Maps (James Chapman) at Leeds Festival 2007

We caught up with James Chapman, the man behind Maps, for a chat about where it all started and his recent Mercury Prize nomination.

It’s not the first time at a festival for you is it? You performed at Latitude back in July. How does today’s performance compare?

James: It was great. The audience were great. It’s a great atmosphere at the festival. It’s just been brilliant weather, and everyone just seems up for it. There was a lot of energy on the stage and yeah...it went well. We had some new equipment that we were trying out and it was a bit scary at first, but I think it worked out in the end, so it was cool.

Let’s start back at the beginning. Maps, does it have any personal significance for you?

James: Basically, the boring answer is...I used to call myself shortbreak operator back in the day, just when I was starting out. It was a bit of a crap name because it made me sound like a travel company. But what I was trying to get across was the kind of escapism and the travelling away from stuff and, you know, that kind of thing. But when I started making different music and got really into electronic and those influences, I thought “I wanted to start afresh” and start a new kind of project. So I changed the name, but keeping that theme. So “maps” just kind of summed that up. And it’s short so people will remember it.

So how did you start out as a musician? Where did it all begin for you?

James: Well, I’ve always done music. I started as a kid playing the violin when I was about 7. And I’ve always been in bands. I got into the guitar when I was like 15. I taught myself Guns ‘n’ Roses and stuff...it’s all I’ve ever really wanted to do. I was in a band when I was about 17 in Northampton. It was just a local band, and I wrote the songs for us. I carried on when we broke up. I suppose that’s where Maps started, because I just spent time in my bedroom doing little demos and stuff. That was when I was about 18. I’m 28 now; it’s been a long old road.

You recorded and released the Start Something EP on your own label last year. That received a great response. Where did it all go incredibly right for you, James?

James: I dunno. I’m on an amazing label and I’m really lucky. Mute [his label] heard some early demos of what I’d done. They were pretty basic, but they had a huge amount of belief in what I was doing, and I think they could see the potential. So they let me develop, and then I took time over a year or so to get it together and get the live things together. I dunno. And the whole Mercury thing’s stepped up to the next level.

And Mute Record’s belief has paid off, hasn’t it? Your debut album We Can Create was nominated for a Mercury prize just over a month ago. How did you find out about that?

James: It was out of the blue really. You always have a thought in the back of your head that you’d love it to happen, but you never expected it. Basically, we had a gig the night before, on the Monday, supporting the Bees. We stayed down in London that night and the next day I got a call saying I’d been nominated and they asked me to come down to the ceremony. When I got down there it was surreal and pretty mental. I had about 40 photographers firing away – I felt a little bit like David Beckham. I had loads of interviews with journalists and stuff...

You sound genuinely surprised at being nominated for a Mercury Prize. If you were to win it when it’s announced what would that mean to you?

James: To be honest, I’m not really thinking about winning. I’m so pleased to be on that list, and I just feel like all the work I’ve put in over the years, and just the time I’ve spent in my bedroom trying to perfect something...I guess it was nominated because it was an original sound. But that’s taken time to develop. It would be awesome if I won, but I’m not really thinking about it. Bring on that list is winning it for me really.

And now you’re planning bigger and better things and trying to conquer Europe..?

James: We’ve played a few gigs: a gig in Paris which was really good, earlier on in the year. We’ve played Norway which was amazing. I couldn’t believe how many people were into it and who came to see us. I thought it’d be like...a man and a dog. I didn’t think anyone would turn up. They were all singing along. It’s crazy. Sweden was even crazier: people were jumping around and banging on the floor even before we came on. I can’t wait to do the European tour and see what it’s like out there and see what the reaction is. So far, it’s all been positive.

What was the response like to the release of your EP and Debut album in the states?

James: There’s been a good response. We got single of the week on the American iTunes. We’re doing a session for a Seattle radio station which are like really, really into Maps. We’ve been talking about it for ages. I listened to it on the internet and they’re constantly biggin’ up Maps and stuff. So that should be an amazing experience, ‘cos they’re really into it.

We haven’t actually been out there yet. We’re going in October, so I guess we’ll know then. The signs are looking good. But yeah...it’s all been pretty positive feedback so far. I guess when we go out there we’ll just see what happens. Everyone talks about “breaking America,” but I’m not gonna say we’re gonna take it by storm...but it’s just nice to know that some people are connecting with the record. That’s enough for me.

The important thing is that people listen to your music, isn’t it?

James: Exactly. I started doing this as a hobby, and I didn’t send out any demos for years. I guess it was a confidence thing. I didn’t think anyone would be interested, partly ‘cos I’m just a guy in a bedroom. I couldn’t play live, and I thought the first thing a label would ask is, “when are you playing in London?” I guess I just did it because I just loved doing it. To be sat here now playing at Leeds is pretty mind-blowing. I’m just really excited at the moment.

James ended the interview by telling me he replies personally to all myspace messages he receives.

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02/01/2008
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Maps (James Chapman) at Leeds Festival 2007
We caught up with James Chapman, the man behind Maps, for a chat about where it all started and his recent Mercury Prize nomination.

06/01/2009
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Published: 02/01/2008 at 03:58
Author: John Russell
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