Stereoboard Speaks To The Boy Who Trapped The Sun (Interview)
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Written by Jonny Rimmer
Born on the Isle of Lewis, singer-songwriter Colin MacLeod, aka The Boy Who Trapped the Sun, has been gaining a lot of acclaim for his debut album 'Fireplace'. He returned for some rescheduled shows this April, starting at King Tuts in Glasgow. Stereoboard were sadly unable to attend the show, but were still able to ask Colin a few questions via e-mail after the gig, and received some interesting answers on the Lewis music scene and the music industry in general.
What is the reason behind the name "The Boy Who Trapped the Sun"? Is it a literary reference?
No, there’s no particular reason I’m afraid. I just thought it would be a laugh!
It is well known now that you come from the Isle of Lewis. Was there much of a music scene there when you were growing up?
More than people might think. At the time I would have said there was just as much of a scene on Lewis as there was anywhere else, mainly within the school I went to. When we were growing up, we thought we had a buzzing scene, but in hindsight you could describe it more as four of us in a barn.
'Fireplace', your debut record, came out last summer. How have you found it has been received?
Very well actually, it’s had a great reception. I’m very pleased with the way it has been received.
Is it true that you had to move all the way to London to launch a career? And do you find it a shame that artists have to go to such lengths to get noticed?
I didn’t have to move, but I believe that it was the right thing for me to do. However, in all honesty, the record industry is easily the laziest of all industries. If you want to force them into doing anything then you have to be sitting on their lap.
Expanding on my last question, do you feel more at home in London or up in Lewis? And do you prefer Scottish or English crowds?
I feel more at home in Lewis and I prefer Scottish crowds. That was easy, eh?
Is it true you refuse to play with a plectrum, and instead use your nail? This question is more from a fan's request than anything!
No, I do sometimes play with a plectrum, but my style is generally more suited to finger picking so I usually don’t need one.
Finally, how have you found touring and do you have any plans for 2011?
To be honest, I’m not a big fan of touring, and there’s no plans to record any material as of yet.
Watch this space then!
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