(Photo Credit - Sandra Thorsson)
We sat down with rising indie artist Sam Ezeh for an Artist Spotlight interview! Ezeh has released a couple of singles this year ("CRISIS" and "Bonsai Love") that are making waves, especially on Spotify. You really need to check out his unique sound, but first read our interview with him!
1. How did you come to pursue music and how long have you been at it?
"I started taking piano lessons at six. My stepdad was a saxophonist and a music teacher so I always had a lot of music and instruments around me during my childhood, which gave me the opportunity, and curiosity, to try a lot of different things out. I started singing at age 15 and the year after I finally decided I wanted to learn producing for real."
2. Could you walk us through your process of writing music?
"I always start with the instrumentals, since I come from a music-context as opposed to a lyrical one. So I either just sit down and make a beat, rhythm is very important to me, and then add chords/basslines, or I figure out some chords to the melodies I already have figured out. My best ideas come to me right before sleep, so many songs I’ve made are based off of random voice notes I find in my phone."
3. What artists have inspired you in your career?
"Beyoncé’s ’Lemonade' album and seeing her live on the Lemonade world tour back in 2016 was what really made me realise I wanted to pursue music for a living. It’s such a well-produced album and I was so inspired by her performing skills and all of her hard work and the perfectionism behind her artistry. Later on I also listened a lot to Kendrick Lamar, especially his old more jazzy stuff, as well as Childish Gambino (and Ludwig Göransson) who also has very interesting productions. I love Solange and Jimi Hendrix too."
4. Do you have any favorite music gear (guitars, amps, effects pedals, keyboards, etc.) that you love to use? If so, what’s the story on them?
"I haven’t really had the chance to use a lot of equipment since I’ve always been producing from my bedroom, I just moved in to my first studio space. I recently bought the classic Cry Baby wah-pedal for my guitar so I’m trying to figure that one out at the moment."
5. Can you describe the vibe at your live shows? Also, what do you enjoy most about a venue when you do a show?
"I’ve actually never done a live show! The pandemic hit the same year I had planned to release my music so playing live is something I’m really looking forward to getting into. The positive thing about the situation right now though is that I get some more time planning my live set. I wish to one day have an entire band with me and lots of light work and scenery, at least that’s what I love about going to live shows."
6. What is one thing that you want the public to know about your music?
"I want everyone to know that I’m always striving to innovate my music, that what you hear right now is not going to sound the same as the next project I’m releasing. To feel content with what I make I need it to feel refreshing and novel compared to what I’ve already made."
7. What’s next for you?
"I’m very excited for what this next year may bring. I’ve been working on an EP during 2020 which is being released early 2021. Right now I’m working on completely new music as well as visuals for all of it. Hopefully next year I get to do some live shows and work with other musicians too."
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