Sam Tinnesz – There Goes the Neighborhood

By starrymag | May 1, 2023

By: Alejandra Gil M.

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I would say this era of my sound is nostalgic alt rock.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I love Weezer, Nirvana and All American Rejects along with some hip hop like Outkast, Notorious B.I.G. and Jay Z.

Q) Your fourth studio album There Goes the Neighborhood is out now. What are some themes you explore on it?

A) I explore mental health, the downfall of society, greed, unrequited love, heart break, emotional maturing and so much more!

Q) One of the singles released from the album was “Bittersweet” featuring Dashboard Confessional. Please tell us the story behind it.

A) I got together with Chris [Carrabba] from Dashboard after a bit of time where we hadn’t seen each other for a while and I played him some of my new record. He loved it so much he wanted to help write for it. Obviously, I said “absolutely” and we were off to the races. That day we wrote was magic and the other co-writer and producer captured some things I’m not sure I could even duplicate today. It was a special moment for the record and I’m glad it happened.

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can come up with the lyrics?

A) I love a fun title / idea and then laying down a bed of music that matches.

Q) The album includes songs like “Loser,” “Antisocial,” “Made you Cool,” “Bittersweet” and a favorite of mine “Prozac Perfect.” Which song is a personal favorite for you and what makes it so significant?

A) I love “Prozac Perfect” the most because it’s such a lyrical and musical flex. Before the solo we change keys and then out of the solo we change keys back to the original key. You might not catch it if you’re a casual listener but there are things in that song that slay me on a music only level.

Q) The latest single from It is “Spaced Out,” which describes the turbulence of a breakup, as well as the course of on and off again relationships and includes the combination of Nick Wheeler’s (All-American Rejects). What was it like working with him on the song?

A) It was so killer. He is a genuinely kind and talented soul and brought so much to the song in the parts he added. He was the missing piece for that one and I’m really glad such a legend said yes to being part.

Q) An official visualizer was also released with another song from the album titled “Hardly in Love” and the official music video for “Prozac Perfect.” How involved were you in developing the art behind it?

A) I had an amazing videographer on my team named Carson Butcher and we worked hand in hand developing all the concepts down to the outfits and settings. I really enjoy visuals and think they are just as important as the music.

Q) Was there a song that was more emotional for you to record or maybe challenging for you in some way?

A) “33” was definitely that for me. It’s half about losing my dad at a young age but also about the death of some of my neighbors’ family that we were close to. That day I wrote it and sang it, it was the only thing I could write about. It was all consuming, so I knew it had to be a track on the album.

Q) There Goes the Neighborhood takes a left turn from your previous album. What do you hope people take away from it?

A) I hope they have fun with it, laugh a little, cry a little and see another side of myself that I have yet to show.

Q) You have had viral hits like “Play With Fire” which has amassed over 385 million streams, and “Legends Are Made” which has gotten over one billion views on TikTok and been featured on gold-selling records like Kygo’s Golden Hour. What does it mean to get more & more recognition for your music?

A) It’s honestly really affirming after so many years of trying and failing. I’ve been humbled though by the losses and it lets me get to this point where things are good and actually be thankful for it.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I’d love to do something fun with Weezer or something dark and heavy with Nine Inch Nails.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) It pulls down the veil that separates artists from the fans and I love being able to fully connect.

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of you and your music?

A) Thank you for changing my life and allowing me to do what I do. I really feel like they don’t know how much it means to me and how I’ll never forget the kind words they send my way.