Singer-songwriter Rhodes tells Tim Hughes about love, underwear, surprise stardom and returning to next weekend’s Wilderness festival

Rhodes laughs when he looks back at the past few weeks, which have seen him on a relentless tour of mainland Europe, and established him as an unlikely sex symbol.

“Someone threw a pair of knickers at me the other day in Paris!” he laughs. “It was so funny. They landed awkwardly on my female cellist’s pedal board. I’m not sure who picked them up, but I was grateful!”

One of the year’s brightest breakthrough stars, the singer-songwriter is having a busy summer. With his debut album Wishes out in September and a tightly-packed programme of festival appearances, this fresh-faced, floppy-fringed artist from suburban Hertfordshire, with his heartfelt songs of loss and longing, is having to face up to life as a pop star.

“I’m quite quiet and introvert at times and like to keep myself to myself,” he confesses. “It’s all been very new. Every step has been something new to behold and it’s all been incredible.”

Most of us first heard of David Rhodes two years ago when he released his EP Raise Your Love. Play listing on Radio 1 and support slots for the likes of Rufus Wainwright, Laura Marling and Nick Mulvey were followed, last year, with the release of follow-up Morning (on his own Rhodes Music label). A headline tour, supports for London Grammar and Sam Smith, and festival dates at Glastonbury – and our own Wilderness festival, near Charlbury, served to assure his fame.

“Touring is amazing!” he says with genuine excitement.

“Seeing the world and meeting new people, hanging out in different cities every week and learning different cultures... that’s not something I’d done too much of before music.

“I’m most proud of my headline tours, it’s not something I ever dreamed could happen and to sell out shows is the best feeling I’ve ever had.”

Next weekend he returns to Cornbury Park, for this year’s Wilderness, joining the likes of Bjork and Ben Howard at the country’s loveliest weekend of music, food and performing arts.

“I can’t wait!” he says. “I was there last year and it one the most memorable of all of the shows I’ve done.

“An electrical storm came overhead during my first song, so the PA cut out and I was told to quickly leave the stage. The weather was so bad.

“I still wanted to play, however, so I ran over to the nearest bar with my guitar and amp and, with the help of a few people from the crowd, managed to convert the sound system in the tent in to a PA and I used the DJ’s mic as a microphone. It was fun!”

And what does he have planned for us this year?

“I’ll be joined by my lovely band so we’ll be playing a cinematic set; loud and soft in parts,” he says. “I’ll do a few on my own as well, as always.

“I think the set will really fit the surroundings. I’m honestly so excited for this one.”

The West Oxfordshire date comes in the midst of a hectic year, though, he admits, he loves every minute – relishing the chance to share his often emotional brand of folk with new audiences around the world.

“The travelling is great,” he says. “It’s surreal to think my music is travelling around like it is.

“I did a show in Japan earlier this year and there were people there singing along to every word. That’s the strangest feeling, when people sing along.

“Europe is stunning and the people are stunning too. There is such an inviting and welcoming feeling, especially doing support gigs which are a little daunting at times.”

His music has a deliciously melancholic feel. Does that, I ask, reflect his character?

“My music is very personal but is also grand and cinematic in places,” he answers.

Oxford Mail:

  • Hedonistic: A lively audience at Wilderness festival

“It can be both sombre and uplifting; it’s very dynamic.”

“I just like to think a lot about why we are the way we are,” he says, reflectively.

“I think a lot about my friends and family and all of the things that we go through alone and together. Everyone thinks about those things.”

Another obsession, though not in any sugary way, is love.

“Yeah, I’m fascinated with love,” he says. “Not just the romantic kind, but also family and friendship and unconditional love.

“I’ve always thought about feelings and emotion a lot, ever since I was a kid. The way we treat each other is something that plays on my mind.”

Having just hit the ground after his European tour, is he looking forward to relaxing at Wilderness – where attractions include banquets hosted by Michelin-starred chefs, wild swimming and a lakeside spa with hot tubs?

“Yes,” he says “I’ll only be there on the Sunday but will meet up with some friends who are staying for the whole weekend.

“I can’t wait to eat there; the food is going to be incredible, I’ve heard. And if it’s hot I’ll be jumping in that lake!”

And does he have any festival essentials which he’ll be bringing along?

“I always make sure I’m wearing my lovely Dr Marten Chelsea boots,” he laughs. “They’re better than wellies in my opinion.

“I’ll also have a little hip flask of whisky in case the queue for the bar is too long!”

Oxford Mail:

WIN two tickets for wilderness festival!

* THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED * 

With a line-up of top music stars, including Rhodes, Bjork, Ben Howard, George Clinton and DJ Tom Middleton, first-class theatre, Michelin-starred chefs such as Raymond Blanc, Angela Hartnett, Nuno Mendes and James Knappett, and much more besides, Wilderness is shaping up to be the best festival of the summer.

The team behind the event, which takes place from August 6-9, have offered a pair of tickets to give away to one lucky reader. For a chance to win, tell us the name of Rhodes’ soon-to-be-released debut album.

Answers to: Features Editor, Newsquest Oxfordshire, Newspaper House, Osney Mead, Oxford OX20EJ.

Answers must include full name, age, postal address, telephone number and email address, and must be received by us by midday on Monday, August 3, 2015.

Usual rules apply and the Editor’s decision is final. Competition open to over-18s only.

Wilderness Festival. Cornbury Park, Charlbury from August 6-9.
For details and tickets go to wildernessfestival.com