My favourite place to make music: I don’t have a favourite, but I really liked Berlin. I spent a lot of time there writing the new album and it just happened to be a good place. I don’t know many people, so I didn’t have any distractions.

The best gig I’ve played: Cork Opera House was probably the best – good to be on home ground.

The worst gig I’ve played: A corporate gig for some computer company. It was in a shopping mall in Germany and I was performing on a makeshift stall. I felt very out of place and no-one was listening to me. I don’t know why they asked me. I didn’t mind it that much though, it was quite surreal.

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My favourite song: Highway 29 by Bruce Springsteen. I like the album that song is from, The Ghost of Tom Joad.

How I started my musical career: My mother has a guitar and she used to sing. I picked up my talent from her. My family used to have singsongs and lock-ins at pubs and I felt obliged to have a party piece, so I learned a couple of songs. It was a hobby to start with.

My favourite place in Ireland: I’m very fond of Dingle. I like the craic there. I’ve played at Tom McCarthy’s bar a few times. I like the atmosphere and the barmen – they’re sarky and give nothing away.

My last lie: That’s a tough question. Do you remember the last lie you told? Maybe the last time I said: “Nice to meet you?”

If I was Taoiseach for the day I would allow the pubs to open whenever they want. I think pouring everyone on the street at two in the morning is a recipe for disaster.

If I wasn’t a musician I’d be a stonemason. I haven’t done it in a year now. I imagine that’s what I’d be doing if I wasn’t a musician. I might be doing it yet if my music career doesn’t work out.

I’m afraid of: Getting my head or hands chopped off. Slowly, with a rusty spoon. It wouldn’t be too bad if it was swift and came from behind. Everyone is afraid of dying – that’s probably my worst fear.

Best advice I’ve received: Tóg go bóg é.

Me in three words: Just about bearable.

Mick Flannery’s fourth album, By The Rule, is out now.