We caught up with up and coming musician Sam Calver to talk about his brand new track, music inspiration, fashion and much more.
Who inspires you musically?
My musical inspiration comes from so many different places, anything that moves me really. I go through phases of listening to different genres. Some weeks I’ll be all over hip-hop then the next week i’ll be listening to anything from House to classical to metal.
Name three artists you had on your playlists growing up?
Linkin Park, Rage Against The Machine & Cypress Hill.
Where was your first ever gig and how did it go?
One of my first ever gigs was at Porters Wine Bar in Hastings. I was around 16. I remember being super nervous but all my friends came and got involved so was all good. Think I played a load of my own songs with a few standard Oasis numbers thrown in .
You’ve just released your new track Addicted, can you give us a bit of insight and what inspired the song?
Addicted is a song about someone you can’t be without, knowing fully well they’re really not right for you. Most people have some form of addiction or focus in their life and this is using addiction as an analogy for being hooked on someone that ultimately is bad for you but you don’t care. I always end up writing about sex or break-ups for some reason, I’ll write a nice love song at some point.
Did you face any difficulties with the track?
Actually no it was one of those songs that just came together quite naturally, I wrote it with two friends of mine in LA and i think we had the basic song down in just over an hour.
Can you tell us how you go through the process of creating a new song?
I try to have some titles or an idea before I start, I’ve usually got a few stashed in my notes on my phone. Whenever i think of something I make sure I write it down. Then I’ll try to come up with a nice chord progression and mumble along to find a melody I like then I try work the title or idea in to it. If i don’t have any idea or titles I’ll just sing whatever comes into my head and then try to make sense of it and piece together a song.
Apart from your song, what have you got on repeat at the moment?
I love Miguel’s new track Skywalker… can’t wait for him to drop the new album.
If you could collaborate with one other artist who would it be? Past or present?
Ah there’s loads… but I think right now i’d love to do a track with Skrillex.
What’s your guilty pleasure track?
Ah man there’s a few but when I was a kid my parents bought me this little tape player and it had loads of 80/early 90’s hits and ‘New Kids On The Block – The Right Stuff’ was on it and i loved it! I’m pretty sure that’s not cool…
What’s been your career highlight so far?
Signing to Island Records I think has been my highlight so far, I’ve always been a massive fan of the label and their vibe so I’m proud to be a part of it now.
Who & where was your most memorable gig/performance you’ve ever seen?
I’ve got so many that stand out but I think when I first saw The 1975 at Glastonbury a few years back that was incredible.
So what have you been up to this summer?
This summer I’ve just been flat out gigging and in the studio working on new songs really, trying to get as many songs together as possible.
How do you spend your down time when you’re not creating music or performing?
Usually always something to do with music, but I do try and go to the gym as often as I can and do my best to keep out of the pubs!
Where can we see you playing live next?
I have two headline shows coming up, first one on the 24th November at The Brass Monkey in Hastings and second one is my annual Christmas Concert where we throw a load of fun xmas songs into the mix! Always a great night and that’s on the 23rd December. All details are on my socials. @samcalvermusic
What’s your favourite film/TV series?
The child in me is screaming Batman but Game Of Thrones is definitely up there.
Drink of choice on a night out?
Beer or Hendricks Tonic & Cucumber
Best joke?
I am the worst with jokes! Family of tomatoes going down the street… Baby tomato was lagging behind so the dad tomato slapped him round the head and said KETCHUP.
Can you describe your style and fashion?
I don’t have a set style really but I ALWAYS have a snapback on and wear a lot of streetwear and vintage American brands.
What advice do you have for those wanting to become a musician?
Practice and get out and gig as much as possible! Persistence and determination pays off you just got to stick with it and not give up.
Thanks for chatting to us Sam. You can listen to his new track Addicted here.
Check out his music video for his debut track Midnight below:
