Picks of 2014: Esther Stephens

Esther Stephens is looking forward to the Laneway festival.

Your soundtrack of 2014

Nabuma Rubberband by Little Dragon. I love everything these guys do and how they keep pushing the boundaries of alt-pop/neo soul. Big inspiration for my own music.

Favourite TV show of 2014

Can't pick one favourite, but I'm so happy to see more NZ telly drama being made such as last year's Consent, Nancy Wake: The White Mouse and Field Punishment No 1.

Best movie of 2014

The Grand Budapest Hotel. I'm a sucker for the whimsical poetry and visual richness of Wes Anderson films.

Best gig you went to

Got to tick off some more must-sees this year, Erykah Badu at the Civic, Lauryn Hill in Melbourne, but SoulFest was definitely this year's highlight. With D'Angelo, Common and Mos Def performing, among others, it was definitely my kind of lineup.

Most fascinating celebrity of 2014

I thought Emma Watson's UN speech on gender equality was eloquent and brave. She strikes me as both a talented actress and a classy individual.

Event/show/record/movie you're most looking forward to in 2015

The Laneway festival. Because FKA Twigs, Little Dragon (see aforementioned adoration), St Vincent and a stack more amazing artists are on the lineup.

Esther Stephens. Actress and star of the upcoming Outrageous Fortune prequel, West Side Story