Getting To Know... Sam Wilde

After spending the last year or so releasing a string of highly-praised and much-loved singles, Northern indie-rocker Sam Wilde recently released his long-awaited new EP 'About Right', and we simply can't get enough of it.

Channeling the laid-back Britpop-inspired aesthetic of acts like Ocean Colour Scene and Oasis, the frontman's latest collection is a bold and enticing release, filled with bold drums and seductive vocal qualities that display the instant star-power of this fast rising individual.

So with his new EP doing the rounds right now, we decided to have a chat with Sam to find out more about his latest work and what influenced him in his earliest years.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

My first ever electric guitar, a white Yamaha Pacifica that I got second hand. My dad and I went out guitar shopping for my 12th birthday and came back with this. Spent the majority of my teenage years with this guitar and I’ve still got it now.

What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?

I tend to write a lot of my songs about things that are going on around me, I find other other peoples stories, conversations I’ve had with friends and also films to be really inspiring and a lot of the time they spark an idea or lead to a new song. I find it much easier to write a song when the topic doesn’t directly relate to me. I still have a good number of songs that are written about things I’ve experienced but I don’t think these bring out the best in me…yet.

Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?

It was more a moment that triggered it, rather than the song. I grew up around my dad playing guitar all the time so I think it was inevitable but I can remember being sat in a school assembly in primary school and there was a band performing, made up of students from the year above. The guitarist started playing the first riff of ‘Can’t Stop’ by the Chili’s and I was in complete awe and determined thats what I wanted to do.

When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?

I would usually stick on the same playlist (one I made myself) it basically consists of alternative rock, indie and grunge. All the good stuff.

How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?

I’d say at least 70% of the songs I’ve written have been about someone in my life, or have developed from an experience I’d had with someone or an experience they had had. Every song on this EP apart from City of Bones, was written about someone/an experience i’ve had with someone.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?

I’m gonna have to say my first headline show in Manchester. It was the first time I’d ever had people singing along with my songs in the crowd and that’s something pretty special. Hopefully it won’t be too long until we can get back gigging!

Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?

I’d say cooking. I find the whole process of preparing and then the actual cooking really therapeutic. I think there’s a lot in common with both cooking and music, and its probably one of the reasons I enjoy it so much. You can express yourself creativity in the kitchen just like when writing and performing.

If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?

Probably something to do with food. A lot of the past jobs I’ve worked have been in kitchens and its something I’m passionate about. I love the buzz of being in a working kitchen. You have to be organised and there is very little room for error.

And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to stay productive through the coronavirus lockdown?

It’s a tough time for the industry and also finically for a lot of us, but this is also a great opportunity to develop new skills, one we might not get again. So I’d say write as much as possible, guaranteed we’re gonna see some incredible music coming out later this year. I’ve been using this time to prepare future releases - i.e getting artwork/press releases and also organising my website. All the admin stuff! It makes the releases a lot less stressful when this is already sorted out. Try out some other hobbies..reading, cooking, drawing, as you might find it inspires something new in your music. And also keep supporting your fellow musicians as much as you can.

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Sam Wilde's latest EP 'About Right' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.