London-based singer-songwriter Sam T has released his debut single, Empty Home. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Sam originally trained as a classical composer but transitioned into playing guitar, playing in bands that spanned genres from indie to progressive rock.
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Empty Home is described as "a folk song for the end of the world". Written during the summer of 2024, the song imagines a post-apocalyptic earth devastated by nuclear war, told from the perspective of the last living person.
"As they traverse a desolate landscape, the protagonist reflects on the loneliness and fear of isolation, juxtaposed with the peculiar freedom of a world devoid of humanity," Sam says. "The lyrics explore the bittersweet idea of learning to love an `empty home'."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Three fun facts: my first guitar was a squire Stratocaster, my last name means Christmas Tree in German, and I can play the sitar.
How would you describe your music?
I would describe my music at alternative folk music, or alt-folk. It's drawing from the same roots of traditional folk music but aims to push outside it as a genre towards something new and more creative.
Who are your musical inspirations?
My top inspirations are Elliott Smith, Sufjan Stevens, and Sun Kil Moon. All three of them are amazing songwriters with unique approaches to harmony, melody, and storytelling that I constantly gain inspiration from.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
When I was thirteen my dad took me to see Kasabian at the Wembley Arena. I was definitely too young for that. All I can remember is for some reason they got Russell Brand on stage and were kicking around fake rubber heads or something. How times have changed....
What was the first record you ever bought?
I bought Frightened Rabbit's Pedestrian Verse from a Rough Trade when I was a teenager. It was recommended in store and I liked the cover - that was the only reason I went for it. It was lucky I did because I was able to hear the amazing work of Scott Hutchinson, who continues to be a favourite of mine ever since. It is a great shame he left us so early in his career.
What’s your favourite song right now?
I've been revisiting the work of Yoni Wolf and have been constantly replaying the track Ghost Dream from the Hymie's Basement album. There is something so poetic and compelling in the story and instrumentation of that song, which feels like a fever dream or something from a David Lynch film.
Favourite lyric of all time?
There are so, so many. One of the tops ones is Radiohead's Pyramid Song, but it really needs the music with the words to have the full effect. "Jumped in the river and what did I see? Black-eyed angels swam with me, A moon full of stars and astral cars, All the things I used to see, All my lovers were there with me, All my past and futures, And we all went to heaven in a little rowboat, There was nothing to fear and nothing to doubt".
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I'm gonna cheat and choose The Creator Has a Master Plan by Pharoah Sanders, because it's amazing and also 35 minutes long.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My debut single, Empty Home, is on Spotify now, which is the best place to listen. It is also on all other streaming platforms. If you want to keep up with information on new releases, the best place is on Instagram @soundsofsamt.
Alan Corr
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