auspOp favourite Sam Bluer recently released a ‘Naughty’ new single, so Brad decided to ask a few little questions of him for our latest Q&A.
Q : Congratulations on the release of your latest single ‘Naughty’. What was the inspiration for the song?
A : Thanks so much! Well I was in a session with Muki, Phebe Starr & Sam Sakr and we wanted to write a song from a different perspective, something interesting and unique. Someone eventually mentioned ‘Call Your Girlfriend’ by Robyn and we decided to write a song from the cheater’s perspective. We knew it would be a bit taboo, but it ended up being such a bop we just went with it.
Q : Was it a conscious decision to use male pronouns in your songs? Some LGBT artists conform to being heteronormative, but I appreciate that you haven’t.
A : Not really, if I’m being honest. It was written with the intention of me being the artist who releases it and it just made sense to use the correct pronoun. I guess we could have used “they” to keep it ambiguous but it never really crossed my mind.
Q : The song cheekily talks about cheating on your partner. Are you worried this might scare off potential boyfriends?
A : Haha no. It’s definitely a fictional song. But I’m never going to worry about scaring someone off because of my music.
Q : The film clip has a hilarious ’80s feel to it. What prompted the decision to go in that direction?
A : We wanted to create something very ’80s / ’90s inspired. It was all filmed on different types of VHS which was really fun.
Q : Towards the end you have a mock conversation with your partner catching you coming home late – does this draw on personal experiences?
A : That’s actually a cut from a movie we found and it just fit so perfectly I had to put it in the song! Added such a fun element to it.
Q : In our Get To Know piece with you, you mentioned that you were discovered by radio producer and Project U blogger Nic Kelly. What has been his impact on your music?
A : Nic has been instrumental in my evolution as an artist! He’s always been a part of my team and I’m always showing him new songs and getting advice. I’m forever grateful to him for seeing something in me!
Q : You have supported the likes of Vera Blue and Handsome on tour. What have you learnt from doing these shows?
A : They were so much fun! I really enjoyed them. I learnt a lot about the tech side of performing, which was so helpful and I just gained so much knowledge about stage presence and crowd engagement from watching them on stage. It was so wicked. I’m very lucky to have had those opportunities.
Q : Who would be your dream collaboration?
A : Hmmm… Probably Tove Lo or Dua Lipa or MNEK. So many I could keep going!
Q : What song do you wish you had written?
A : Sakima – ‘Holy Water’. It’s one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard.
Q : What songs are high on rotation on the Sam Bluer personal playlist at the moment?
A : ‘Quits’ by Flume – absolutely thrashing that ATM. ‘At Least I Look Cool’ by Sasha Sloan and ‘Hi, It’s Me’ by Ashnikko.
Q : The release follows your other singles ‘Shift’, ‘Body High’ and ‘Bite My Tongue’. Will any of these tracks feature on your upcoming EP/album?
A : No, I don’t think they’ll be on any EP I release. They’re having their moment now, so I think I’ll probably leave them off.
Q : What can we expect from a Sam Bluer body of work?
A : My next releases are much more vulnerable and mature, which is scary but super exciting. They tell the story of a real experience I went through a few years ago and I’m so keen to get them out!
Q : When can we expect this to be released?
A : I’ll be releasing new songs in a couple of months! Just finishing it all up at the moment!
Q : How do you go about translating the musical vision you have for your EP/album into live shows
A : I think creating the right set and having a great flow to the songs is really important, ultimately I want people to come on a journey with me and the emotions behind my songs. I find creating the right ambience super important for my shows and music as well.
Q : Will there BE some live shows?
A : Yes! We’re currently working on some pop shows towards the end of the year. I find Australia a bit difficult in terms of the lanes you can take with the type of pop music I’m creating, so we’re creating platforms ourselves, which is exciting.
Q : Lastly, do you have a message for our auspOp readers?
A : Thanks so much for the support I’ve received and keep an eye out for my next releases. I’m super proud of them! Much much love ❤️
Sam Bluer’s new single ‘Naughty’ is available at digital service providers everywhere.
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