After recently returning to deliver his much-loved outing 'Overspace' last year, his first piece of new material in five years, Dublin-based artist Sam Segurado is back once again to offer up his soaring new single 'JJ'.
Lifted from his forthcoming sophomore album 'The Remainder', which is set to arrive soon, 'JJ' makes for a wonderfully warm and inviting listen. Channelling more of that rich and euphoric indie-rock aesthetic he is known for, he is definitely one to keep a firm eye on for the months ahead.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Saxophone. Lisa Simpson and Bleeding Gums Murphy, what an episode. Guitar's what I use most for my songwriting but it was the last instrument I picked up.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
We weren't a massively musical household, but The Beatles were definitely a present musical force in my life. Simon and Garfunkel, Elvis, Chubby Checker.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Went out and bought it and still have the CD somewhere at my mom's house, Discovery by Daft Punk. Haven't stopped loving it since.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Temptation of Adam by Josh Ritter. Such a perfect song and feels borne of a songwriting discipline I can only dream of achieving.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Songs come to me while I'm holding a guitar, and maybe some words. I then have a reservoir of lines and lyrics in my Notes that I bring and try out with these new melodies until something makes sense.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Lately the new Josh Ritter tracks from his upcoming album, there's a beautiful song with spoken word called Sawgrass. Reminds me why I love the man. As part of my disCovers series where I cover lesser known artists I also found some gems, aside from Maria Kelly and Luca Firth I really like Iain Andrew, his album I Poured Myself Into You is brilliant.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Probably my heroes who are still living, Josh Ritter or Bon Iver.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
When someone comes up to me after a show or shoots me a message or comment online with some really touching words. It's the most inspirational part of it by far, I make music for me but it's an honour when other people really get it as well.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I don't think I've ever enjoyed writing a social media post.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
My classically trained singing teacher, Tony Hocking, used to say to sing with balls. Sing with your balls towards the expensive seats. It's got to have feeling. I miss that man, may he rest in peace.
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Sam Segurado's new single 'JJ' is available to stream now. Watch the new video for it in the player below.