We catch up with Dale Sutherland aka Justboy ahead of his performance at Belladrum 2022.
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You have ten words to describe your act, no more no less…
Raw, honest, emotional, melancholic, soppy. A bit folky, sometimes bluesy.
As an act how how does it feel to be back post-COVID?
It’s so good to be back playing live again. There really is no better feeling. To gather a group of people from various walks of life all in one space and be able to connect over music is something special and I will never take that for granted. I’m so grateful to be part of Belladrum upon its return too. It’s such a special festival and so important to the area.
Given the myths and legends theme of Belladrum 2022, can you tell us a myth or legend of Justly?
Whilst I may appear as a short 5 ft something man, I am in fact a jolly 8ft giant.
Which legend (non-musical!) would you have appear on stage with you and what song would you play with them?
I would have to pick the nation’s sweetheart, Louis Theroux and together we would cover With A Little Help From My Friends by The Beatles. Wholesome content.
There have been a few musical legends play Belladrum over the years which performance would you most like the opportunity to see again?
He might not be a legend to some but I would go back to see Seasick Steve. The energy he instills in a crowd is incredible! I actually wished I caught Tom Jones in 2014 too, to be honest!
How are you preparing for your Belladrum performance, what are your plans after you have played?
I’ve just played my first show in a few months at Sneaky Pete’s in Edinburgh with my friend JORDAN. It was a great way to get back into it. I also opened Jonah Matranga on 14th July at Tunnels, Aberdeen and it was such a lovely night! Looking ahead to Belladrum, I’ve been messing around with a few cover ideas. As my songs are very melancholic, I want to spice up my set a little bit with a cover that will bring the festival vibes, so you’ll have to catch my set if you want to see what I’ve got up my sleeve!
As for after, I have a gig at the Market Bar in Inverness on 13th August with Daniel Gunn. A little bit of a homecoming gig I suppose after moving to Aberdeen. Really looking forward to it! Otherwise, there’s no other plans at the moment. Eventually I want to do full band Justboy shows. Alkanes have just booked some studio time too, some new chunky riffs coming!
If your set only consisted of three songs and one extra cover, which ones would they be and why?
That’s really tough! Better Off would be in the set, that’s a no brainer. It was the first song I had written for this project and one I’m very proud of. It feels good belting out the chorus. I would also have Head Sick in there. It’s got a bit more tempo and groove to it compared to my other songs and I really enjoy playing it live. The third one is tough as I have written some stuff lately that is yet to be recorded and I really enjoy having it in the set.
However, the third song would be Drop The Anchor. It appears to have been one of the popular tracks from my EP and had a good run of airplay when I released it. I think those 3 tracks show a nice variety in my writing without sounding like they don’t belong together. As for a cover, Where Is My Mind by Pixies. I have so much fun covering that song. It gives me a lot of joy.
And a wee bit of festival madness…
Who’d win a fight between Nessie and Godzilla?
Have to back the Highlander and go with Nessie. Nessie is so elusive, Godzilla would never know when to expect them!
You’re out for a few drinks, what other artist that you know, would turn it in to a legendary night?
Daniel Gunn. Every single time. The drams would be flowing!
Is Nessie real?
Oh, for sure
What would you rather fight, a unicorn the size of Nessie or 20 unicorn sized Nessies?
A Unicorn sized Nessie, 100%. The 20 Unicorn sized Nessies would have strength in numbers!
What is your favourite urban legend?
Probably one of the various urban legends surrounding Boleskin House
If you had to form a 4 piece band from legendary creatures what instrument would each play and why? Also what would you call the Mythical band?
Firstly, when we’re talking legendary creatures, it has to be a heavy metal band doesn’t it? Let’s start with the drummer. I’ll take Big Foot. I can imagine he’d be an absolute powerhouse behind the kit. He’d hit that China Cymbal and you know that pit would be brutal.
On Guitar, I’ll go with the Werewolf. He’d look mean whilst throwing out some nasty riffs. Vocals, let’s have a Dragon. With the ability to breathe fire, a Dragon would make an incredible frontman. Next level showmanship. I’ll join and take bass duties. I’d be competent enough and the creatures would carry the image! We’d call the band MIFF.
You can see Justboy at Belladrum 2022, performing Saturday 30th, 3:45pm on the Free Range Folk Stage. All things Belladrum can be found on our Belladrum Festival Page.
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