Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with Sheffield based artist Sam B-K to find out more…
Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
From Chesterfield in Derbyshire. I was 12 years old and had never really found my thing, not until my grandma received some money from the government for the work my late grandfather had done in the coalmines. She gifted me the money and I’d been nagging my Mum for guitar lessons for a while. Eventually my mum suggested I use the money for lessons and a guitar and the rest was history. I took to playing guitar like a duck in water.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
I just thought playing guitar was the coolest thing in the world so once I learnt to play Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple I learnt everything I could about Classic Rock. During my time studying music production at university when much older my horizons expanded, leading me to explore rap music. One artist who has really resonated with me is Atmosphere. The front Man known as ‘Slug’ and his lyrics delve into real-life experiences and family dynamics, which I find particularly relatable as a new dad myself.
How would you describe your sound?
I suppose I am an alternative, indie rocker at heart. I don’t want to be too pop and safe, but on the other hand, I don’t want to be too heavy either. I am somewhere in the middle.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
Phases. The hook line of the song is ‘You’re the best thing I’ve had in ages” and it’s supposed to be about making the most out of whatever’s good in your life even when things aren’t going well. It could be your partner, your hobby etc etc.
What’s your local music scene like?
Too good, Sheffield is the best city for independent music in the UK. There’s too many bands, too much competition and so many venues everyone can play, it’s really the best place for any up and coming musician that’s not a major city like London.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
More gigs and then back into the studio to work on Sam B-K Season 2!
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
Who wouldn’t want to collaborate with Dave Grohl. I’m not as big of a Foo’s fan as I used to be but he’s the reason I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. I saw them play when I was 13 and the rest was history. I’m sure he’s got some knowledge I could find useful.
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
During my song Jekyll & Hyde I have to hold a really long note. On the recording I hold it for 18 seconds. I’ve never managed this live but I try every time. Some efforts aren’t as good as others! It’s the effort that counts though.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I write songs that everyone can relate to and I want to put on gigs that the whole family can enjoy from the kids to the moody teenagers, to the parents and even grandparents, there’s songs for everyone.
You can find out more about Sam B-K via Apple Music, Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, Linktree, SoundCloud, Spotify, TikTok or YouTube.
Merryn 