Interview: Rainy Boy Sleep reveals how it feels to support James Morrison
Northern Ireland’s Rainy Boy Sleep, aka Steve Martin, had a magnificent 2011 and is supporting James Morrison on his latest tour. He’ll be kick-starting the journey by soothing Manchester O2 Apollo’s soul at the end of this month.
After playing gigs across the nation during 2011’s festival season RBS, the Irish kind not the Scottish, gained a dedicated following. Glastonbury, Hard Rock Calling and the BBC Introducing stage at Reading and Leeds all witnessed the 22-year-old’s ascendency as his acoustic guitar enlightened thousands.
With the recent announcement that the singer-songwriter will be supporting James Morrison it’s unsurprising to read positive reviews from music giants. Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody said: “His guitar is fantastic and his voice is beautiful. It’s extraordinary; teach me how to do it please!”
Here’s what the singer, songwriter, guitarist and Salford Lads’ Club fan had to say:
It’s good to see you playing Manchester again, which has been your favourite city venue so far? Why?
I would have to say that playing in The Bridgewater Hall was very special! It is a fantastic theatre and the audience were more than welcoming.
Are you looking forward to playing in a big city venue this time, as opposed to the quieter settings of Night and Day Café?
The last time I played music in Manchester was an impromptu sing-along in a smoking garden in Chorlton. The locals were really laid-back, so, good times. I'm very excited to be coming back. To be playing in such a prestigious venue is the icing on the cake.
You had a tremendously successful festival season last year, are you planning to attend more this year? Which ones?
Yes. I'll be back at some of the bigger festivals this summer, all going to plan. I want to check out some of the smaller festivals around the UK as well. There are some hidden gems out there, so a few small, kitsch ones would be lovely.
Your success has been widely talked about in Manchester, and indeed across the UK, how have you found the rise in fame?
It's quite humbling. It's a lovely thought that my music could strike a chord with people, the way some of my favourite artists have connected with me. That's pretty cool.
What’s your favourite Mancunian hotspot? Did you manage to visit anywhere special on your last visit?
I was crazy-busy the last time I was over so I didn't get to explore as much as I would have liked. I have a few days to settle myself this time so I'm definitely heading for the Salford Lads' Club for a photograph and some inspiration!
Manchester has produced some of the most successful guitarists in the world: Noel Gallagher and Johnny Marr to name a couple. Have you been inspired or influenced by any?
Marr is, quite simply, the man!
Which is your favourite track to play live and why?
Jeanie. There's a lot going on with the lyrics and dynamically, it's quite a shock to the senses.
What can we expect from your upcoming gigs?
Lots of ups and lots of downs. My favourite artists are the ones that can blast out a really huge track and have the control to bring it all back down again the very next song. I love that approach.
How does it feel to be supporting James Morrison?
I’m over the moon! There are quite a few similarities between us so I don't think I could have asked for a better support slot.
Is there anyone else you’d like to tour with?
Touring with Frightened Rabbit would be a scream I'd say.
Where will you go from here? Are you working on any new material or collaborations at the moment?
I've got some really special little secrets at the minute and tonnes of stuff I need to knuckle down to. I have a couple of songs that I want to include a female vocalist in, so that should be a nice addition to the repertoire.
Rainy Boy Sleep will be releasing a 6 track limited edition CD at the end of January to coincide with the tour.
You can find tickets for his tour supporting James Morrison here. Manchester dates are as follows:
January 31 2012 – Manchester O2 Apollo
February 1 2012 – Manchester O2 Apollo
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