Welcome to the feature where we ask musicians or bands five really tough questions about music! Today I speak to the musician Guy North, who recently released their debut album Retreat on the 30th August. Today we give Guy North some tough questions.

What is the hardest lyric you have ever had to write and why?

That’s a tough question. Sometimes lyrics flow easily, and a song falls together fast, whereas, other times, it can be a real slog to put a second or third verse together. I’ve been in the studio recently working on some new material, and I struggled with the opening line of a song. It took me ages to get it right. Everything else in the song was perfect, and I felt pressure to get that one line perfect. I had a placeholder line of “Where you go, nobody knows”, which is total cliched garbage. In the end, I went with “Where you go, destiny glows”, which fits with the song’s sentiment. I still wonder if I could have got something better than that.

What is the weirdest gift or compliment a fan has given you?

It’s weird when people compliment me on my lyrics, but they’ve misheard them and construed a completely different meaning to the song. I love it when that happens, and I don’t correct them. In terms of gifts, a fan once gave me an entire keg of real ale. It was pretty unexpected.

Who is the best band or musician you have had the pleasure to share the stage with?

Probably the Arctic Monkeys. They played a gig with my band back in 2004 at the Vine in Leeds. I’m showing my age here.

What one of your songs has been the most difficult to rehearse for a live audience?

Probably “Patterson” since I sing, play guitar and do a harmonica solo. Also, converting it from a band version to an acoustic version was particularly hard.

Dream Collaboration and why ?

I’d love to collaborate with Jason Isbelle. He’s a great lyricist and writes songs that evoke emotions and tell stories.