Elaine Mai - Adrift On Memory Bliss

Acclaimed electro singer-songwriter Elaine Mai allowed GoldenPlec into the inner sanctum of her home to talk about her career highlights to date and the major milestones on her journey from fan to successful musician.

Le Galaxie

"This was one of the first big festivals I did with Le Galaxie, around the time Love System came out. We recorded that song in one of the lad’s houses and it was such a laugh.

I don't think any of us expected it to be as successful as it was, so every gig was just a pleasure and this gig is one that sticks out in my mind as the start of something deadly."

Marina and The Diamonds

"This was one of the biggest gigs I've ever played, in one of my favourite venues in the country. When I got the call about it, I couldn't believe it.

The gig itself was super intimidating, mainly because people were queueing up for hours beforehand for Marina and I had to entertain them first. It went really,

I was really chuffed with it and I learned a lot from it, so yeah, I won't forget that one."

Strange Brew at The Roisin Dubh

"I had been going to the Roisin Dubh for quite a while before I got my first gig there. It was a charity gig (Featuring Le Galaxie, Daithi, Kid Karate and Dott amongst others) and it was where Gugai, who was later to become my manager, first saw me play.

This poster reminds me of Galway and all the amazing bands that have played the Roisin Dubh, as well as all the amazing nights I've had there."

John Lennon

"I had this poster in my room for years when I was growing up. When I was a kid, Abba was the band my mum inadvertently made me love but The Beatles I discovered for myself.

I love John. I love what he stood for, I love that he had problems and was flawed, and that this was visible in most things he did."

The Verve - Bitter Sweet Symphony

"When I was younger, I used to buy a single on cassette (once a week if my pocket money allowed) and listen to it over and over and over. To be honest I still do that, just listen to one song for months.

This one was one of them, I listened to this song so much my mum said she thought she'd 'hear it when she was dead.' It's a great tune."

Galway Arts Festival

"This gig sticks out in my memory, because I got to play with two acts I admire so much -James Vincent McMorrow and Lisa Hannigan- who were so unbelievably sound in a venue that I love.

Also, it was the first and so far the only gig my mum has been too and she liked it a lot, but she left half way through my set*"

*did not actually happen.

Robyn in London

"I remember this gig really clearly because I bought the tickets as a surprise for my girlfriend. To this day, I think it's her favourite present I've ever given her. Also, I liked Robyn at the time, but after this gig, I loved her.

Her voice is unreal and her band was so good. Class gig; if and when she comes back to Ireland I highly recommend checking her out."

Elaine Mai – Adrift On Memory Bliss