Being on the internet, Shout4Music doesn't have a back page. But if it did, it might look a bit like this.

We've asked a bucket full of bands and an array of artists to answer our questions on life, the universe and everything.

This time round it's the turn of Ben Trenerry of Is Shepherd, a prog influenced folk/rock band from Newcastle. Get hold of their new record, 'Songs For Sons'. But not before you've found out a bit more about Ben.

What are you listening to right now?

I'm always trying to push myself as a musician and at the moment I'm trying to improve my singing technique, so I'm listening to a lot of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding (setting those targets damn high!). I've been listening to Jimi Hendrix today, Zeppelin and Jeff Buckley are never far away from the stereo. Finally there is a Newcastle based singer songwriter called Ben Watson and I've been listening to his new EP, which is wonderful.

How did you get into music?

It's always been there, I've always been trying to enter the space in which music exists. My earliest memory was putting a needle on one of my Dad's records, probably Supertramp, Jean Michel Jarre or Free - nothing cool I'm afraid. There was always a classic guitar lying around the house and keyboards, so I always dabbled with that until I picked it up properly around 15 years old. I never learned to play other peoples music; I've always tried to translate what I hear in my head – to varying success.

Tell us a joke.

Okay, got a Quantum Physics one for you(!). The barman says 'we don't serve neutrinos in here'. A neutrino walks into a bar.

Who do you follow religiously on Twitter?

Anything related with our beloved Newcastle United of course!

What have you been reading lately?

'Zhaun Falun' by Li Hongzhi, a Chinese Qi Gong Master.

Who is the most influential person in your life?

My wife.

Which song do you wish you had written?

'I Will Survive!' Seriously - it's a song that has everything – a great beat, a wonderful arrangement and a universal righteous sentiment.

Does God exist?

I don't think there is a single god; but I do think there is a single 'Way'. I believe there are probably as many gods in the skies as there are men on the Earth, but I suspect they have probably lost interest in our antics.

We're at the bar. What are you drinking?

I'm teetotal so I'll either have an Earl Grey or a Fentiman's Ginger Beer!

Who would you dread getting stuck in a lift with?

Myself.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A musician. Now I just wish I would grow up.

What song will you have played at your funeral?

'Surprise Your Dead' by Faith No More.

What gigs, songs or albums are you promoting at the moment?

Check out our new record 'Songs for Sons'.

How can we find out more about you?

Our website, www.isshepherd.com, friend us on The Facebook or follow us on The Twitter.