Gary Lightbody has praised the growth of Belfast's music culture as the city prepares for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world's biggest celebration of Irish music and culture.
The festival starts on Sunday and runs until August 9, with 800,000 people expected to attend.
Lightbody, who has lived in Northern Ireland for the past five years, said he has always felt the call to return even after travelling the world playing music.
"I've lived around the world, but I've always had a place here and have always felt that calling back," he said.
"There are so many extraordinary places in Northern Ireland and there's beauty everywhere."
A connected music scene
The multi-platinum artist said that from a cultural and musical perspective, it can be hard to recognise Northern Ireland now from the place he grew up in.
"Maybe then there wasn't such a connected music scene, certainly not like it is now," he said.
"We have so many great bands and artists all playing on each other's records, lending each other kit and really pulling for each other."
Gigs that shaped him
With this year marking the 20th anniversary of Snow Patrol's Eyes Open album, which included the hit "Chasing Cars," Lightbody spoke about the concerts that shaped his musical life.
"My very first gig was Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Ulster Hall and my second was Nirvana at the King's Hall, so not too bad as a start," he said.
"In the 90s there was not that much happening here with huge international artists, bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana are tattooed on our hearts because they came at a time when no-one else would."
"The Nirvana gig was life-changing. When I looked at them on the stage, I knew I wanted to be up there."
Beyond Belfast
Visitors are also being encouraged to explore beyond Belfast during the Fleadh, and Lightbody recommended Bangor's Guillemot Café on the Seacliff Road.
"It's absolutely brilliant – amazing food and a great wee spot," he said.
