Following the release of his single and video I Know What It’s Like To Be Loved – we caught an interview with artist and rapper Sam C-B, to find out more about his musical journey so far and his hopes for the future. Here’s how it went.
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Hi Sam – so nice to chat with you, thanks for your time & congrats on the debut single!
Hi Rebecca,
Thank you so much for your kind words and your great review. I really appreciate it.
You’re very welcome! How did this song come about – how long did it take you to complete it, and was this your first attempt at making an original piece of music?
I have been writing songs on and off since I was nine years old. My first song was called Rock World. It was not a masterpiece but I got a real buzz when I got to perform it with the South London Guitar Orchestra.
I Know what It’s Like To Be Loved took me about six weeks to write as it is a combination of three different raps that I had written on different occasions. The hook was accidently whistled by my dad when we were on holiday in Spain. I thought, ‘that’s good’and nicked his idea. Just to be fair, I have given him 20% of the song royalties!
How did you come up with the idea for the video?
We were on a very tight budget so we knew that we would have to shoot everything hand-held on an iPhone. Because of the title we came up with the idea of getting random people in the street from every ethnicity, gender, sexuality and status to kiss me on the cheek. This is there to signify that, if we have the right attitude to life and people, we can all know what it’s like to be loved.
Later on I decided that I would ask some famous faces if they would kiss me and I was very lucky that some lovely people like Ainsley Harriott, Scott Quinnell, Paul Merton and Milton Jones agreed.
My philosophy is, if you don’t ask you don’t get. I recognise that I am lucky to be loved and I want people to see the positive side of life by seeing who loves them.
Who or what would you say has inspired you the most to make this style of music?
I have always been a fan of Jamie T but I originally was inspired by Twenty-One Pilots. In fact, when I first wrote the song I sang it in a bit of a southern American accent. The flow and structure of the song are inspired by artist such as The Streets and Scroobious Pip.
What are the main values you want to represent within your music?
Whenever I write a song, I want to tell a story or evoke a memory which I hope will chime with the listening audience anywhere in the world. My main themes are universal but generally with a positive twist. In the case of this song, I wanted people to know that even though there is angst in the verses, it resolves to a positive message in the chorus. We should all cherish who we have and acknowledge how lucky we are to have them. In a world going through so many tough times, I want people to remember what is really important in their lives. Without knowing love, we are lost.
How important is live performance for you as an artist, and what can audiences expect from a live show?
Performing live is my biggest buzz. I have never found anything that comes close to the thrill that I get for connecting to an audience. Ever since I did my first gig at seven years old with The South London Guitar Orchestra, I was hooked. I love the fact that on stage there is nowhere to hide and you have to completely immerse yourself in the experience. Some people get nervous going on stage; I get excited. As rugby legend, Scott Quinnell says, “those butterflies in your stomach turn into dragons!”
I am just putting a new band together and I think that the style and visual impact is going to be something really special. I can’t tell you too much yet but it is going to turn heads!
What are some of your main aspirations as an artist?
To connect with as many people as possible. I plan to do that by making people smile. Someone once said that – ‘a smile is the shortest distance between two people.’
If you could perform at any event or venue in the world, past or present, which would it be – and why?
I’ve always had a dream of performing at The Royal Albert Hall. The acoustics are amazing but I don’t think I am quite ready for that just yet.
I recently went to see Tom Misch at the O2 Academy in Brixton. For its size, it is really intimate. I’d love to play in a venue like that where you could have a good amount of people and still have real intimacy with the fans.
Is there a longer project on the way?
My EP entitle Odd Dreams That Made Me Sweat will be out in Spring next year. Also, expect a couple of exciting collaborations over the next few months.
What’s something about Sam C-B the artist that most people don’t know?
My little toes are at 45 degrees. It is a nice little slight imperfection that has been passed down from my granny through to my dad. DNA rocks!
What’s next for you?
More miles of smiles.
Is there anything else we should know?
No, I have to keep a few secrets. 😉
With every good wish,
Sam x
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A big thank you to Sam for his time & insight. Stream the single on Spotify. Find & follow Sam C-B on Twitter & Instagram.
