Raleigh Ritchie on the Game of Thrones effect

This year’s Bristol Summer Series sees the biggest local lineup in its history, thanks to a double hander of BIMM graduate George Ezra and rising star Raleigh Ritchie on June 26. Unsurprisingly, the gig has sold out and we grabbed a chat with a very excited Jacob Anderson a.k.a Raleigh Ritchie.

Your stage name ‘Raleigh Ritchie’ – where did that come from?

 It’s the first names of my two favourite characters in Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums. It’s one of my favourite films, but also I feel like I have a fair bit in common with those two in particular. It just seemed right at the time.

You’re widely known for your role as Grey Worm in Game of Thrones effect – how do you take that fame and use it as a tool for sharing your music?

I don’t know, because I don’t think of myself as famous at all. I don’t really do all that stuff. I try my hardest to NOT use the fact I’m in the show to sell more records or whatever. They’re such separate things to me. I guess the link is more projected onto me. I just enjoy doing the two things separately. I don’t want to capitalise on one to serve the other.

What other musician/actors do you rate?

I rate anyone who does what their passionate about. I think Lil Simz used to be an actor and I really rate her, so in terms of current people she would be the one. I was a big Will Smith fan growing up too.

How excited are you to be playing a big hometown gig with George Ezra?

Very excited. I love doing shows with George. It’s always fun and he’s an awesome guy. And also it’s just nice being at home doing what I love, and I think it’s similar for George because he studied in Bristol. Hometown gigs are always a bit special.

How important has the Bristol music scene been in your music career so far?

There was definitely a sense growing up in Bristol that music was something that you could do. It’s a very musical city. It’s an encouraging place to grow up if you want to make music. There’s a lot going on.

Your Daily Raleigh playlist is pretty diverse – is there one particular genre of music you’ll always fall back on? And any you just don’t get?

I get bored if I stick to one genre for too long, and I can kind of apply that to my own music too. I love the early 70s for music though, I can always go back to that. In terms of music I don’t get, there’s stuff I don’t listen to a lot, but I get it. Like I don’t listen Metal, but I understand why people like it.

You recently appeared on Soccer AM – City or Rovers?

Bristol City. I suppose I just grew up around people who supported City. I went to a few matches  when I was a kid so it just seemed like the most natural team to support. I’m a pretty flaky supporter though.

You covered Millionaire in Radio One’s Live Lounge recently – any other covers you’ve done or would like to do?

I mashed Little Monster by Royal Blood and Shake It Off by Taylor Swift together last year and never put it out. I just didn’t think it was good enough. I’m not big on covers, I think if you’re going to do it, it’s got to be something that really resonates with you. I prefer to tell my stories than other people’s.

How important are music videos for you?

They’re really important. It’s an extension of the song. It’s a way to further the story you’re telling. I never understand when artists don’t care about videos. I really care. I think The Greatest video could have been better, I think it was maybe a bit polite, but you learn these things as you go. I’m super proud of Stay Inside and Stronger Than Ever and I’m aiming for that kind of strange quality.

You put a tweet out urging people to vote – what role do you think musicians, actors and other celebs play in politics?

I think they play exactly the same role as everybody else. I don’t think artists should push their political agendas on people, I just think it’s important to encourage people to vote and be counted. You can’t complain about your circumstances if you don’t make an effort to change them. We all need to look out for each other, and part of that is reminding each other to play a part in where our future goes.

For more information on Bristol Summer Series, which also features gigs from Kaiser Chiefs, Seasick Steve and Jessie J, see: www.bristolsummerseries.com