What's on your rider? Ron Pope

What's on your rider?Lots of regular stuff: sandwiches, Jameson, beer, peanut M&Ms. It's like a deli in my green room.

What's your pre-gig ritual/ routine?I don't have any crazy rituals, really. Most days I'm much too busy for mucking around. I just do my vocal warm-up and get to work.

What are your favourite and least favourite venues?In 2012 the best venue I played was Union Chapel in London. It's a beautiful room, the sound is exceptional, and they treated us very well. The audience there was just unreal! As far as my least favorite venue, I've played in a lot of really shitty dives over the years – I couldn't pick a least favorite! At this point, as long as the fans show up for the party, I'm excited to be wherever we are.

What's your crowd-pleasing number?A Drop in the Ocean seems to get the job done most nights.

Chatting between songs – good or bad?I like to talk while I'm on stage. It makes the show more personal. With that said, it's got to stay within reason or it's annoying.

How big is your entourage?My gang is pretty small. In the States, my cousin Carl is our tour manager, so our touring party is just him, the band, me, and sometimes friends pop in to open the shows. I tech my own gear. This is a DIY outfit.

Any useful stage tips?Buy gaff tape and then tape down every cable you see. Loose cables are super-dangerous. Falling down is not a good look.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea. Ron Pope plays Dublin on Thursday