Scots Way-Hay #6 - The Boy Who Trapped The Sun

It's not often that I post about artists on major labels, it's something that I don't feel all that comfortable with to be honest. However in The Boy Who Trapped The Sun's (aka Colin Macleod) case I am more than happy to make exceptions. It was the session that he recorded for Vic Galloway last year that first brought him to my attention, basically it's one man and a guitar, but then again it's so much more than that. In this day and age it takes a lot for a songwriter to stand out from the crowd, in ColinMacleod's case, he is up there on a level that most artists can only dream of. I guess when I look for someone to compare his sound to, then the most obvious candidates would have to be Nick Drake and Elliot Smith, I know that's a bit of cliche, but it's the most apt comparison in my opinion.
If you are looking for somewhere to start then I would recommend, Fragile Eyes, one of my favourite songs from last year. The Boy Who Trapped The Sun is a genuinely talented individual, and if his first two singles are anything to go by then we're in for a treat when his debut album is released later this year.

Would you care to introduce yourself?

My name is Colin David Macleod, im a Pisces and I play under the moniker of The Boy Who Trapped The Sun.

How would you describe the music you make?

Its acoustic.

How did you start out making music?

I started out playing in school, mostly in punky type bands. I played bass and drums and other bits, but nothing very well. Then got into acoustic guitar and Bob Dylan cos I was trying to impress a girl. She wasnt impressed.

What process goes into the way you write songs?

Music first then lyrics. I cant write lyrics unless I have a tune.

Who are your big musical influences?

Bob Dylan, Kiss, Elliott Smith, Slayer, ABBA, Runrig and Callum Kennedy.

Although you are now based in London, you’re originally from the Isle of Lewis, as an outsider looking in there seems to be quite a healthy ‘scene’, what with folk like yourself and Dotjr, are you all quite supportive of one another? And are there any other artists/bands that you think I should be looking out for?

It's a very healthy scene, and very supportive. I don't know if it's an isolation thing, but it's very different way of thinking to any other small town or city I've ever been in. There's no 'sound' as such, everyone I know who writes or performs has a very singular approach to their writing and style, and there's no competition aspect, because of a lack of a music industry I suppose. The whole "If we don't do this for ourselves, no one else will" attitude is very healthy. It's really amazing to see, even since I was in school and getting into music, the progression in the younger guys who are coming through. When I was 16, I had no idea about writing my own songs, but my little brother has only just turned 17 and he's already got an E.P. done with his band. A few people to look out for are, obviously, DotJR. I think he's really going to go far. Also Cant Swim, young punk-y indie band lead by my little bro, are going to melt some faces when they get going!!

The song ‘Lying to Get on Your Good Side’ on your new EP, was co-written by Ed Harcourt, how did that come about and do you have any plans to work with him again in the future?

I met Ed through a mutual friend, he's a talented man for sure. I dunno if we'll work together again.

Lastly, what can we expect to see/hear from you in 2010?

2010 will contain an album, lots of gigs, my 25th birthday and alot of bad surfing.

The Boy Who Trapped The Sun - Fragile Eyes (MP3)




His new EP 'Home' is out now, you can download it here, I think it's pretty good, although I must admit that I prefer his earlier 'Watermark EP' which is available to download here.
You can catch The Boy Who Trapped The Sun playing live at the Captains Rest on the 16th March, tickets for that one are sale on Gigs in Scotland, this is followed by an appearance at this years Hinterland festival on the 3rd of April.

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