Lewis Capaldi on his fame, failing to get a date on Tinder and writing sad songs

WE throw axes with the singer, 22, who spent seven weeks at No.1 and talk fame, Tinder and writing sad songs.

Where? Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing, London

Lewis, you’re pretty good at chucking axes…

I’ve never been so decent at something when trying it for the first time. Growing up, I was good at swimming and judo, but I wasn’t sporty. I’m f**king class at this!

And music!

Music was a hobby that turned into a career. I started singing when I was nine, gigging when I was 11 and I played around Glasgow and Edinburgh until I was 20. When I met my manager it became my job overnight.

Did you have a plan B?

I didn’t have a plan A! I just wanted to do music in some capacity, and as luck would have it that happened.

Were your parents behind your dream?

My mum is a nurse and my dad’s a fishmonger. If I was sitting in my room and not doing anything, they’d be like: “Go get a f**king job,” but I was always proactive and always doing music, so they let me get on with it.

Someone You Loved spent seven weeks at No.1. Are you rich now?

No! People think I’m a lot better off than I am. I still live with my parents in East Whitburn, just outside Glasgow.

Which musician’s brain would you love to pick?

Paul McCartney. He’s a legend. He and The Beatles were a huge influence on me when I was growing up.

You look a bit like him…
People have said that. If I get his money I’ll be laughing!

How did your dad’s second cousin Peter Capaldi end up in your video for Someone You Loved?

I knew we were related, but I never met him until he came to my show last year in London. When it came to this video someone asked if I knew any actors. I suggested Peter and there was a space in his schedule so he came along and he was brilliant.

You’ve been described as the male Adele.

Do you enjoy laying your heart bare in your lyrics? Over the last few years I’ve been writing more sad stuff. There are a lot of sad songs on the new album. I am interested in writing about all the amazing things that are happening, but I’m thinking: “I wish I was with my ex-girlfriend so she can experience it, too.”

Are you single?

Crushingly so. I’ve been on Tinder for four years with little success. I’ve never been on a Tinder date.

What kind of girls do you go for?

Ones that don’t think I’m grotesque! They could have brown hair, red hair,
blonde hair. A pulse helps, for sure!

When was your biggest showbiz pinch-me moment?

I didn’t think I’d be going to The Brit Awards. I hate having my picture taken so doing that was weird, but there was free alcohol so that was good.

When were you last recognised?

Yesterday I was out having a beer in Tooting, London, and a couple of girls came up to me. Last year it was happening in Scotland, but now it’s starting to happen a lot more down here, which is strange.

Who’s the most famous person in your phone?

Probably Niall Horan. He loves me. Make sure you get that in.

• Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent is out now.
• With thanks to Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing (Whistlepunks.com)