Heartache, Pain, and the Luck of Sam Bradley
Written by Melanie // April 30, 2009 // The Interview // 45 Comments
Singing with a velvet growl that is at once dark and light, folk rock singer Sam Bradley moves between gritty, blues inspired ballads and rollicking, humorous sex and morality tales with the skill and grace of an artist who has been making music for decades instead of a few short years.
Vaulted into the center of attention by a movie soundtrack that recently debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, this native of London, England is taking it all in stride. When discussing the challenges of his sudden success, he reaches for the right words for a moment before focusing on what is important to him: “staying on top of things, keeping my integrity and remaining as personable as possible. But none of it has been challenging,” he says with a smile; “it’s all fun.”
Born to musically auspicious beginnings, Sam is the son of singer-songwriter Lee Lindsey, a prolific artist who has worked hard to succeed in the music industry. While Sam was growing up, she persued her dream, moving him to different cities around the world including London, Nashville, and Vancouver, BC, where they live today.
He has returned to Nashville to play a couple of gigs with his friend, London based singer-songwriter Bobby Long, who has been on a short US tour. He is also here because he wanted to see what Nashville would be like for him as an adult. The city seemed like the “most natural show to play,” he says; “Bobby was coming to the end of his tour, and I was in Toronto and it just made sense.”
Sitting in the living room of a well-appointed town home in the Nashville suburbs, we talk about everything from the Internet and social media to his music, his favorite film and his most memorable meal. Sam’s sense of humor is evident even when approaching more serious topics, often starting with a well placed wisecrack before settling into his point.
With the face of a fallen angel, Sam is intense, open, and slightly mischievous; an appealing combination which seems to draw people in effortlessly and keeps them there. You become one of the devoted without even realizing that you have. He chooses his answers carefully, but when he speaks, he is cultured and clever, clear and direct. Relaxed into an overstuffed chair, Sam fields every question honestly and gracefully while expertly deflecting cheeky remarks from Bobby, who is listening in from the adjacent dining room where he sits in front of Sam’s open MacBook.
Onstage at Nashville’s 3rd and Lindsley later that evening, Sam is electrified, and it is abundantly clear that he lives to perform. Gone is the posh gentleman, and in his place a legend in the making, growling his way through O.V. Wright’s That’s How Strong My Love Is, and expertly channeling both Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson during his cover of the Cash hit Give My Love To Rose. It’s clear, though, that his original songs are the true audience favorites. He plays to a crowd of adoring, screaming women, double fisting glasses of whiskey and sucking down a Heineken as he offers up a charming anecdote about an old girlfriend who called him after seeing him on television the night before (“now she wants to talk,” he groans). When he performs her achingly beautiful ballad Like a River, Sam is the embodiment of his mother’s hopes and dreams. It is impossible to look away, and equally impossible not to smile as he rocks the sold out crowd.
The crowd is growing. Sam uses the Internet, he says, to reach more people, and it seems to be working. His Twitter is followed by just shy of 3200 people, and his MySpace profile boasts over 400,000 views. He has a loyal following there, and he tries to interact with his fans as much as possible via his blog and the comments that he receives. There is also an official fanclub that supports Sam, Bobby, and their close friend Marcus Foster, who is at home playing gigs in London, but will be touring America himself this summer.
Do Sam’s technological interests stop at social networking? Interestingly, no. When asked how he writes his songs, he tells me that he prefers a computer (almost) every time.
”I like writing on a computer because you can see it all, but I do write in my book. I’ll start in my book if I’m in a cafe, but my handwriting’s not very good, and sometimes I can’t quite see what I’ve written.” He gives an example of what it’s like to transcribe his handwritten lyrics into song, beginning with a loosely formed melody that trails off into a laughing mumble. Even through his self-depricating humor, it’s easy to see that Sam is a happy person, and he agrees.
What makes you happy?
Being with people I love, being inspired by nature…everything makes me happy. Lots of things make me happy. What makes everyone else happy? I’m a lucky person; I’ve been very lucky, so that’s why I’m happy.
So there’s really no angst there at all, no brooding?
Oh, I can be moody. I write some songs that I have to brood for. [sings] There’s been a lot of heartache, a lot of pain in this life.
What is your favorite place to eat or your favorite thing to eat?
This is not going to sound very humble but my favorite place to eat is most likely…I went to Florence, Italy and we were staying on a farm – I was really young, I was like 12, and we went to this Italian restaurant which was all picnic chairs. It was all sort of wonky and the tables would move. And it felt like you were going to fall over but it was the most romantic, sort of tea light kind of thing, and all of the waiters were over 60 and it was just very romantic. And there was this pizza, and I don’t remember what was on it. I do like pizza. I’m a pasta guy – a gorgonzola pasta with cherry tomatoes and some rocket.
Favorite film?
I really like films so it’s difficult to name my favorite. Today, my favorite is The Birdcage.
Your top five favorite albums?
Tom Waits: Nighthawks at the Diner
Marvin Gaye: What’s Going On
Cat Stevens: Tea for the Tillerman
Al Green: Al Green’s Greatest Hits
Johnny Cash: At Folsom Prison
When asked about the lack of contemporary artists in his list, Sam protests, insisting that he does like some newer bands. But, he admits, “I prefer legends”.
You have an immense stage presence. Are you just stoked to be onstage? Do you ever get nervous?
Yeah, sometimes I get nervous, but I think it’s less nervous; more excited. Tonight it’s just going to be me and the guitar, so there’s only so much I can do. You’ve got to draw the audience in vocally and lyrically and hopefully connect with them on that level. Less movement but lots of facial expressions.
You’re doing a charity show on May 2nd in Vancouver. Who does the charity benefit?
It’s called the Gewa Project, and it was started by a girl who moved to Canada from Tibet, and she started a little jewelry company in a local market in Vancouver. That’s how she started the charity, by donating a percentage of her income. She’s helped predominately elderly women and children. I have a friend who brought the charity to my attention, and I thought that it was a lovely cause.
<
strong>What is your most memorable music milestone?
I was four years old and I went to see Michael Jackson. What I remember more than the concert was that there was a four year old girl there, and she was on the shoulders of the person next to us, I think it was at Wembley Stadium, and I just remember holding her hand. I was on my mother’s boyfriend’s shoulders and she was on her dad’s shoulders and we were holding hands and we’d never met, and we were watching Michael Jackson, both smiling. I remember that.
What are the things that inspire you most as a songwriter?
People really inspire me. And sometimes I inspire myself, you know, I write about myself. Whether it’s upset or whether it’s joy.
So your work is autobiographical?
Some of it is.
What is your favorite song to perform?
I’m really enjoying playing Passport at the moment. It’s really fun right now; because it’s making a lot of people laugh.
So you like to interject the funny stuff into your music?
I do like to interject the funny stuff. But it’s a fine balance, which is, I think, who I am.
Your song Soho Whores is like that. What is that song about, and what was the writing process?
I was living in Soho in London, and I would see the different kinds of men, walking around, looking for a good time, and it used to really upset me. And I think then that the song explains itself. I had a competition with Marcus [Foster] to see who could write a song the quickest while we were on a bus. It wasn’t really a competition; it was just to see what we could come up with.
You recently went to Paris to record an album. What was that process like for you?
I used to wake up every morning and go for a walk. Climb the stairs of the Sacre Coueur, and walk around the church, then walk the Champs-Élysées. It was a really good time. I was in Paris for a month and a half, and I was working in a studio in the same building as the Moulin Rouge, which was really cool. I didn’t get to meet any girls though, which was unfortunate. I really wanted to meet the dancers and hostesses, but I didn’t get the chance.
Do you know when the album will be ready?
I wanted it to be ready now, but it just isn’t; it’s a huge process. Some people take 20 years to record an album. I will not take 20 years, but it is taking awhile, and I hope everyone understands that, because they don’t want me to release a pile of shit. The reason why I’m here is purely to play. I don’t have anything to sell.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
[Etta James'] At Last…no. Um…Left to Lie… no – Dead and Done by Bobby Long. That’s not my official answer. My official answer is Fourteen Times by Marcus Foster [from across the room, Bobby shouts, "you bastard!"] No, I’m joking. I would never have any of my friends play at my funeral, because they’d be dead first. I would have no songs at my funeral, just dead silence. That’s my official answer.
When he tells me that his favorite novel is Kerouac’s On the Road, it makes sense. He is, in a way, one of “the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones that never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.”
Sam Bradley is Kerouac’s blue centerlight, and we are lucky to be here with him now, in mid-pop.
Click to see more photos on Flickr:
[If you're in L.A., you can catch Sam Bradley at three shows in May and June. Watch his MySpace for more information.]
Want an autographed photo of Sam? Leave a comment here and let us know what you think of his music. If you do, you could win a prize pack, including a signed photo of Sam, and an autographed copy of Bobby Long’s CD, Dirty Pond Songs.
Add to Google
45 Comments on "Heartache, Pain, and the Luck of Sam Bradley"
This feature is absolutely perfect and brilliant. Just thinking of his velvet growl…
You nailed it
Anyone reading this, if you get the chance to see Sam live, then do!
You really did him justice, and I am mighty jealous still at you getting to see him live twice
He’s so lovely! As with the Bobby article, I feel like you really captured his essence. I want to hang out with them and just listen to them talk and absorb their brilliance.
This article made me fall in love with Sam.
Again, you far exceeded the brilliance I knew you were capable of with this interview. Outstanding.
I hope that someday soon I get the chance to see Sam perform. I LOVE his music.
This was an amazing article and in reading this you can hear that you, too, are happy. That doing this puts you completely in your element. I love that. Also, I haven’t heard much of his music but I’m about to go check out his myspace now.
Great interview.
Several of my friends have had the pleasure of hearing Sam perform and meeting him afterward. He is exactly as this article suggests- warm, lovely and genuine.
.
Now if we can just get him to figure out how to ‘reply’ on Twitter…
Lovely article. I was fortunate enought to attend all 3 of Sam’s Toronto concerts and spoke with him after each. He is very warm, friendly and easy going. He’s a brilliant musician.
I love Sam Bradley. Thank you for this very candid look at who is and what he’s about. In my opinion, you seem to have captured his mischievous, brilliant personality to a T.
I can’t wait to go see him play again. He lights up the world when he’s on stage.
Thanks for this wonderful article and for helping to bring this brilliant young man to peoples attention.
Great article. Sam Bradley is amazing. And rocks live even when he is doing it acoustic. Seeing him in Nashville was so worth the 10 hour drive.
BTW this site is great, in purpose and design.
Sam Bradley is truly a great musician. His music is soulful and inspiring. Expect many more great things from Mr. Bradley. He’s just wonderful.
What I think of Sam Bradley music, I am addicted to I love them all but my favorite is paradise, to find good music this day is really hard is better to turn of the radio and turn on the internet you can be for hours on sam bradley my space just listening to his music. He was born to be singer/songwriter and yes if feel like he has play for decades not just for few years.
This is a wonderful article, great job! And a great subject, Sam is amazing!!
What a great interview with Sam! I adore him and his sparkling personality! He’s an ultimate entertainer. I loved reading his answers, which show his great sense of humor and deep thinking. Thank you for interviewing Sam & Bobby! And for mentioning The Land of Dreamers (the fanclub). We are soooo happy to support these guys!
Good interview; I can’t wait to see Sam playing in LA!
That was a great article! Soho Whores is my hubby’s fav song at the moment and he normally listens to the likes of Ac/Dc and Green Day. It would be great to get Bobby, Marcus and Sam together for a Land of Dreamers wold tour. Someday.
Couldn’t help but notice the strawers in the whiskey though! cute!
Keep inspiring yourself Sam,. it’s working!
*shakes head* ~ appaling spelling. sorry
Awesome read! Sam seems like such a genuinely nice guy, who makes great music. I find it very entertaining to follow his on twitter and myspace.
I could listen to Sam’s music every day for the rest of my life and know that I’ll die with the songs I love stuck in my head. His voice is beautiful as are his lyrics and his wonderful guitar skills. I cannot get enough!
Sam’s music is fantastic. Aside from the fact that he seems like he is a genuinely great guy, he hasn’t let his sudden fame get to his head. He seems to really care about his friends. It is always wonderful to see a musician who truly enjoys what he does. <3
Sam is just so witty. He is so talented and I can’t wait to hear more from him. I hope I get the chance to see him live one day. Keep doing what you’re doing Sam, YOU ROCK!
Loved the article. Sam’s music along with Bobby’s and Marcus’ is refreshing it is unlike anything you will hear when you turn on the radio. Their music is all I listen to when I’m studying. All three seem to really love the art of music. Thanks for sharing your talent with the rest of us.
I don’t care to win anything (as I’ve already had the chance to meet both Bobby & Sam), but I did want to say how amazing I find Sam to be. He really knows how to connect with the people he is playing too and I just adore him.
He has an unbelievable voice and you can totally hear the passion in it. I’m so glad he’s been given this chance to share his music. I am beyond happy that I had the chance to come across his music. 
I love his music because he really connects with the people around him. His voice is very relaxing and beautiful. And though I haven´t been to his concerts I´ve seen them and I think he has that presence that the truly artist have. His songs are so honest and real that you can see the real Sam behind them. In conclusion I´m sure he is going to be a legend, such as Johny Cash or Bob Dylan
i love love love both sam bradley and bobby longs music. they both have such natural talent and their songs can really speak to you. im from ausralia though so havn’t yet had the chance to hear them live as much as i am dying to!
Mel, this is a wonderful article, and I’m so proud of you for having written it. Sam seems like such a sweetheart, and so far I love the music I’ve heard.
Lovely article my darling Mel. Refreshing and candid. Kudos to Sam for digging “Nighthawkes at the Diner” (one of the most under rated albums of Tom). xxx
here’s a little acrostic poetry- my students are doing them….
SAM BRADLEY
So much of the “sky is clearing”
And yet, nobody’s “free at all”
“Making change” is sometimes hard, he
Breaks silence with his songs, the
“Road is his friend”
All the while smiling, little
Ditties, some for fun
“Love is enough”… but music is more
Enthusiastically plays through his “fragile
Youth”… inspiring…
Great article on Sam. He seems like a very genuine person – remembering watching an icon like Michael Jackson and helping with a local charity.
Very much success to Sam – and he is a great musician!
This interview really gives a sense of Sam as a creative musician and warm, intelligent man – thanks.
His music? It’s opened up new musical worlds for me – love its range of pathos, critique, joy and fun. Lyrically, he suprises and gives me new images to think my world with – Sea Blue is my current favourite – “city scrapes my eyes”, “crystalize your conscience”, “rain kicking at my window” but I love all the songs I’ve listened to so far.
Love this article, Can’t wait for his album to come out,watched one of those fun banters his does with his audience on his myspace page. Very funny, love to see him one day …. any chance he is coming down under to australia any time soon????
Another beautiful article/interview! I love how Sam puts so much of himself and his endearing humor into his songs all while managing to break my heart with songs like Too Far Gone and Sea Blue. I can’t wait to hear more from him and hopefully see him in the future as well.
It was such a happy day when I was directed to Sam, Bobby’s and Marcus music. I am thrilled to have their music in my life and I share it with everyone I know, whether they want to listen or not
oh I love Sam!! he is hilarious and really gifted. I’m so happy that he, marcus, rob, and bobby are getting to realize their dreams and have successful careers. i wish he was playing in a town near me, because that would be an amazing experience, seeing him perform live.
Cool article, I like it, (I like both Bobby’s and Sam’s). it’s interesting to know the process they’re going through to come out with such great songs…and to get a pick of their personality too.
I enjoyed Sam’s music my favorite song being “too far gone”…
Great work, thank you for the interview!
Eva
While reading the article, I keep thinking, that’s him, the man I met in Toronto, exactly. Sam is genuine, witty and a pleasure to talk to. When he sings, he just has a sound that grips you. The article said “he has an face of a fallen angel”, true, but also an angel’s voice (with a hint of cheeky). I know he is going to be a brilliant star. Cheers to you Sam.
I absolutely adore his music.I had a chance to see him live in Vancouver on May 2nd.He absolutely rocked.I will be at every show of his that I can get to.Can’t wait to get his album.My final answer is he puts his heart and soul into all of his music.Looking forward to a lifetime of it.
Am always glad to hear more about Sam. Can’t seem to hear his music enough. Very personal, feels like he’s singing just for me. “Whiskey” is my favorite…today.Yesterday, “Scared. Tomorrow…?
I love the fact that he constantly keeps in contact with his fans. He doesn’t mind letting us know what is going on in his life. His music is wonderful and I adore ‘Soho Whores’ though I cannot sing it through without becoming tongue-tied.
Love that Bobby called him a bastard. LOL
Lovely article.
I am a new listener (and an instant fan). Sam’s music is soulful & real. I sure dig the acoustic guitar stuff!
the closing Kerouac quotation really made this article come alive for me and glean insight to this fantastic man. great piece thanks. these two very different artists are immense talents, with heartache voices, hot lyrical skills and wry humour! thanks for the article.
I love his song Sea Blue because I feel mostly whole when I am near the ocean. OMG his voice it is kind of like a lulliby for me.He is just amazingly talented! I hate that I missed him in Nashville. I will not miss him next time.
how did i miss this one?! i love it. these interviews are amazing and the men are amazing. thank you so much for not mentioning robert and for focusing on sam and HIS talent. it’s about time he gets noticed! we need more music artists like this out there. he’s truy passionate about music, not just being famous.
Thanks!!
Thank you, thank you!
You won the signed photo of Sam, and Bobby’s EP!