The Isle of Lewis doesn’t exactly have a long history of musical pedigree and with a population of under 19,000, mostly centered around Stornoway (the island’s only town and no connection whatsoever to the band of the same name), and being situated at the northern tip of the Outer Hebrides, it doesn’t exactly lend itself to the inspiration of modern music.

All the more impressive then, that The Boy Who Trapped The Sun has come as far as he has. Signed to Chess Club Records and with his debut album ‘Fireplace‘ out now, The Boy’s career is rapidly gathering pace. Ahead of shows at Kilmarnock Festival and Bestival and supporting Fyfe Dangerfield (Guillemots) on his solo UK tour, we decided to pop round and ask him a few questions.

For anyone who doesn’t yet know, who are you and what do you?

My name is Colin Macleod and I am The Boy Who Trapped The Sun.

You played the majority of the instruments on your album we hear, if you could learn any random or obscure instrument, which one?

I’d really like to learn pedal steel guitar. It’s next on my list.

You’ve probably been asked a thousand times by now BUT…. You knocked yourself unconscious once while playing, how does one go about achieving that?

It’s very easy, surprisingly easy. Just headbutt the back of your guitar, its great fun. Make sure it’s a Telecaster though, no other guitar can stand the abuse.

You’ve played quite a few festivals this summer, what are your ‘must haves’ to survive backstage?

Surviving backstage is quite pleasant, I suppose it’s more pleasant the more famous you are. Not being famous myself, it’s always a struggle to get free stuff. So my tip would be don’t go anywhere unless you’re famous, then everything is easy.

What inspires your music?

Akward sexual encounters.

Any random or peculiar events happened on your musical travels?

Musical travel is in itself a peculiar event, so everything becomes mundane. Groupies, drugs, roof top fights…. mundane.

Any exciting plans in the pipeline?

After I finish this im going surfing, that’ll be exciting. I’ve got a tour coming up with Fyfe Dangerfield which will be very good at exciting me also.

Where can we see The Boy Who Trapped The Sun soon?

In the bushes in your front garden. I like to hang around and stuff.

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