With his trademark button up shirt and hoop earring, Orlando Weeks is mad for music. Eight years and counting as front man for cult indie band The Maccabees, the bright spark has just finished his first solo, concept album, Young Colossus.
Young Colossus is Orlando Weeks’ latest album, of sorts; it’s also a picture book. Produced by Nic Nell, the pair spent time experimenting in the studio and came up with a percussion filled E.P with sensitive, swooning vocals from Alessi Ark and of course Orlando, whose dulcet tones lay embedded in our music memories from sweet Maccabees lyrics (toothpaste kisses/ first love).
Spending his childhood listening to audiotapes and flicking through Jungle Book, Orlando began to initiate character voices within his tracks. Then, experiencing a sense of attachment to the idea, he set to work on a narrative. Unsure of what kind of visual format his music would suit, he stumbled upon The New Ghosts, a quaint, cute picture book illustrated by Rob Hunter. After approaching Rob and bonding over Kate Bush, two minds became one and Young Colossus was born, a limited edition 24-page picture book complete with soundtrack.
i-D online met the Maccabee heartthrob to hear the tale in full.
youngcolossus.co.uk
themaccabees.co.uk
Text: Rebecca Arts
Photography: Ellis Scott
