What's on your rider? Cat Dowling

What's on your rider?Cheap booze.

What would be on your fantasy rider?Expensive booze, Kalamata olives and a full body massage.

What's your pre-gig ritual/ routine?Getting there is my ritual.

What's the best gig you've been to?Nick Cave at Liss Ard in 1997. It was after midnight and there were only about 50 people allowed into the tent. It was stunningly beautiful – I still get goosebumps when I think of it.

And the worst?Phil Collins at the Point. I was working at it, so I was getting paid but that didn't ease the pain.

What are your favourite venues?There are lots of great venues in Ireland, but the first venue I ever played was Connollys of Leap. It was truly a magnificent venue. There were probably about three people in the audience but it felt like 3,000. St Canice's Cathedral at the Kilkenny Arts Festival would be a close second.

Most embarrassing on-stage moment?Have had a few, mainly involving guitar leads, high heels and suspect choreography.

What's the most you've ever paid for a gig ticket?PJ Harvey. It was for her White Chalkalbum release. She was solo and the gig was breathtaking. Best €100 I have ever spent.

Chatting between songs – good or bad?Chat is good if it flows. Bad if you're not feeling it – it's like a bad comedian telling bad jokes. Better to keep singing. Remember the audience did come to hear you sing.

Do you like to meet and greet fans after the gig?I like talking to fans. They are the people who encourage me to keep writing.

Any useful stage tips?Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy and remember: the audience is your friend.

What's the worst thing ever thrown at you?Thankfully nothing has been thrown at me. I'm very soft on the inside, so I would take very personally.

If you could be in any other band, which one?Queens of the Stone Age

Who's invited to your aftershow party?Anyone who likes whiskey, is funny and hates going to bed.

In conversation with TONY CLAYTON-LEA. Cat Dowling plays The Academy, Dublin tonight