Yep, he can surf, too. Photo:Alan Wilson

You probably know Mickey Smith from his mind-blowing still images and short films from the Irish surf scene, chiefly of Lowey and Ferg at Aileen’s, Rileys and the like. Lately, a slight change in creative direction has seen him tour with Ben Howard (whom he also directs videos for), playing keyboard in BH’s band, headlining Glastonbury this summer in front of a zillion people, among other gigs. We caught up with Mick on hols in France for his essential Desert Island Discs…

Radiohead
HAIL TO THE THIEF (2003)
Master craftsmen, still creating mind bending audio for us watchers and waiters. Could’ve been anything, from OK Computer to Atoms for Peace. This is just one I’ve come back to lately.

Ben Howard
BURGH ISLAND EP (2012)
Takes such bravery to open up with brutal honesty. A haunting testament to brother ben’s craft. Esmerelda man, new levels.

Grateful Dead
AMERICAN BEAUTY (1970)
Maybe known as easy listening dead, but surely just a compliment to work gone in. Has a little of ‘most everything for me.

Son House
FATHER OF FOLK BLUES (1965)
Still hit hard by the master bluesman every time I hear these songs. One man one voice one guitar. Simplify, intensify.

David Bowie
RISE AND FALL OF ZIGGY STARDUST (1972)
Reality may have been different,but feels like they must’ve grinned a lot putting this down. Joy translates, how many killer tunes? Wild.

Sigur Ros
KVEIKUR (2013)
Man, records of pure alchemy. Stunning. Any could come, just listening to the latest is all.

Beatles
REVOLVER (1966)
However uncool, I’ve always loved the Beatles. Revolver for me means falling in and out of love with waves and life for the first time.

Nirvana
NEVERMIND (1991)
Changed my life as a kid, too many things to say and I don’t have the skills.

Pink Floyd
WISH YOU WERE HERE (1975)
“Did you exchange, a walk on part in the war, for a lead role in a cage?” Music for minds lost and found again. Too many memories to reflect on here again.

Willy Mason
CARRY ON (2012)
Could take any of Willy’s records and if it was the last thing I heard I’d be happy. He’s one of the greatest of our time, no question. Carry on brother, carry on.