Words by Patrick Hollis // @PaddyAstley
- Sam Fender talks craziest cities, family influences and dream tour partners…
- The North Shields artist is set to embark on tour until the end of November.
- His new single Millennial was recently added to Radio 1’s playlist as BBC Introducing track of the week.
- Paddy caught up with Sam following his performance at Im Wizemann in Germany
An exciting and soulful addition to the British music scene, Sam has already toured with Ben Howard and Catfish & the Bottlemen. Fresh from his performance at the Im Wizemann in the suburbs of Stuttgart, Germany, Sam Fender talks family, craziest cities and dream tour partners as he began his tour with Bear’s Den.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTO MUSIC?
My dad is a really good singer, he played in loads of different bands when I was a kid. My brother started writing songs at sort of 17/18. I’m ten years younger than him so at that point I just thought he was the coolest guy ever. I wanted to be like my brother, neither of them pushed me into writing music though. They showed me a lot of music, but it was never a chore.
WE’VE HEARD YOUR DAD’S COOKING SKILLS MAY HAVE BEEN AN INDIRECT KEY INGREDIENT TO YOUR SUCCESS, IS THIS TRUE?
Yes, my Dad is a good cook and whenever he was cooking in the kitchen there would always be music on.
WHO IS THE MOST SUPPORTIVE MUSICIAN YOU’VE MET SINCE BEGINNING YOUR CAREER IN THE INDUSTRY?
There’s been a few who have helped, but I’d honestly say Bears Den. They were the first to take me on tour off their own accord, its only because I’d met them in Madrid and then in Holland. It was there when they asked if I wanted to tour with them but I’ve learnt loads from all the acts I’ve played with.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE SHOW ON THE TOUR SO FAR?
I really enjoyed Madrid, it’s a bit of a crazy city and it’s all over the shop. There was such a good crowd there too. To be honest, anywhere in Europe usually makes for a good night.
HOW HAVE YOU FOUND PLAYING AS A FULL BAND?
It’s been a learning curve but I think we’re getting better. We’ve only been together a few months so we are relatively new, before then I was on my own.
WHO WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO PLAY ALONGSIDE?
I’d have to say Foals or War on Drugs, either one of them would be so class to play with. Maybe Arcade Fire too actually.