The Making of - Desert Hearts

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 (Charley) The first record i bought was Night Train by Guns n' Roses. I got it in the old Unedadisc? in Ballymena when I was about nine. I've been a huge Guns n' Roses fan ever since.

 (Roisin) The last record I actually bought was the old debut from The Magic Numbers. I really love the harmonies on the album and the basslines are outstanding. It's quite summery, uplifting stuff.

(Charley) The last gig we all watched together was Desaparecidos, a side project of Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes. We were lucky enough to support them on their Dublin and Belfast dates back in March and they really blew us away. They have a very raw 90's indie rock sound which we all love. They were lovely people too!

 (Roisin) The last album we all listened to together was probably Idlewild's '100 Broken Windows.' We didn't know each other back when it was released but discovered that it was individually one of our personal favourite albums at the time. Now that we're in a band together we stick it on in the car when we're en route to a show. It was when Idlewild were at their best - the songs are full of energy.

(Roisin) If i could have anyone join the band it would have to be Kim Deal from the Pixies, although that would mean putting me out of a job. I first heard Kim on the amazing Doolittle album and have been in awe ever since. She has her own bass style and her voice is enchanting. I met her when we supported the Breeders in Dubin in 2002 and she just stood there screaming in my face - so I just screamed back. She's a very down to earth character and she projects this from the stage to the audience, which is why so many people feel such affection for her.

 (Roisin) We go through phases of doing cover versions. When Charley and I were about 14 it was always Therapy? and Nirvana. Early Desert Hearts shows would see quite a lot of Will Oldham attempts! More recently we did Hey Hey My My by Neil Young which was brilliant to play. In the quiet moments of a practice though it's always Coldplay, Only Fools and Horses and Black Sabbath.

(Leaky) We some how ended up doing a noisy version of yellow by coldplay at one of our last rehearsals. It started off as a joke of sorts but it might feature at somepoint. Imagine the replacements tackling it. Great song though.

(Stuart) Kurt Cobain inspired me to start performing. A friend played me Nirvana when I was about 15 and it was the first time I ever heard any music that I liked, I instantly wanted to be a musician. Cobain was very vocal about his influences and looking back, even though I still love them, the best thing was probably that they were a gateway to so much other music that I really love now - Pixies, The Replacements, Daniel Johnston, Sonic Youth, etc

(Stuart) If we had to share the stage with a local act every night....well there's definitely more than one but if I had to pick I'd say Robyn G Shiels. There's a lot of history there, he's definitely part of the family. The weird uncle.

 (Stuart) We listen to all sorts of things that might surprise people, especially if we're together late on after a gig, not sure if there's any guilt involved. I dunno, Cyndi Lauper? Girls Aloud? Bonnie Prince Billy isn't a great way to get a party started.

(Leaky) The first live gig I went to was feeder when I was 13, I knew I wanted to do music and play live around that time. Terrible band for the most part looking back.

There isn't one act specifically that we all bond over but when we're together the Replacements, the Silver Jews and Pavement will also be listened to at some point of the night or day.