Loyle Carner's unhurried delivery makes him one of UK hip hop's brightest stars

Pre-gig, it’s clear to see the slog of spending the last few weeks touring a cold and wet Europe has started to take its toll on Carner and his small crew (tour manager, videographer and Rebel Kleff). But on stage Carner has all the energy of a first night. Performing in front of a giant replica Cantona shirt (Carner has long performed with his stepdad’s Cantona shirt draped over his shoulder, and for this tour, has taken the tribute supersize), he’s energetic, charming and effortlessly engaging, occupying the large stage through force of personality alone. Running through tracks new and old, including ‘Ain’t Nothing Changed’ and ‘Florence’, he fills the crowd in on the family history that inspired certain tracks and informs them of his love of Berlin (“This is the best city in the world!”). The nature of his lyrics means fans have an acute sense of familiarity with Carner, and he’s happy to oblige them after the show, signing T-shirts, posing for selfies and chatting with fans for a good hour or two.

“The people who have invested in your music and come to your show, it’s very important to speak to them and get feedback,” Carner tells us. “Numbers on YouTube and Spotify are one thing, but sometimes they’re hard to comprehend. To see people in front of you at a show, and then talk to them: that can put all of this into perspective.”

But with one of the most anticipated debut albums of 2017 dropping this month, is Carner prepared for the fan adoration and public recognition stepping up a couple of notches?

“I’m honestly trying not to think about it too much because that stuff petrifies me,” he says. “But yeah, there’s a lot going on in 2017. I’m optimistic!”

‘Ain’t Nothing Changed’? Not yet, maybe.

‘Yesterday’s Gone’ by Loyle Carner is out on AMF Records on January 20

Sean Griffiths is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow him on Twitter