We had the chance to catch up with indie singer/songwriter Sam MacPherson shortly before his first-ever headlining tour. We discussed his background, his sound, and what he’s most excited about for tour! You can stream his latest release, Powerlines, and check out the tour dates below to find a date near you!
MSM: Hi Sam! Thanks for chatting with me. Can you tell me a little about your background and how you got started? What first ignited your passion for music?
SAM: I’ve been a lifelong consumer of music. I feel like I’ve grown up with and through Music and through the records that my parents are playing when I was a kid.
MSM: What inspires your music and songwriting? Are there any particular artists or experiences that have influenced your work?
SAM: My music comes from my own experiences, feelings, moments, and the people I’ve met. A lot of the times it’s my best explanation for how I feel about something, someone or some place.
MSM: What makes your music unique, and how do you strive to stand out in a crowded industry?
SAM: My music is unique because I am unique as a person and we’re all unique as. As cliche as might that seem, it’s objectively the truth. My artistry comes from my attempt at communicating the things I feel and experience as a human being, and that’s complex and unique to begin with.
MSM: How do you approach the songwriting process, and where do you draw inspiration?
SAM: I really don’t have a process for songwriting, and I’ve tried to keep it that way for long as I can. At the moment, I think creativity should be messy and nonlinear. Maybe I’ll change my mind about that in a few years but for the moment it’s a lovely mindset for me to create from.
MSM: What do you hope to achieve with creating music? Is there anything in particular that you want people to take away from your songs?
SAM: I want them to simply take away something. Whether that’s a sense of mutual understanding or a newfound love for a song or even just a moment in a song, it’s my hope that people can listen to my music and trust that they’re not going to go home empty-handed.
MSM: Your second EP Powerlines will be released on April 14th. Can you talk about any specific songs from the EP that have a special meaning to you, and what inspired you to write them?
SAM: “Powerlines”, the title track, is really special to me. It’s really vulnerable and it’s storytelling and I think people will appreciate that when they listen to it. I left no stone unturned, in terms of telling that story.
MSM: You’re heading out on your Powerlines tour soon. What are you most excited about for the tour? Do you have any pre-show rituals?
SAM: I’m most excited to meet the people! that’s what this is all about. I’m excited to meet people face to face and say thank you and hear their stories and just get to know them. It’s going to be really special. I don’t have a pre-show ritual besides a good workout in the morning of and a ton of water before the show
MSM: How do you stay motivated and focused as an artist, and what advice would you give to others looking to pursue a music career?
SAM: I stay motivated by doing anything, and everything I can to protect the love I have for Music, and not letting the sort of extracurricular parts of being in music and being in the music industry, get in the way of the love for music that I’ve always had.
MSM: What are your goals for your music career, and where do you see yourself in the next few years?
SAM: I’d love to sell out MSG. That’s my biggest goal right now
MSM: What else are you passionate about besides music?
SAM: I love surfing, jiu jitsu, and really just being at the beach
MSM: Lastly, do you have any closing messages for your fans?
SAM: I can’t wait to see everyone at these shows!
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