With this year’s summer proving to be lacking in the tan-worthy weather department, many of us are reminiscing on past summer days. And, in a bid to induce those feelings in his listeners, multi-talented artist Samuel Jack has just dropped his latest track, “Feels Like Summer”. Boasting the artist’s character-filled vocals layered over a pulsating bass, the track is a shimmering ode to living in a joyful moment, which is set alight with the triumphant burst of trumpet instrumentation. And, with a music video offering the scenes of a carefree day spent soaking in the sun, the project becomes all the more summery.
“I was inspired to write the song after a conversation with a friend. We were reminiscing about summers gone by. Moments and memories of growing up that were carefree and magical. I remember those times well. I wanted to create something that could also transcend the listener, to ignite a feeling, a memory that not necessarily was specific to summer, but brought a warmth, joy and happiness reminiscent of summer,” explains Samuel when discussing the premise of his new track.
Upon the release of his latest summer cut, the artist sat down with Wonderland to discuss the influence his teen years had on his career, his inspirations and what’s next for him. Head below to read our interview with Samuel Jack below…
Hey Samuel! How has this past year been for you?
A rollercoaster. A very large rollercoaster that has been subject to safety concerns. Fortunately, I managed to write my way through the past 8 months or so and have been enjoying some great collaborations, albeit mostly remotely.
With everything that happened last year, was your creativity affected?
It was. I certainly went through some ups and downs like so many of us, although after a bit of getting used to I actually shifted onto a really great creative wave – I sort of refocused and dug into a bunch of new songs and ended up being quite productive. I feel blessed to have had music by my side through all this. Hopefully, some of my output will put the smile back on some faces.
How did you first get into music? What sparked the interest?
I used to write poetry – spoken word stuff – and that transferred to music after teaching myself to play on the ol’ battered Joanna at a pub I was working in. From there, it was college bands, then eventually my own music after meeting my now long-standing writing partners.
You spent your teens travelling the world, how do you think this impacted your sound?
Travelling has certainly shaped me and, in turn, my music. Particularly my time in South Africa, where I fell in love with Paul Simons Graceland. That coupled with my fathers love for blues and soul pretty much shapes my whole musical taste – I love community singing, gospel, gang vocals. I very much go through phases, old school hip hop is always on my stereo, and all flavours of pop.
And now you’ve released your new single “Feels Like Summer”, what was the inspiration behind the new track?
I was inspired to write the song after a conversation with a friend. We were reminiscing about summers gone by. Moments and memories of growing up that were carefree and magical. I remember those times well. I wanted to create something that could also transcend the listener, to ignite a feeling, a memory that not necessarily was specific to summer, but brought a warmth, joy and happiness reminiscent of summer.
It’s definitely a summery song! What made you tap into this for a single?
In keeping with the concept, bright and vibrant was the way forward with this – happy and full of soul. I actually wrote the song a little while back, and it’s incredible to now see the discovery and journey the song is taking.
Who are your inspirations?
My friends. No doubt. And of course, a plethora of musical legends, Nina Simone, Paul Simon, Sam Cooke and BB King.
What do you want people to take away from your music?
Happier in some way than before they listen! Lyrics they can resonate with, and the knowledge that the guy singing the songs means every single word.
What’s next for you? What are you most excited for?
Everything. All the gigs, the new music, the travelling, being back in rooms with real, proper, actual humans that I can touch. I can’t wait to get back on stage.