"I definitely see touring as still totally worth it! One of my goals is to do a headline tour at some point!"- Euan Black

I sat down with Euan Black, for a more in-depth interview.........

Q- I saw you play live recently and loved your interaction with the audience. Do you ever struggle being so vulnerable and open on stage with just you and a guitar?

A- It’s weird, I struggled a bit when I first started playing gigs but less so now. I think because I grew up in an environment that was supporting while also critical and so that I think that has helped me over the years be aware of my role/persona when I play on stage. 

That alongside just doing loads of solo busking and gigs, I’ve sort’ve learned to get a bit of a thicker skin when playing to an audience…

Q- Your EP ‘The world keeps spinning’, is what I would describe as a Folk pop EP. Are there plans in the near future to release songs with a similar vibe? 

A- There are plans for more music soon! I’ve been writing quite a bit recently, thought I’m still toying with different ideas on the direction I want to take my music next… I don’t want to box myself in here by saying what genre, so I guess you’re going to wait to find out and see.

Q- The lyrics clearly show that you love storytelling, how much does the East Neuk landscape and its people influence them?

 A- Oh loads! it’s such a beautiful and interesting area! Got to say my family is such a part of my songwriting process (they have to listen to them all, the good and the bad) The scenery at the east Neuk is one that like you can feel like you’re on holiday all the time, having places to walk and enjoy, it really does help with the writing. There’s also loads of artists and musicians (whatever the genre) that have so many crazy stories themselves!

Q- You have played a number of venues and festivals over the years, is there any that stand out to you the most, good and bad?

A- Oooh, my EP launch earlier was such a highlight! It was one of those nights where it all worked out exactly how I imagined it. The crowd was incredible and the vibes were just perfect. I also reckon getting to play Kelburn this year has also been a big highlight, such an insanely good festival. 

And well there has definitely been some stonkers of gigs hahah, like I’ve had a few gigs where the guitar pick-up didn’t work, or a string then broke and lastly no-one being there, but hey it’s all part of the process.

Q- Do you still see touring as worth the time and effort? Jason Ricci from Jason Ricci and the Bad Kind said in a recent interview “we’ve basically become t-shirt sales-men”. 

A-  I definitely see touring as still totally worth it! One of my goals is to do a headline tour at some point. I think it’s always been part and parcel of the tour is the tshirt and merch selling. But in the end I just think it’s such a fun idea to bring your music and energy to loads of different people and places around the world. That’s a big part of music is about for me, experiencing with people and feeling the emotions with them even if it’s no-one knows each other.

Q- King Tuts has been in the limelight recently with it not being the iconic venue it used to be, or giving bands the illusion that it is the vital stepping stone to success- what's your thoughts? Is there a venue that you personally think now has that status?

A-  I think the recent controversy and its slow build up has definitely put some perspective on the venue in my mind. I’ve never played King Tuts before and I think still has that status as being a brilliant milestone as a musician, just for size of room and it’s history. So honestly I don’t know if there’s another venue that really has that status yet, other than Tuts, in my mind. It’s on my list of places I want to play at some point, but saying that I do love myself an independent venue like Mcchuills and Sneaky Petes!