THEAUSSIEWORD.COM catches up New Zealand born, UK based singer/songwriter Sam Heselwood.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
I’ve loved to sing for as long as I can remember. However, I was always super sport-driven through school, which meant music never really had its chance to shine properly. In 2022, I had a rather intense neck injury playing rugby where I ruptured the ligament that holds the C1 joint in place, moving the joint 11mm forward, practically 2mm from cutting off my spinal cord. This led to a spinal fusion and the doctor evidently, medically retired me from all contact sports. Music was already a passion for me, so I enrolled in an artists academy called SOLE in Christchurch and had released a few songs previously. However, after rugby was out of the picture, I finally had enough time to fully dive into music.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
I love hearing stories from different people who have had all sorts of amazing experiences with my music. I also just want to be able to live life to the absolute fullest and for me, that involves working a ‘job’ I love to do, everyday.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
I’ve always dreamt of hearing a crowd singing my song lyrics back at me. Working with some of my idols, Ed Sheeran, for example.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
I’m currently living in London, so I haven’t got plans for a tour just yet. However, I do hope to do an AU / NZ tour next year sometime, hopefully following the release of my debut album.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
My latest release, ‘I Remember’, is a heartfelt piano ballad written on the last day of a songwriting camp at Parachute Studios in Auckland. It was pretty much written for whatever the listener needed it to be about at the time. I also wrote it from the perspective of if my partner were to leave or pass away and how much that would affect me.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
My creative process definitely varies from time to time, but most of the time, I sit down with my guitar or jump on the piano and just play. Usually, I start to hum some sort of melody idea into voice notes on my phone and I suppose those mumbles eventuate into a theme or some kind of idea, which turns into lyrics. It’s very basic and I have a million songs floating around my phone at the moment because I’ve never really been that great at staying on one task at a time, which I’m sure my high school teachers can vouch for. However, lately, I’ve been trying my best to make an effort to finish what’s in front of me before I move onto the next project. Even though I know it won’t be the next big hit, it’s good to get them out of my system.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
I don’t think there are any real hidden meanings in my music as I try to write very transparent and raw. However, one of the things I love about the storytelling lyrics is that people relate in different ways.
Success, what is the secret to it?
It sounds cliche, but I think it just comes down to how hard you work. The beauty of music is that everyone is always developing. I think the music world is quite similar to the professional sports world; the more you train and the harder you work, the more you will learn, grow and succeed.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
I think the biggest highlight so far would have to be playing live on the radio and then signing my name next to a few of my idols.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
Ed Sheeran is my biggest inspiration, hands down. I love his story and how hard he worked to get to where he is. I also love how real he is, how he’s a family man, and how fame never gets to his head.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
I have a few singles lined up mid-way through the year and then, if all goes well, I’ll begin recording my first album.
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself a few years?
I would love to still have control over what I write, release and play but also have a decent team around me. I would also love to have an album out and be in a comfortable position where I’m writing music full-time.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
My favourite part are the highs of releasing music and seeing/hearing peoples reactions.
My least favourite part would have to be the false hope and letdowns when things don’t go as expected, etc.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
Matt Corby, Dean Lewis, Sticky Fingers.
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?
It’s a tough one; there are so many benefits today with social media and the fact that independent artists don’t need a major label to get their music out to the world anymore is fantastic. But in saying that, it also made the industry rather congested and having to post a ridiculous amount of video content a week just to stay competitive, isn’t that enjoyable.
How will you continue appealing to the international market?
I think by just being consistent.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
I love a collab project. Julia Michaels would be pretty amazing.
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t be afraid just to express yourself. Not everyone will get it, not everyone will like your music but it’s the most wholesome feeling in the world when you create real fans and people that want to see you succeed. The hardest thing will be to stay patient, but patience is the key to success.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?
By just being real. Honesty & transparency is the key.
Website: samheselwood.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Samheselwoodmusic
Instagram: instagram.com/samheselwoodmusic/
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