County Monaghan roots rocker Ryan Sheridan continues to rip it up with his Americana covers project - his latest single Get Yourself Together sees him tackle a tune by The Black Keys.
As he gears up for a German tour in May to coincide with the release of the Americana album, as well as a string of Irish festival appearances this summer, we asked Ryan for his choice cultural picks...
FILM
I just watched The Last Duel directed by Ridley Scott. It is set in 14th century medieval France and based on a true story, a highly publicized duel to the death. Adam Driver, Matt Damon, Jodie Comer and Ben Affleck star.
I found the screenplay and direction in this superb, as the story is split into three chapters, depicting the perspectives of each account. Lots of twists and turns, which keeps the 153 mins flying by!
MUSIC
Multi instrumentalist Seamus Egan (Solas) has been the one constant in my influences over the years. In 2020 he released his long awaited solo album Early Bright, a beautifully produced 10-track album of which the track Everything Always Was finds itself on repeat with me. I can't recommend this album and artist highly enough.
FESTIVAL
Zermatt Unplugged, in Switzerland. I was very fortunate to play this festival in 2019 and if you were ever looking for something different to do, I'd have to recommend it. Zermatt Unplugged is a five day festival in April, in Zermatt, Switzerland, a car-free, picturesque village in the Swiss Alps, at the foot of the Matterhorn. If you want, the gig circuit can take you 3000m up the mountain, in a cable car to Gandegghütte restaurant, watch the gig and then ski your way back down! The festival is an experience and should be on everyone's bucket list. Go check it out!
TV
I have just finished watching Yellowstone, a series set on the borders of a cattle ranch and an Indian reserve, and the complications that brings. Kevin Costner, Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser’s performances are outstanding. The story lines and cinematography are brilliant, it’s an all rounder.
ART
Aimee Gillen, from Co.Offaly, based in Dublin. I have gotten to know Aimee over the years and, like the friend I know, it is no surprise that her work is bursting with colour and life. It’s the artwork in the room that draws attention, the highlight the room was crying out for. From intricate Celtic patterns to bursting ‘cosmos-like’ canvases, her work is a must see!
TECH
I'm pretty sure the saying ‘You’d lose your head if it wasn’t screwed on’ was written for me. So, I picked up a couple of Apple AirTags. They are GPS tags that I can track my stuff from my phone. Handy when traveling, etc, I Keep one in my pocket just in case I lose myself. Anyway, I thought they were a good investment.
Get Yourself Together is out now. Ryan Sheridan's Americana album is released on Rubyworks in May.
