Cai Burns talks to us about getting back out on the road with his new album 'Grinning William'.
Photo: Jackson Bowley | Words: Lloyd Bolton
Having struck out solo as Blood Wizard with 2021 album 'Western Spaghetti', Cai Burns has, with this solo project, cemented his reputation for hook-filled indie with a decidedly playful streak. This year, the former Kagoule frontman released his second Blood Wizard album 'Grinning William' released in October to widespread acclaim. In a review for us, Hazel Blacher called it a "crafted, eclectic" collection, finding him "more succinct than ever". We talked to him about the year in Blood Wizard and confirm our suspicion that all the weirdest things get said in the comments on YouTube.
Talk us through your 2024 in brief.
2024 has been a bit of a return to the world for us. I spent most of last year writing and recording, so it felt amazing to return this summer and get back out there playing live shows. In October, we released a new record, went on a big tour with Divorce, and recently wrapped up some headline shows around the UK to celebrate the release.
What is your Album of the Year and why?
My favourite album of the year has to be, 'Box for Buddy, Box for Star' by This Is Lorelei. I first heard about Nate's solo project whilst in the crowd watching his band Water From Your Eyes at Green Man last year. A friend mentioned he had a solo thing and recommended I check it out. I've listened to a lot of his work, but this album feels especially special. It's been on repeat for months. Each track offers something different, yet it all really feels like you're fully immersed in Nate's world. It's a stunning record.
How about Song of the Year why?
Porches – 'Rag'. There's been a lot of good music this year, so choosing one favorite is tough. But my most-streamed song was Rag by Porches, so I'll go with that. I absolutely rinsed this tune when it came out. It's the first single from his new album 'Shirt', and it just hits so good. There's something about the energy and tone of the track that really stuck with me.
What's your favourite live show you've seen this year?
I can't pick just one, so I'm going with three!
First up, Colin Stetson performing the 'Hereditary' soundtrack at the Barbican. It was absolutely mind-blowing. I genuinely don't understand how he creates those sounds with a saxophone.
Second, Kiran Leonard at Moth Club. Him and his band were incredible. Their performance was so tight and powerful. It blew us away.
And lastly, I have to shout out Samurai Restaurant Time in Tokyo. Honestly, it was one of the most overstimulating, ridiculous experiences of my life. It was part live show, part fever dream, and completely unforgettable.
What was your highlight of the year as Blood Wizard?
Well I'm super happy we got to release a new album. 'Grinning William' came out on Sad Club Records in October. That's been a pretty massive moment for me this year. I think a highlight would actually be this single launch show we did at The George Tavern this summer. It was rammed and people were going crazy. It was the first Blood Wizard show we had done in a little while too, so it was just awesome to see that people showed up and made it a night to remember.
Our recent show at The Lexington was up there too. I've never had so many people singing along to a song of mine before so that was quite emosh!
We also went out to Tenerife with some of our good friends earlier in the year to film some videos for the record. Every morning, we'd drive up the volcano to film in these surreal, otherworldly landscapes, and every evening we'd end up in some wild European bar. It was the perfect mix of really hard work and then completely letting loose, all in such a strange and beautiful place.
Favourite thing someone's said about your music?
I like this comment that someone put on the 'Grinning William' music video: "Anime opening vibe, but it's real."
…and the strangest thing someone's said about your music?
It has to be this comment on the 'BIG FISH' music video
"This song makes me feel like I'm living in a grim European fairy tale while a mystical forest gnome methodically pushes my body through a meat grinder to the trudging beat of the music in order to compost his magical mushroom patch. Downright hypnotic, I love it."
What are you looking forward to in 2025?
We've got some fun stuff lined up for 2025. There will be new music and hopefully lots of shows for you all. In January we'll be heading over to Europe, then we'll be joining our friends Do Nothing for the London show of their tour at the end of the month. We are just going to get out there as much as possible this year and see where it takes us really!
No comments:
Post a Comment