Me and my London: Sam Way

Singer-songwriter Sam Way is establishing himself as one of the most distinctive voices on the London music scene.

He’s a “relentless talent” according to Wonderland, while Notion Magazine goes even further, branding Way a “musical messenger.”

High praise indeed from two of the coolest outlets in the business.

Want to see what the fuss is about firsthand? Way has offered Square Mile readers a chance to win a ticket to his 19 April show at Shoreditch Treehouse – see below for details how to enter (it’s very straightforward). Or, you know, actually buy the tickets.

Firstly, however, you can learn a little more about the man himself – and his favourite spots in the capital – by reading his Me and my London feature below.

Or click here to read our My Style Essentials feature with Sam.

Me

What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about?

It has to be the new music I've been working on and writing over Christmas. I took myself out on London on a creative retreat over New Year to Margate for a week and wrote some great new material, if you want to hear it live and before anyone else – save the date for April 19th as I'll be playing an intimate show at Shoreditch Treehouse.

I'd be really happy to run a little competition for SQMile readers now. So to win free tickets. Mail me at info@samwaymusic.com with the subject 'DID I WIN' :) Expect soulful storytelling in a beautiful setting.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment?

Occasionally people write to me, or DM me saying that my music has really helped them though a hard time. Those are the time's that I've probably been the proudest I've been of what I create; to see it so powerfully reflected back at you by a total stranger.

If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?

I would have loved to have written songs, and jammed with with some of the great songwriters and producers of our time. I just think I'd learn so much. Playing Glastonbury has to be up there too. One day that's the dream live show.

What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t yet?

This might sound incredibly dull, in fact it's so dull...but it's true so worth sharing.

When you're not only the creative engine, but someone self managing your own career in the arts, it's incredibly hard to focus on solely what I you be focusing on; namely for me the songwriting and music making itself. As an independent artist running your own career, you have to become a jack of all trades at some level.

So I guess the thing that I haven't managed to achieve yet is the right team around me yet, just don't have to spread myself too thin. Finding those people who really want to grow and build with you instead of trying to use you to serve their own ends has proved a tricky one. But...I don't worry...all things in good time...

Outside of your family, who is / was your biggest inspiration?

Damn, how did you know I was going to say my mum!

Growing up – Eminem taught me how to play with words, David Blaine taught me mystery and The Prodigy taught me chaos. Now approaching my 32nd birthday I am in awe of the guitarist Alan Gogoll, the compositions of Ludovico Einaudi and still eternally...my mum. 

Tell us something nobody knows about you…

I once shoved so many peanuts up my nostrils because I was bored waiting in the car that I had to be rushed to hospital.....yep...oh life.

My London

What do you love most about London?

Being immersed in music, be that playing it live myself, creating it in studios, co-writing, or going to gigs. The best show's I've ever been to have been in this remarkable city.

What would you change about London?

I would love there to be 50% more space of the tube, I think people would be as proportionally as happy about that too.

What is your favourite London pub / bar?

The Sun on Bethnal Greed Road always gets my top spot, my local after all.

What is your favourite London restaurant?

So many good places to choose from, try The Clove Club on Old St. 'Spenny but OMG the best meal I've ever eaten.

Where would you take someone on a London date?

To a Sofar Sounds show and then on to one of Londons many great cocktail bars – Satan's Whiskers, or Coupette both near Bethnal Green to name a few. Beyond that? if it's going well head into Soho and hit up The Box. It will be the most fun you can have with your clothes on....

If you’re visiting London, what’s the one thing you MUST do?

One thing! There is literally so much to do!

I say: see who's playing live on the weekend, take a walk around Broadway Market and Brick Lane when the markets are on, and rent one of the many pushbikes that are dotted around the city to make the best of it, plan a route that takes you via the canals you'll have so much fun I'm sure.

For more info, see samwaymusic.com