In Conversation With #117 - Sam Johnson
British singer songwriter Sam Johnson kicks off 2021 with the release of his new EP ‘Are We There Yet?’. A country boy at heart, Sam’s music has taken him to the big city of London and this release reflects that - remembering moments from his childhood and looking to what is ahead. He took a moment to talk to us about the new EP.
Hey Sam, so your new EP is out today, how does it feel to be releasing music in 2021?
It feels surreal! Much like everyone else, I feel like I’ve blinked and landed in another year with no idea or memory of what happened to the last one. Still, it’s nice to be back with music and finally get this EP out which I’ve been nursing for quite a while now.
It is titled ‘Are We There Yet?’ - does that have a certain meaning for you?
For me, it’s a kind of semi humorous take on that classic childish phrase you’d say to your parents on a long drive. On one hand it’s a nod and a wink to the nostalgia that runs through the EP, but also a genuine question I’m asking myself, have I got what I want yet?
What are the key themes and influences on the EP?
As said above, nostalgia would have to be the main one. A bittersweet look back to the childhood I’m finally letting go of. There’s also love and comradeship too, a throwback to a lot of fond friendships long endured.
The EP kind of sees a new direction, almost like your are saying goodbye to the previous you - was that your intention? If so, what is the new Sam Johnson?
I wouldn’t say it was intentional, I suppose the songs I chose all had a thread running through them that I could make a convincing new record with, so I recorded them! A lot of the songs were actually written around the same time as the last EP, so if there’s been any departure I’d say it’s been a natural one with production.
Do you have a favorite lyric on the EP, if so which one and why?
“I tried asking the stars how they lived in the dark, they told me it’s easy when you know who you are”. It just seems to sum up alienation and self acceptance quite well. The understanding that once you are comfortable in your own skin and what you’ve got, your happiness will follow.
You were recently announced as a member of the Ivors Academy Youth Council, can you tell us a bit more about that?
I’d been a big supporter of the Ivor’s for quite some time, so when the opportunity arose to be a part of their new youth council I immediately threw my hat in the ring. I see a lot of injustice in the music industry, particularly surrounding how much streaming platforms and labels make compared to the pittance that songwriters and artists are paid to provide them with their product. There’s no other business model out there that operates so unfairly in my opinion, so to be a part of an organisation that is fighting so passionately to even the playing board is a great honour and a hugely gratifying undertaking for me.
Now the EP is out there - what next for you?
I’m writing so much at the moment, and I’m really happy with what’s falling out. I really think the next music I put out is going to be my best to date. Aside from that, I just genuinely can’t wait to get back on the road again, so here’s hoping the apocalypse packs it in soon.