Something For The Weekend: Shobsy's Cultural Picks

Dubliner Shobsy made a splash on The Late Late Show viewers with a memorable cover version of the Bronski Beat classic Smalltown Boy. Now he returns with his new single, Driven - watch the video above.

We asked Shobsy for his choice cultural picks...

FILM

I absolutely adore the work of director David Lynch. His films reveal the strange horrors that can lie just beneath the surface of society, whilst also never forgetting to expose the immeasurable beauty of life. My favourite film of his is Blue Velvet. A film about manipulation, curiosity and mystery. Certainly not a film to watch casually on a Sunday cuddled up with the dogs, but certainly a film I think everyone should experience.

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MUSIC

I would really recommend people to listen to Irish band Soda Blonde's debut album Small Talk. It is criminal that they are not one of the best-known acts in the world, in my opinion. This will happen soon, however, so I'd highly recommend jumping on board. If you like classically written songs and incredible vocals, then you gotta hear it!

BOOK

- My family would disown me if I pretended to be an avid reader, which sadly I am not. However, I am working on it and currently trying to knock the cobwebs off by reading Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. Obviously, it is incredibly well known and practically all readers interested in novels will have read it. But if you haven't, you must! It is converting this non-reader page by page.

PLAY

The last play I saw was before the pandemic, the amazing Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee in the beautiful Gate Theatre. I thought it was truly extraordinary, telling the story of the complexity of marriage in an incredibly subtle and intelligent way. A real classic that is a must see if you ever get the chance. A play I would have loved to have seen but sadly missed due to travel is Curiosity by Amanda Brunker. It was her first play and received wonderful reviews. If it ever gets another run I will definitely be going.

I'm waking up a very proud director this morning after my gal @sorcha_furlong won BEST ACTRESS for her performance in Curiosity @GayTheatre gala awards last night. We definitely have to tour this now 🙌 @LabDCC pic.twitter.com/fO75Nkmm0d
— Amanda Brunker (@AmandaJBrunker) May 16, 2022

- I recently watched an incredible series about Andy Warhol on Netflix called The Andy Warhol Diaries. Using technology, they recreate Andy's voice in a really impressive way which gives the illusion that he himself is reading his diary to you. It feels remarkable intimate and gave me even more of an insight into the life of a man and an artist who so greatly impacted culture. Even if you are not a fan of his art it's an incredible watch to simply learn more about the social scene of New York in the 60's, 70'S and 80's.

GIG

If you want a truly unique gig experience you should go along to a gig of the truly inspiring Irish artist Jinx Lennon. The man is a punk, a poet and a counsellor all in one. After going to a gig of his I feel like I've been to therapy and pressed restart. His writing style is truly unique, mixing tragedy and comedy in a way that keeps you on your toes. He orientates you by disorientating you in the best possible way. A performer like no other and a man who should most definitely be better known globally.

ART

I adore the work of Irish artist and musician Stevie Appleby. I'm not sure there is anyone in this country who deserves to be described as an artist as much as Stevie. His mind is dedicated to creating art and music constantly and for me is the living embodiment of what is means to be an artist. Check out his work online, there are beautiful prints for purchase.

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I also adore the work of Guggi. For me he is probably Ireland's finest abstract painter. His paintings are instinctive and reactive. When standing in a gallery looking at his work, you feel as though you are looking at something almost ancient and valuable. Like a tribal expression on a cave wall.

PODCAST

I really enjoy Russell Brand's podcast Under the Skin, an interview series where he talks with significant individuals across the social, political and religious spectrum. He gives a voice to all people regardless of their leaning left or right. As a person who values true equality and freedom of speech, I highly appreciate this podcast's format and would highly recommend listening with open ears!

TECH

Check out a cool little website called 100,000 Stars. It's this 3D simulation of loads of nearby stars. A very fun way to spend a few minutes!

THE NEXT BIG THING...

Whatever Elon Musk tells us it is! It slightly scares me but I think Cryptocurrency may well become the next big thing. I think the way we buy and sell is going to look very different 10 years from now.

Driven is available on all digital platforms now - Shobsy's sold-out Dublin show at The Workman's Club takes place on June 4th.

Something For The Weekend: Shobsy's Cultural Picks

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