Rhodes is an artist of rare subtlety.
The songwriter has patiently, softly built up a catalogue of rare potency, with each live show seeming to draw more and more fans to his cause.
With debut album 'Wishes' due to be released on September 18th, Rhodes has announced plans for his biggest headline tour to date.
Ahead of this, the singer has agreed to take part in our regular Good Trip, Bad Trip column – check it out now…
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Best Trip
I went to Japan for a show with Burberry this year – I'd never been out of Europe until then and it was such a buzz. As we flew in to Shanghai to transfer to Osaka I opened my little shutter on the window and the sun was rising between two mountains. It honestly felt like I was dreaming. Opening my eyes for the first time to a completely new culture is something I'll never forget.
Worst Trip
I had a show at a festival in Hamburg last summer and I was four hours late for my slot, in a beautiful church. We had three trains cancelled on the Eurotunnel because they kept letting these motor cyclists on. There were 30 or so motor bikes in one carriage and, because they were all overheating, the fire alarm and sprinklers kept going off. I forgave them, though, because the promoters arranged for me to play a late night set in the church and it was a lovely festival.
My favourite foreign venue
Paradiso in Amsterdam was stunning. I supported Sam Smith there last year and I'll never forget it. It's ethereal and spiritual, as I was supporting there was still some daylight coming through the stained glass windows.
Best or worst exotic foodstuff
Worst – little baby octopuses in Japan, they look too cute with their little smiley faces, I ate one but it wasn't good!
The most interesting item I've brought back from foreign lands
I brought back a 1960 Gibson ES-125T from Amsterdam. It's a beautiful vintage guitar, I use it every night on tour.
The most interesting person I've met on my travels
I met a record producer called Robin Millar at one of my shows, he is blind and listens to music in a different way to what I've ever experienced. its like his other senses are heightened to such a degree that could i never experience. he gave some great advice that will stay with me and i always think about our conversation when I'm taking a moment to reflect. He is an inspiring guy.
My essential travel item
My essential travel item is a stone called kyanite, it was given to me to balance my throat chakra and bring tranquility and calmness to my being. sounds very hippy I know, but my mum is a crystal healer and I'm a massive worrier!
My essential travel tip
Berocca! Haha… it's essential for hangovers especially on tour.
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Catch Rhodes at the following shows:
September
28 Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms
29 Brighton Komedia
30 Nottingham Rescue Rooms
October
2 Exeter Phoenix
3 Bristol Thekla
5 Sheffield Plug
6 Leeds Brudenell Social Club
7 Glasgow King Tuts
9 London Koko
10 Manchester Gorilla
11 Birmingham The Rainbow
