Where are you now and what are you doing?

I’m sitting in a mobile home in Kilkee. It’s absolutely lashing out and I’m having a cup of tea to warm up. Word to the wise, look at the weather forecast before bringing the dog for a walk. More words to the wise, Kilkee is unreal and well worth a trip. I’ve spent my childhood summers down here and there’s something in the water – it’s class.

First record to send a shiver up your spine?

Without a shadow of a doubt, it was Aretha Franklin’s ‘I Never Loved A Man The Way I Loved You’. It changed my DNA a small bit. I’d say I was all of 10-years-old and I became infatuated with big vocalists and soul music. Aretha was my gateway drug to the genre and I’ve never looked back.

First gig you attended?

I think it was The Heathers – god, I was an absolute diehard fan for years. They’d frequent Dolan’s in Limerick and I’ll never forget we went for a mate’s birthday. Then I popped my arena cherry going to Lady Gaga in  3Arena and that was an out-of-body experience. She had a tornado onstage!

First gig you played?

I’m from Limerick City and my first ever solo was in Dolan’s. I think it was support for the icon Lisa Canny – I then became her backing vocalist and she hasn’t gotten rid of me since. I’d say it was about 10 years ago now. It was such a lovely gig and Dolan’s has a special place in my heart.

Most memorable gig?

My first headline gig, again in Dolan’s – oh, the city was a buzz! We booked upstairs and got moved to Dolan’s Warehouse the day before the show. We were absolutely delighted and it was very special to perform in that space.

What has been the most ‘pinch me’ moment of your career so far?

Sharing the stage with Rufus Wainwright was fucking incredible. He has been an absolute icon for years, and I’m still in a bit of shock that I had the fortune to sing with him. It was in the National Concert Hall, of all places – another bucketlist venue. I also had the privilege to sing with Cynthia Erivo for a residency in London with the composer Scott Alan. That was another moment I couldn’t comprehend was happening.

Most embarrassing thing you’ve done either drunk or sober?

Only today, a bird shat on me and I didn’t notice. I bumped into a heap of people and had lengthy conversations. Only when I got home did I realise it was there… it was a bad one.

Last record you bought, borrowed, or blagged?

I bought RY X With The Philharmonic Orchestra Live. Such a beautiful gig and I can’t wait to see him next year in Dublin. Other than that, my partner has a great collection of vinyl and I guess you could say I borrow his records. He got me into Woodkid, who’s now probably one of my biggest influences.

Who’d be in your dream band line-up?

Yebba on vocals with The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Then drizzle in someone like Herbie Hancock on keys, and for BVs, we’d give it to Avery Wilson, Tori Kelly and Jazmine Sullivan.

Sexiest musician on the planet?

Lenny Kravitz could get it in terms of raw sexual magnetism. I love Damiano David from Måneskin too.

What song would you have played at your funeral?

Stevie Nicks’ ‘Edge Of Seventeen’, 100%. The chaos… but I’d go out with a bang!

• NIYL’s latest single, ‘Won’t Let My Lover Down’, is out now.