A strong comeback

He’s come through tough times, but Chorlton singer-songwriter Badly Drawn Boy has a new album and a new sense of optimism

- Paul Mackenzie

With his first studio album in a decade due out at the end of May, Damon Gough – better known as Badly Drawn Boy – is feeling like a new man. It’s now five years since he stopped drinking, he has a new wife and a young son and is clearly excited about the future.

‘There have been points where I’ve wondered if it will ever happen and the longer that goes on, the more the pressure and the expectation build,’ he said. ‘But all I can do is what I think is best and I truly feel I have achieved something with this album and that I have set myself up well for following it up relatively quickly.’

The lockdown has upset the promotional schedule for the new album, Banana Skin Shoes, but he said: ‘I’ve never been busier, I’m absolutely snowed under.

‘At the start of the year, I was busy with gigs and the promotional schedule for the new album and live streams on social media. Then the lockdown happened and I’ve continued doing stuff online and interviews and sessions for radio and television.

‘It is quite tough to be promoting at a time when people are struggling. I’m one of the lucky ones, I live somewhere nice and I’ve got people with me.’