Sam Buckingham Songs That Made Me Interview
Sam Buckingham Songs That Made Me Interview
Acclaimed Australian singer songwriter Katie Noonan assembles her musical sisters next month for the return of the glorious -Songs That Made Me' series. Growing from a successful tour in 2013, this year's undertaking is more extensive – a full length album combining the talents of this country's most breathtaking female artists, with 100% of profits directed to Cancer Council's Pink Ribbon campaign, followed by an extensive national tour.
Cancer Council's Pink Ribbon raises funds and awareness for women affected by breast and gynaecological cancers. Cancer Council is the only charity that works across every area of cancer through world-class research, prevention programs, advocacy and patient support services. For more information visit www.pinkribbon.com.au
Released on 17th October and coinciding with Cancer Council's -Emeralds and Ivy Ball', Songs That Made Me features an inspired tracklist, showcasing 14 female artists who are passionate about the cause. From much-lauded talents such as Renee Geyer, Deborah Conway, Mia Dyson, Angie Hart and Katie herself, to new stars Sam Buckingham, Stonefield, Melody Pool, Sahara Beck and more, the line up is impressive. Each artist has chosen a track with special significance, continuing on with the Songs That Made Me theme of sharing stories of influences, artistic journeys and the landmark songs that have sound-tracked their lives.
The Songs That Made Me tour will follow from the end of October and into November, when Katie Noonan, Angie Hart, Melody Pool and Sam Buckingham take the show on the road! Starting in Perth on 30th October, they'll visit Adelaide, Melbourne, Castlemaine, Penrith, Sydney, Newcastle, Byron Bay and Brisbane, before finishing off in Gold Coast style on November 23rd.
Katie Noonan said today, --I am so thrilled to be able to join with these remarkable women, utilising the Songs That Made Me concept, to raise funds and awareness for Cancer Council's Pink Ribbon campaign. It's not every day that you get to work with such incredibly gifted artists and contribute something meaningful at the same time. Sadly, cancer has touched all of us in some way and I've recently experienced first hand, through the illness of a family member, the amazing benefits that quality nursing care and support can bring. I am looking forward to getting our campaign underway and raising money for such a worthy cause. On a personal note, our stellar husband and wife rhythm section - Evan Mannell and Zoe Hauptmann - will be touring for the first time with their new baby boy Alby and the wonderful Angie Hart will be resplendent with her pregnant glow - so will be special on many levels!".
The tour is proudly presented by Blooms Health Products:
Blooms Health Products is a 100% Australian owned company that has been supporting Aussie health since 1936 when natural health pioneer Henry Bloom opened one of Australia's first health food stores. Since then their range of vitamins and supplements has 'Bloomed' into a well loved comprehensive, high quality range. Although others have appeared with similar names, they are the original and only natural 'Blooms health' brand in the country. Brett Ditchfield, company MD, said today, "Here at Blooms Health Products we are thrilled to have the opportunity to support this all Australian innovative musical project." www.bloomshealth.com.au
Kin Music and Blooms Health Products Present Songs That Made Me Tour featuring Katie Noonan, Angie Hart, Melody Pool and Sam Buckingham
OCTOBER Thursday 30th: Artbar Perth, WA: Tickets: www.artgallery.wa.gov.au/artbar
Friday 7th: The Gov Adelaide, SA: Tickets: www.thegov.com.au & www.oztix.com.au
Saturday 8th: Thornbury Theatre Melbourne, VIC: Tickets: www.thethornburytheatre.com
Thursday 13th: Joan Sutherland Pac Penrith, NSW: Tickets: www.jspac.com.au
Friday 14th & Saturday 15th: The Basement Sydney, NSW: Tickets: www.thebasement.com.au & www.moshtix.com.au
Sunday 16th: Lizotte's Restaurant Newcastle, NSW: Tickets: www.newcastle.lizottes.com.au
Saturday 22nd: Old Museum - Concert Hall Brisbane, QLD: Tickets: www.oldmuseum.org
Sunday 23rd: Soundlounge Gold Coast, QLD: Tickets: www.soundlounge.com.au
Interview with Sam Buckingham
Question: What inspired you to get involved in the Songs That Made Me project?
Sam Buckingham: I love that it's about women supporting women, and working together to make something unique - a one off album and tour experience. All profits from our album sales are going to the Cancer Council's 'Pink Ribbon Foundation', providing research and support for women's cancers, so when Katie asked me to be a part of it, it was an instant 'yes'. What an honour to be able to use music as an avenue to make a difference.
Question: What is the Songs That Made Me project?
Sam Buckingham: It's all about celebrating music that's made an impact on our lives - whether that's as women, artists, mothers, daughters, sisters, wives. It's about collaboration, creativity and supporting one another.
Question: What did you learn working with Kat Noonan on the album?
Sam Buckingham: I learnt that the spirit of creativity and giving is pretty much all you need to feed the soul and fuel a fire.
Question: Can you talk us through your role on the album?
Sam Buckingham: I actually recorded my song at BMG Studios in New York City, as I was over that side of the world at the time of recording. My song was the first to be recorded, and we sent it through to the studio in Melbourne for Jo Lawry and Katie to add some backing vocals. I was a bit disappointed I couldn't be with the ladies in Melbourne but getting to record in New York softened the blow!
Question: What should we expect from the upcoming tour?
Sam Buckingham: Aside from Katie, Angie, Melody and I, we have a husband & wife rhythm section with Zoe Hauptmann on double bass and Evan Mannell on drums. We're playing a mixture of other people's songs that made us, and our own songs that made us. So there's quite a variety of styles and influences... There's a lot of conversation, stories and connection with the audience. It's a very personal, intimate show.
Question: What are you looking forward to most about the tour?
Sam Buckingham: Sitting on the stage with my friends, making beautiful sounds. There's nothing like it
Question: Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?
Sam Buckingham: Relentlessly. My inspirations are constantly changing, but I often draw from real life experience, which I think is common for a lot of songwriters. I've been living in Latin America for the past six months so I've been inspired a lot recently by the experience of traveling, living life in new ways and the internal changes that happen as part of that process.
Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?
Sam Buckingham: My favourites at the moment are Ray Lamontagne, Feist and Laura Marling - but my all time favourite is Marvin Gaye. Swoon.
Question: What's next? Tour/Album/Single?
Sam Buckingham: I'm heading back to Panama after the tour for a few months of writing and life in the ocean, then I'll be coming back to Australia next year to play some more shows. After that, we'll see.
Question: Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?
Sam Buckingham: Many moments. Not anymore but definitely when I was younger, and thought there was a pace I had to keep up with or a finish line I had to reach. Now I make music because it's who I am, and what I love, and I let that guide how I create and how I work.
Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?
Sam Buckingham: Oh that's like trying to pick your favourite child! I love the connection with the audience that comes from playing live, but I love the intense creative process of recording, and that it's such a private experience. I can't choose one... I love them equally.
Question: What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?
Sam Buckingham: There's been a lot of points along the way. Going to Bluesfest in Byron Bay was a big one, watching Kasey Chambers perform on, oh gosh, maybe it was Hey Hey It's Saturday, right when her first album came out... Was it that show? I can't remember. And then I remember watching a live DVD performance of hers and something clicked and I said to myself 'I have to do that'. Those moments were years and years ago, and other little moments have happened along the way that have compounded and solidified those feelings.
Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?
Sam Buckingham: I think my own fear has been the biggest challenge, and most important thing to learn to understand and work with. Learning and accepting there are no rules - and that, as an artist (and person), I'm allowed to just pick what I want to do and make that happen. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking things have to be done a certain way, or by a certain time... letting go of these expectations and replacing them with the permission to just create and be my true self has been an ongoing challenge.
Question: What's a typical day like?
Sam Buckingham: I don't think I know what a typical day is anymore! I try to just go with whatever's happening and make sure that wherever I am and whatever I'm doing I have at least a couple of hours to practice yoga and be by myself. That's one of the only constants, and it helps keep me grounded and focused on what's truly important to me.
Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?
Sam Buckingham: That feeling when I write a song, play a show, or record something in the studio and feel completely, totally, 100% right in myself. People find that feeling in many different things, I find it in making music. Or it finds me. It's just such a natural thing and it doesn't come from 'becoming' a music artist - it comes from having always been one.
Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?
Sam Buckingham: Only one? Dolly Parton. We would sing a gospel song and then I might die of happiness.
Question: Do you have a website fans can visit?
Sam Buckingham: www.sambuckingham.com
Interview by Brooke Hunter
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