What can you tell our readers about you? How and where did it all begin?
I started writing on a hand me down guitar that my uncle gave me, for my fourteenth Christmas. Before then I was writing poetry and singing along to whatever music I could find. I think this was the first time I realised I could make some music myself, and that it made sense
What had you first interested in music?
I think it’s always been an influence in my life, I have a musical family and my parents were always encouraging us to make noise and express ourselves – but I think I was first inspired to start pursuing music when I went to Bluesfest in Byron Bay when I was about 16. I remembering staring in awe at the people on stage thinking ‘I want to be up there’
Who motivates or influences your quest to make great music?
Other music. When I hear something I love, that touches me in some way, I feel an overwhelming urge to create. I think i’m influenced a lot by people and happenings around me, and I often use songs to help make sense of the world I see, or what I’m feeling
Do you have any planned tours coming up?
My ‘I’m A Bird’ album tour starts on the 21stJuly. Details at http://www.sambuckingham.com
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
I think I just want to be the best I can be. The goalposts keep moving, and i’m constantly trying to build on where i’m already at, creatively and I guess in terms of ‘accomplishments’ as well. I try not to want too much – I try instead to just keep moving forward
What can fans expect from you in the coming months?
Touring, some more songwriting, some more touring…
Success, what is the secret to it and what has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Hmm maybe the secret to success is understanding your own definition of it? My biggest career highlight is finally releasing this new album I’m A Bird’. It’s been about 3 years in the making and it was recorded because a whole lot of fans got behind the project and helped see it happen. It’s an incredible feeling to see something come to life through the support of your fans.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
I’m going to stick to Australian artists for this one.. John Butler and Danielle Caruana (Mama Kin), for what they do as part of ‘The Seed’, Katie Noonan for her generosity and incredible ability to connect through voice, Wes Carr aka Buffalo Tales for reinventing himself to stay in line with his true musical desires, John Watson for his ability to communicate and stay true to what’s most important in music and the music industry, Jen Cloher for what she does with ‘I Manage My Music’ Passenger (ok, he’s not Australian) for working his guts out and playing by his own rules, and every single person that I know who isn’t ‘a star’ but keeps on making incredible music/doing incredible things regardless. You don’t have to be famous to be brilliant, influential or inspiring
How would you best describe you and your music to your fans?
I am honest, gentle but strong, and looking for the good in everything. I guess my music is a reflection of that too
What can you tell us about your latest album?
It took two years to make, it was partly written in France & Spain, I co produced it with Paul McKercher, I had an idea in my head of how it would sound and feel and somehow we actually made that happen.
Are there any new exciting projects in the works?
Yes but i’m not telling you what they are!
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
Somewhere, probably on Earth, doing something
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.
Everyone I listed above plus Sarah Humphreys, Kent Eastwood, Renny Field, Mike McCarthy, Gossling, Tash Parker, Sarah Blasko, Loren Kate, The Paper Kites, Roscoe James Irwin, Matt Walters, Stu Larsen, Ngaiire, Jordie Lane, Kasey Chambers, Josh Pyke, Washington, Angus & Julia Stone, Matt Corby, Kate Miller Heidke, Xavier Rudd.. ok.. I really love Australian music
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
I feel like the industry’s moving forward, in a really great direction. If we’re willing to embrace change and move with it, not fight it, I think artists have so much more opportunity to keep creating, engaging and getting their music heard.
Website: http://www.sambuckingham.com