Q&A: The Boy Who Trapped The Sun

Every so often a singer-songwriter comes along who just blows the cobwebs out of you, and makes you realise that not all singer-songwriters are poncy boys trying to get laid. The Boy Who Trapped The Sun is just one of those such artists who is genuinely talented and a delight to listen to on record and watch perform, and we were fortunate enough to ask him a few questions earlier in the week…
Hello Colin. What are you up to today?
Hello There Goes The Fear, I’m not up to much today just getting ready to head up north.
Your new tour supporting Lisa Mitchell is obviously coming up. What can we expect from your set this year? Are you a fan of touring, or would you rather be back at home writing music?
I’m looking forward to playing some shows with Lisa Mitchell, its nice now I have my friend Stacey playing cello with me. I did a lot of touring on my own last year and it’s nice to have another person to bounce off, on and off stage. Set wise, it’ll be a bit of stuff from my last EP and the soon to be released Home EP, plus a few bits and pieces off the album. I never write set lists so its a bit of whatever comes to mind when I’m standing on stage. I do like touring but writing and recording is my favourite. I really like the whole process, starting with an idea and seeing it through into a song is a good feeling. I love playing live as well; it’s just a bit harder on the nerves!
How do you find life on the road? Do you miss the Isle of Lewis much? Do you prefer the hubub of city life or the peaceful country life?
I’m a country boy. I’m not built for the fast paced life! I love the city for just a couple of days and then I get homesick for bad weather and cold water!
Before you go on stage do you have any weird and wonderful rituals?
Before I go on stage I’m usually in the pub, so crazy rituals depend on how many drams I’ve had……
What would be a cool location you’d like to do a gig at?
I’d like to do a gig upside down. I think that’d be a challenge.
It’s that time of the year when everyone looks back at the year that’s been and the year that’s coming up. What was your highlight of 2009? What about your lowlight?
The highlight of 2009 was meeting ‘The Boss’ Bruce Springsteen, and after you meet The Boss you can’t possibly have a low point.
Likewise, what are you most excited about for 2010?
I’m most looking forward to the summer this year. Having the album finally come out, playing festivals and hanging out with friends. Generally trying to have as much fun as humanly possible.
What music / artists are you really enjoying at the moment?
I’m really into Neil Halstead at the moment, his album ‘Oh! Mighty Engine’ is great. Also DotJR, The Moth And The Mirror, Brother Louis Collective, Strike the Colours etc. etc. etc. I could go on for days!
Are you a big fan of blogging / social networking and that internet malarkey?
I’m not really into the whole twitter revolution, but it is nice to be able to keep in touch with people who come to see you play or like your music so easily.
Finally, what TV, films and books are you really enjoying at the moment?
I’m really into Entourage, it’s bloody hilarious! I also recently watched a film called ‘Busting Down The Door’, a documentary about the birth of professional surfing on the north shore of Hawaii, and all the feuds and fights that happened. Even if you’re not a surfer, its a really good watch.
[audio:http://theregoesthefear.com/media/200911/tbwtts-fragileeyes.mp3]
MP3: The Boy Who Trapped the Sun – Fragile Eyes
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