HOTPRESS: Pray tell us, Tom, what’s the current state of Irish rock?

TOM DUNNE: Same as it ever was. I think it’s as healthy as ever. But the industry can only be as good as the bands. You can’t just make the bands be better. All you need is one great album like the Ash album and it lifts everything.

HP: And what about the state of Irish rock radio?

TD: Better than ever. There was a time when if Dave Fanning didn’t play your record there was nobody else. Now Dave is still playing great stuff and there are lots of others doing it, both nationally and on local radio. It’s great.

HP: What of the new figures for Pet Sounds?

TD:They’re building and building, especially in the 20/44 age group and the break down is about 50/50 male and female. So things are very good.

HP: Which of the new acts take your fancy?

TD: I really like Damien Rice. With Juniper he was a bit airy-fairy but his new stuff is brilliant. But then he did a spot of busking which all bands should be made to do. It’s character-forming to be playing there and see the audience walking away. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed both Sonora and The Revs on the Heineken Rollercoaster tour.

HP: Wasn’t it a disappointment that The Revs followed a great single with a cover version?

TD: It was. I think they might live to regret it.

HP: What was your most embarrassing moment on air?

TD: Way back on my first week on 98FM I pushed the button to start a CD and it refused to play. So I just went “Oh Jesus” and scrambled to get the other CD working, but I forget to fade down the mike so the listeners were able to share in my panic. Now I check the CD player every ten minutes.

HP: Who is your favourite radio presenter?

TD: Ian Dempsey is the king of music radio. Dunphy is highly entertaining, a real live wire. You never know what’s going to happen.

HP: What are you currently playing a lot of?

TD: Ryan Adams. It amazes me that he can be so prolific and yet maintain such a high standard. He has also found new, fresh things to say about relationships.

HP: Where do you stand on the great Ronan versus Louis debacle?

TD: Louis was very unfair to Ronan. It was a cheap shot.

HP: When will Something Happens get around to doing a cover of a Six song?

TD: Probably the same day hell freezes over.

HP: Will you be featuring them on Pet Sounds?

TD: I am very fortunate that I live in a universe which they are not a part of. They do not exist in my world.

HP: What was the first record you played on the radio?

TD: I think it was something by Phil Lynott.

HP: What was the last track you played on the radio?

TD: A track from a new Playboy compilation.

HP: Here’s your tie-breaker question. Complete the following sentence: “Eamon Dunphy should stay at Today FM because...”

TD: “… because there’s nowhere better for him to go.”