Sam Buckingham
Sam Buckingham is an incredible singer songwriter in Australia who has just released her latest album I’m A Bird. I chat to her about it and why she does House Concerts.
http:///www.sambuckingham.com/
1. What is the album I’m A Bird about?
It’s about learning, growing, strengthening and loving – whether that’s
yourself or someone else.
2. How did the recording process go for the album?
it was slow! We ended up recording over about 18 months, reflecting on the
songs, writing more and slowly adding bits until it felt like a complete
story.
3. Why did you decided to do house concerts?
I think i was looking for a new way to play shows that felt special and
unique, and allowed me to get closer to my fans and reach new people. I
wanted to tour more, and do something that felt different, and a bit more
connective
4. How has that helped you connect with an audience?
It’s been the most incredible thing. When i first put out the call for
House Concert hosts for a tour in 2011, i sent the email and posted on
Facebook and then slapped myself on the forehead thinking ‘What have i
done? No one will want me to play in their homes!’. But it turns out fans
are looking for a special and unique way to experience music too, and they
want to get closer to the artists they love in so many different ways. I
feel overwhelming gratitude to everyone that hosts and come to House
Concerts, and i think it helps to develop a really strong bond between us
5. Do you think they have become more popular than shows in regular venues?
I don’t think one is better than the other, they’re just different. I
don’t know about more popular but i’m so glad to see that more artists are
embracing the idea, and that music fans are jumping on board to experience
gigs in new ways
6. What does live touring mean to you?
I think, more than anything, it’s a way for me to see my songs that way
other people experience them. They’re so personal to me, and the writing
and recording can be such an isolated process, so it’s really great to
play them live and see that they can mean something completely different
to whoever watching. I get to be a part of that reaction and it’s a
great reward
7. Do you think the Internet has made it harder for musicians to stand out?
Harder than what? Than without the internet? I think there are so many
more platforms now for artists to be seen, heard, and find their place in
the big musical landscape, and that’s a wonderful thing. The same rule
applies as before though.. Don’t Be Shit. If you’re making something
great, there’s more ways for people to experience that, and i think that
can only be a good thing
8. What does it mean to connect with your fans?
Everything.
9. What does 2013 mean to you?
i think this is a year of change for me and learning how to settle down. I
don’t mean buying a house or getting married – settling down in the sense
of choosing what i want to do, who i want to be and how i want to live,
and letting go of the rest. Settling the mind i suppose.
10. What do you hope the album will do for you?
I have no hopes for the album, except for it to be loved by the people who
hear it, and to play a part in letting me keep on making music. That’s not
asking too much is it?
