The Boy Who Trapped The Sun
Joseph Seager chatted to Colin MacLeod, the man behind The Boy Who Trapped The Sun.
Hello Colin MacLeod aka The Boy Who Trapped The Sun. How are you doing? Where are you currently?
I'm doing pretty good thanks, just packing my bag for a trip home. I'm having a launch party for the Home E.P. out next week (1st March), in my favourite pub on the Isle of Lewis. I've got a load of mates supporting and hopefully going to fit in a few waves as well.
How's 2010 going thus far?
2010 has started off pretty good, a lot of gigs under the belt already and I'm off on tour again for most of March so busy busy!
Where did your stage name come from? Did you trap the sun as a boy?
The name came from a friend, just a pretty random suggestion since I never really wanted to use my own name, that's it! I wish it were a more exciting story, I really do.
Your 'Home' EP is due out in March, what's the story behind the EP? Are you pleased with it?
Yeah I'm really pleased with the EP. I started making my album almost 2 years ago so I had a lot of songs left over and it seemed like a good idea to do an EP first. I'm far too indecisive as well and I didn't want to let any of them go to waste!
If people don't know what you and your music are about, how would you describe yourself?
How would I describe my music? hmm... If I was trying to be funny I might say its heavy metal without a distortion pedal but really its just acoustic.
How did you first come to music?
I was quite late coming to music, it wasn't until I was about 13 that I picked up a guitar and started playing in bands. Before that I just really listened to whatever I could hear, just stuff that was on the radio or stuff playing in the house, nothing that exciting. Then when I got into my guitar I just devoured anything I could get my hands on, like making up for lost time. The single moment that inspired me the most was getting into Dylan, and the first time I realised you don't need to be playing through an amp, distorted to the max to be heard. Sometimes it's better to turn the volume down!
Who would you love to perform with, past or present?
I'd really love to work with Jeff Tweedy from Wilco, I think he's such a good writer. It'd be awesome to get a few tips from him
Are you looking forward to touring with Lisa Mitchell? How about the Leeds Cockpit gig on March 7th?
Yep the Lisa Mitchell shows should be good fun, I'm getting to play in a load of places I've not played before (like Leeds!) which is cool.
Are you getting good reaction to your live shows?
9 times out of 10 I get a nice reaction from people at shows, but when you're playing by yourself you always run the risk of being consumed by the noisy bar!
What are you currently listening to on your mp3 player?
Right now I'm listening to Neil Halstead who I've just discovered. His album 'Oh! Mighty Engine' is absolutely beautiful. Also I'm listening to a bit of Dot JR, a boy from the Isle of Lewis. Real good stuff.
Best venue you've played?
The best venue is The Taphouse in St. Agnes, Cornwall. That place is too much fun, Timbo and the boys and girls know how to party....
Where do you find your influences? Or do they find you?
I try and keep an eye out for influence at all times. If you're not careful it can come up behind you and do you a damage.
What do you miss the most when you're on the road touring
I don't think you really have the time to miss much when you're on tour, it's too much fun. I do miss surfing, but I usually find a time or two to fit that in.
If The Boy Who Trapped The Sun was a Jelly Bean, what colour and flavour would you be and why?
If I was a Jelly Bean I'd be rat poison flavour, because I don't want to be eaten.
Some quick fire questions:
Tea or coffee? Coffee
Summer or winter? Summer
Superman or Batman? Batman
Reading or Leeds? Leeds (obviously!)
And finally, what's next on the agenda for The Boy Who Trapped The Sun?
Next on the agenda for me is a beer, I'm thirsty!
Thanks Colin. And good luck!
The Boy Who Trapped The Sun released 'Home' on March 1st.
