Hi, I’m Sam. I’m on tour at the moment, playing in some wonderful venues and in some lovely people’s homes, to celebrate the release of my new album I’m A Bird. I’m of the folk / singer / songwriter variety and enjoy scuba diving, yoga and eating scones
‘Ello, Sam! Congratulations on releasing your new album, I’m A Bird! Tell us, how’d you celebrate? Apparently there was Dance Dance Revolution and cereal involved?
Oh yes, I celebrated in style with my wonderful boyfriend on the night of its release. We went to the Sail & Anchor in Fremantle for a cider, then for Chinese and Malaysian dinner and he took me to Timezone to Dance Dance Revolution / 3D Zombie kill / Super Mario Cart the night away. We also won a rubber chicken
How have the fans reacted to the new material so far?
Everyone’s been so wonderful. I think they like it!
What were some of the main inspirations behind it, both lyrically and musically?
I was inspired by people like Gilliam Welch, Ray Lamontagne & Bic Runga when we were creating the album – I guess mainly how they really allow the song to be about the lyrics and melody, and everything else just plays a supporting role to that. I listen to alot of singer songwriters and folk music and these songs are all so personal to me, so I think I just wanted to make an album that was as honest and real as it could be.
Tell us about these House Concert Tours you’ve been doing for the last couple of years – what are they like to play? Any standout stories?
They’re so beautiful, I’m always so amazed at the response when I put a call out for House Concert hosts and I feel really lucky to be able to travel around the country and tour this way. I played one in Canberra last night and the host, Gemma, had invited a singer songwriter friend of hers from Canada to come watch the show. So halfway through my set I asked him to jump up and play a song, having never even met him, and he was amazing. We were all just blown away.
If you could do the opposite and invite any artist to play at your house, who would you choose and why?
Just one? Oh gosh. Joni Mitchell I think. I could die happy that night.
You must answer this question honestly: what and where was the first gig you went to?
Phil Collins! Serious Hits Live tour I think, probably when I was about 12. My dad took me and my sister and we loved it. I’m still a big Phil Collins fan.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
I usually talk to myself a little bit before I play, and I like to have a bit of quiet time to myself just to stay really settled and gather my energy for the show. I tour with my David Tennant Doctor Who figurine but I don’t take him on stage with me.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
Father John Misty – Fear Fun
Besides continuing your love affair with scones, what’s on the agenda for the rest of 2013?
Well it’s going to be hard to not just stay home and eat scones for the rest of the year, but I think I’ll resist, and head out on another tour not too long after this one’s finished
Where we can see you play next, what releases do you have available and where can we get them?
You can get all my releases, including I’m A Bird at http://www.sambuckingham.com
Sam Buckingham 2013 Tour Dates
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 7: Lizottes, Kincumber NSW with Cave Dwellers & Maia Jelavic www.lizottes.com.au
SATURDAY AUGUST 10: Royal Exchange Theatre, Newcastle NSW with Amy Vee & Daniel March http://www.trybooking.com/CZUL
SUNDAY AUGUST 11: The Powerhouse, Brisbane QLD with Luke Moller (Free Entry)
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 28: Lizotte’s Dee Why, NSW with Jonathan Devoy + Jake Edgley www.lizottes.com.au
FRIDAY AUGUST 30: The Wheatsheaf, Thebarton SA with Emily Davis (Free Entry)
