Almost a year ago, Rhodes had never played a solo show. Just 12 months on, he’s on the phone to Clash from Paris, completing a brisk European tour with chart-hogging, gold disc-grabbing star Ben Howard.
“It’s a strange one really,” he admits, “because when you look back on it you realise how busy you’ve been, but at the time when you’re doing this it’s almost like a whirlwind, you take it all in your stride and ride the wave. But looking back now it’s been crazy. It’s pretty mad!”
No stranger to music, David Rhodes played in a series of groups before turning solo. His fragile, affecting compositions almost immediately struck a chord with whoever crossed their path. Centred on his quivering voice, each song achieves a remarkable atmosphere of intimacy.
“My material has been quite personal. I’m very inspired by friends and family, the experiences I’ve had growing up. I definitely try to create a mood with the soundscapes and I really try to create an atmosphere within the track and then layer the song over that. I’ll have little bed of atmosphere and a wash of sound.”
Linked to Ministry Of Sound via his own Rhodes Music imprint, the singer is able to retain control of his artistry. It’s this control, perhaps, that makes Rhodes such a beguiling prospect.
“I think it’s important to maintain my own songwriting. I think it can detract from it a little bit when you’re not doing it on your own, because it becomes less personal and the song can lose a bit of meaning.”
For now, though, this introverted talent must deal with being thrust into the public gaze. “I had to overcome a lot of demons, I suppose, but I think the more I do it, I learn a little bit more how to deal with that. It’s getting easier. It’s really great fun. It’s still quite hard to be on your own and get up there, but it’s getting easier.”
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WHERE: Hitchin, Hertfordshire
WHAT: Fragile, affecting pop
GET 3 SONGS: ‘Your Soul’, ‘Breathe’ (video above), ‘Morning’
FACT: He pictures specific landscapes when he writes each of his songs.
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Words: Robin Murray
Photo: Ash Kingston
Fashion: Shirley Amartey
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