"Every time I busk, something funny happens. A normal gig can be a bit boring in comparison."
If you like to go out for a few shandies on the weekend in town, you will probably have heard Rapunzel Map busking around the left lion in the Market Square. Whether you’ve just staggered out of a club or are waiting for the chatty night bus, you can guarantee that somewhere along the way her soulful late-night sounds will have featured in your Saturday soundtrack. She’s busked at Glastonbury, turned down DJ Sammy to remix one of her songs and gets given blokes pants when playing at night. You go girl…
For those who’ve never heard you before, can you describe your music?
I think my subject matter is very individual. In Ultraviolet Eyes, it’s about a beautiful female alien. It also is about my interest in science and the ultraviolet spectrum. But I find it easier to write my songs than trying to describe them. That is hard!
When I make music, the only thing that limits me is what instruments are available. However, I hope that people can hear other sounds in the music. I guess my songs are melodic pop, but it’s not genre specific. I don’t feel I’m a good guitarist but I’m confident in my songs, they are different and interesting.
How long have you been creating music as Rapunzel Map?
Rapunzel Map became my acoustic name in 1999. It separated me from the music, a certain element of anonymity. I didn’t want a twee name, however, it’s relative and also it’s connected visually.
Do you come from a musical background?
My Dad is very musical. He doesn’t write songs but he has such a great taste in music and is a very charismatic performer. People have even booked him for their birthday parties! To call him a pub singer would almost insulting to him. I was always tripping over guitars at my dad’s house when I was younger. I’m self taught but I never played in front of anyone until after university. My dad introduced me to some great music. My brother is also an amazing electric guitar player and is in a band called Stuck In The Pie. They write fun songs with great melodies, but don’t take themselves too seriously.
Got any amusing stories from late night busking sessions by the left lion?
Every time I busk, something funny happens. A normal gig can be a bit boring in comparison. I wish I’d kept a diary or filmed it to see people’s reactions. Generally drunk people are amusing. There are so many funny stories that I can’t think of one in particular. People have put pants in my guitar case though! Busking is always fun and different.
There’ve been quite a few characters busking around Notts over the years. Ever felt any rivalry from others, such as the Xylophone Man (R.I.P.)?
No! Most good buskers or just generally good people have an awareness of each other. The buskers are almost like a little club! You can’t be territorial and have to be considerate of others.
You set your own record label Liquid Dust Records. Was that to put out your own stuff or do you have any interest in representing other artists?
I set it up with the help of the Princes Trust. What I like about the label is that I have total control over my music and its’ production. If money was no option, I would sign loads of other bands like 1st Blood and Stuck In The Pie to allow them to make music exactly how they want to, giving them 100% creative control However, business always takes you away from the creative side. I’ve never done a proper release as I’ve not had the financial resources, but I do sell my own CDs on my website and at the shows.
What local artists do you have most respect for?
1st Blood are phenomenal. Three years ago I was given their first CD and every song is catchy, well produced and has great lyrics. The fact that they want to work with me too is a real compliment. David Gow also makes beautiful stuff. It’s rare that I actually like acoustic music but he’s magical. Also Ben EG from Derby and then my brother. He’s not local but he has gone out busking with me in Nottingham!
Do you prefer playing indoors or outdoors?
It really depends as the atmosphere is made by the people who are there. I love having a diverse crowd when I’m busking, they’re honest and less inhibited. Some people have stayed watching me busk till 4am!
You’d had previous interest from DJ Sammy which you, perhaps wisely, turned down. Had any commercial interest since?
I’ve not put myself out there as much as I could. I’ve been offered management deals but it’s not felt right as it’s such a big decision. I had interest from American music lawyers but because they’re abroad it makes it very difficult… the setbacks can be very frustrating.
Would you still be called Rapunzel if you decided to get a skinhead?
Yes because the story of me being called that is still there. I’ve got the name but I’ve put my own stamp on it.
Instead of selling your soul on Pop Idol, what advice would you give to people wanting to get into music?
The internet has made this so much easier. Find out about music conferences and get involved in the local music scene. Don’t just stay in your bedroom making music, put it out there or you won’t be discovered. Be organised and ready for when opportunities arise. Don’t dwell on lost chances and realise that you need stamina… be prepared for that!
Other than music what are you passionate about?
There’s not a lot that I’m not passionate about. That can be your downfall though. I love new physics and spirituality, people, psychology. It might be easier to tell you what I don’t like… such as football. Although I did go to the World Cup!
I’m into visual arts and want to write and direct videos for my music as I always have a concept for the video when I write a song. I love studying life and then expressing it. Also I love reading books and I spend way too much time online. I’m a proper info junkie!
While the Market Square is being redone, where we find you?
I’m going to be doing more gigs in venues or at my new spot by the Yorkshire Bank, by Pelham Street and Clumber Street. I also live in cyberspace and can always be found online.
Rapunzel MAP is playing LeftLion Unplugged at the Malt Cross on Tuesday 21 November 2006.
Rapunzel MAP website
Rapunzel MAP website
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