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First On: Young Man

School reports, Space Jam, and the “old” age

Posted 29th March 2011, 11:29am in First On, by Harriet Jennings


Young Man is a concept project from Colin Caulfield. We caught up with the English/French lit major to discuss school reports, Space Jam, and how old you have to be to be “old”.

Are you working on an album?
Currently I'm working on an album called 'Ideas of Distance' and a film that will accompany it.

What's 'Boy' about?
'Boy' is the introduction to the Young Man project in the sense that it presents themes of growing up in their simplest forms. It was intended to capture feelings of immaturity, curiosity, confusion, happiness and others a young kid might feel. It glorifies youth to a certain extent, but the overall message is that of progression - I like to look back on past experiences and times in my life, but try never to dwell on them.

What do you usually draw from to write songs?
I tend to write music very abstractly, letting my current mood determine the vibe and lyrical direction of different songs. Occasionally I will set out to write about a certain experience, but my best songs just happen. After writing, I usually examine the lyrics in an attempt to better understand thoughts and feelings I wasn't aware I had.

Recommend us some new music.
Anything by Wolfgang Voigt. 'Heartland' by Owen Pallett. 'Different Trains' by Steve Reich.

What did your school reports used to say?
I was generally liked by my teachers for consistent good behaviour and acceptance of other students. However, I was a daydreamer and had a pretty hard time paying attention.

What's your favourite instrument to play?
I think piano is definitely the most cathartic even though I'm limited in my ability. Electric guitar is likely to be my favourite.

How was SXSW?
It was interesting and fun. Certain elements, like the penetration of corporations in seemingly every area, were really lame but I love Austin and our shows went well.

Did you meet anyone famous there?
I got to meet Owen Pallett briefly and was somewhat in awe.

Where will you be in five years time?
I will hopefully be onto my fourth project, whether music or not, and living in an exciting city.

How old do you have to be to be "old"?
I used to have it in my mind that 38 was old. Not really sure anymore though.

When you get to that age, will you have to change your name?
Young Man is a finite project and will end in three albums from now, so I won't be making music under the name for very much longer.

What was the first album you ever bought?
Either the Space Jam soundtrack or Smashmouth's debut.

Do you prefer CDs or digital downloads?
Digital downloads, though I'd prefer vinyl if it was an option.

What's your favourite British town?
I've only been to London and that was very recently but I loved it!

What's the nicest thing someone has ever said about your music?
Occasionally people comment on a song or how the music makes them feel and it represents an accurate and genuine understanding of my intentions but in a way that is very different from my own feelings - that's a pretty amazing thing to experience.

Where can people see you play next?
Chicago, but this summer we'll be doing tours through the States and parts of Europe.

'Strangers' is out now.
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