatable.

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‘Living Isn’t Easy’ is released on June 17th.