Nottingham born Callum Burrows had a busy end to 2014, supporting Ed Sheeran on his sell out UK tour and he is hitting the road on his own headline tour on February 8th.
Here he talks to Demon Music about everything from iTunes to what it’s like hearing his music soundtracking Hollywood films.
You started out playing open mic nights and small gigs around Nottingham, and there’s quite a ‘scene’ building there in regards to the club nights and atmosphere, do you think it often gets overlooked as a hub for music and culture?
I think it has done for a long time, but I think the scene that is there right now is really buzzing. Nottingham is finally being noticed now, which is a real encouragement for everyone.
Following on from that, are there any musicians that you would tip for big things in 2015 or that you think should be given more attention by people?
I’m a big fan of Amber Run, boys I know from Nottingham. They are great and I’m really excited for them to get their album out.
Before the end of 2014 you supported Ed Sheeran on his massive arena tour, what was the transition from smaller venues to suddenly playing some of the biggest in the country like and what sort of experiences did you gain from playing in venues that kind of size?
It was an unreal experience! In one sense it was strange, because those massive arenas are almost easier to play because that you can’t really see anyone! So you can’t see if someone is on their phone or anything…I think sometimes smaller more intimate venues can be the hardest.
Your track ‘Fall At Your Feet’ was used for iTunes Single of the Week, recently it’s been announced that this initiative is to be axed, do you think that it’s a blow to smaller artists who maybe would benefit massively from that kind of exposure?
I’m really disappointed that this is ending, it’s such a good way for upcoming artists to be thrown on to the front page of iTunes and get some recognition that they wouldn’t get otherwise. Single of the Week was such a help for me at the time.
You’re working with Jacknife Lee on your debut record and he’s previously worked with Kasabian and Bloc Party, has the recording process be a steep learning curve for you to be working with such an experienced producer?
Yeah, the guy is really good! It has been such a pleasure working with him. Not only that but it is such a relaxing environment in the studio with him- he is very down to earth and is fascinating to talk to and learn from.
The debut is due for release towards the end of June this year, has it felt like a long time coming for you as a musician despite only being 19 years old? Or is it something that for you has come about quite quickly?
It’s a bit of both really, the last couple of years have gone by really quickly but at the same time I have released 3 EP’s at this stage so it kind of feels right to be releasing an album next. I am really excited to get it out there and for people to get to hear what I have been working on for so long!
‘Fall At Your Feet’ was used for a film that starred Tina Fey, and your music has also appeared on TV shows such as Made In Chelsea and a recent advert for ITV, is it weird to hear your music in such a strange and unique context?
It still amazes me that this stuff happens, you always hope your music will be on the telly and films etc but when it actually happens it is quite a shock! It’s also great exposure too so yeah it’s great.
With the release of the album coming nearer and nearer, will the summer festival season be your busiest yet? And what sort of places can people expect to come and hear you play in?
Yes hopefully! The busier I am playing festivals, the happier I will be! It is such a great time for artists- going to these places and playing to people who just want to have fun. I have always kind of had the festival atmosphere in my head when writing songs- my main aim is to get people dancing so cannot wait for festival season.
Your debut EP came out via Gabrielle Aplin’s label; Never Fade Records, has starting your own label to support other artists alongside your own material ever been an idea that has crossed your mind for your future work?
Definitely, it’s such a good starting point for artists, and it helped me massively so if I can do the same thing for someone else it’s something I would love to do. Who knows…
