Ahead of her May 29th appearance at Kerry arts festival K-Fest, prodigious 18- year old singer- songwriter Bridie Monds- Watson shares her appreciation for Pink Floyd’s work on record and film, what it meant to her to grow up in Derry and what piece of priceless music memorabilia she wants more than anything.

Words & Interview: Phil Cummins


What’s been the highlight of your year so far?

There have been a few, but I think definitely touring with Chvrches and selling out my first headline in London are were the brightest highlights.
 

When did you first realise you wanted a career in music?

I didn't. When I first released my music on the internet the reactions were great and the whole thing kept going from there. It wasn't planned; it just worked.

In three words, describe the five minutes before you walk on stage.

Fear. Excitement. Hunger.

How do you wind down after a gig?

I don't like to wind down; I enjoy the adrenaline and run around like a ADHD rabbit. Then I talk to a lot of people.
 

In three words, describe the live scene in Ireland.

Big. Interesting. Fun.
 

Whose career do you envy and why?

That guy who went and did flappy birds.
 

Vinyl or digital downloads?

Downloads are quick and handy, but vinyl can be in your hands and I think it can be more atmospheric. Plus, you're guaranteed artwork. Annnnd they look cool as shit.
 

What is your favourite record shop in the world?

Hmmmmm...I like Tower Records in Dublin, but there's one five minutes from my house (gaff) called Cool Discs and it's cool.
 

Name one rare record you don't own, but you want more than anything.

It would be dead sweet to own the first pressing of Dark Side of the Moon.
 

Name one piece of music memorabilia that you wish you owned.

Les Paul's first Les Paul.

What is the one thing in your life that you couldn't go without on a daily basis?

Hearing new music.
 

Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.

The Wall movie.
 

Name one overrated TV series and one underrated TV series.

I think Breaking Bad is overrated but I've seen like 30 seconds and it's too dramatic for me. Adventure Time is underrated.
 

Pick the director and lead actor for a biopic about your life.

Steven Spielberg. The actor would be me. I can't act though. I think.
 

Describe the perfect night in.

Making demos in my room or writing or jamming with mates.
 

Describe the perfect night out.

Corona, one of my favourite bands, an 80s shirt and my mates.

Where did you grow up and what are the best and worst things about that place.

I grew up in both Lisburn and Derry. When I was very young we lived in the countryside and I really, really loved that. Me and my brothers had a really cool tree house and loads of places to explore. In Derry we played a lot of hide and seek in the street with, like, forty other kids. Snowballs fights became quite drastic and my parents got rid of our trampoline because I tried to jump out of the window onto it.

What is your biggest fear?

It used to be the dark, but now it's breaking something in my hands.
 

Who is the person in your life without whom your life wouldn't be the same?

My best friend jack. I moved next door to him when I was six and now he's 17 and I'm 18. We've never not been friends. Sometimes he looks like a potato. It was his birthday two days ago and were still not sure how to celebrate. Maybe, paintball.
 

What is the most important lesson life has taught you, so far?

Honesty is the best policy.
 

If you could give one piece of life advice it would be…

Don't be stupid. Do what you want to do and don't waste time.
 

SOAK plays Sol y Sombra Tapas Bar, Killorglin, Kerry on Thursday 29th May. Tickets are €12 ex. booking fee. The gig is part of K-Fest, an arts festival of music, art, poetry, drama and film. For more, visit entertainment.ie/k-fest