Samuel Jack – Empty Pockets, Crowded Heart Vol. 1

By starrymag | April 24, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) Pop. With a lovely helping of soul, blues and hip hop – right from the very depths of me.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Paul Simon, BB King, James Taylor, Etta James, Al Green, Sam Cooke, and The Streets to name a few.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Gonna Be Alright.”

A) I feel like “Gonna Be Alright” is just something everyone needs to hear sometimes. It’s a simple message, but whether you’re telling yourself or reassuring others. This song is a story of recovery in some respects after I came out the other side of some mental health problems. I’m hoping, particularly what with everything that’s going on in the world right now, this song can help people and I hope it stands as a reminder that this too shall pass and it’s going to be alright.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) The above, I guess. I hope so anyway. We’re complicated things us humans, yet so fragile and we’re all in this together.

 

Q) How is this song relevant today more than ever?

A) What with the spiral the world is in with Corona Virus it couldn’t be more relevant – although I wrote the song from a very personal stand point about mental health. Music can be healing and so powerful in so many ways and I hope it resonates.

 

Q) What is your song-writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) I don’t have one set formula or technique. Sometimes I’ll sit at a piano play with some chords and the words will come. Other times I might start with a lyric. I’m all about vibe, the feeling in the room and just plugging in and playing until the song starts to materialize.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music? 

A) I’m fortunate to have worked with and continue to work with some really talented producers. I like to be close to the production of my songs in terms of instrumentation and vibe but will always trust my team to steer the creative process on that front somewhere that I love.

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on your upcoming album Empty Pockets, Crowded Heart Vol. 1?

A) Love. Loss. Mental health. Courage. Hope.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from checking out the album as a whole?

A) I wanted this record to be a wholeheartedly honest body of work. I’ve really revealed a lot about myself and learnt so much in the making of this album. I hope listeners resonate with my stories and, in a broader sense, I hope the listening experience is one that stays with them.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Samuel Jack performance?

A) Cor blimey, they can expect a foot stomping, emotional rollercoaster with a lot of sing-a-longs, cuddles, smiles and some dry humor.

 

Q) What tracks off the album are you looking forward to performing live?

A) Every. Single. One.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) I just love performing. Any stage. Any time. Some of my fondest memories are of performing abroad though, LA and Amsterdam stand out. I’m looking forward to more adventures, lots, lots more.

 

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

A) Right now, I’d say Celeste. I’d literally remove a limb to duet with her. [smiles]

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I’m quite into LAUV at the moment. I’m just really digging the light kinda breezy electro pop thing. I love his song “Tattoos.”

 

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

A) It’s just a great way to connect and interact. Essential, in fact. Particularly right now when all tours and festivals have been wiped out around the world due to Covid-19. Social media keeps us all together. I never thought I’d say it but imagine if there wasn’t social media today? Crazy.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) That you’re my heroes. It’s all for you. Everything.

 

 

Listen to Empty Pockets, Crowded Hearts Vol. 1