Berlin-based singer-songwriter Sami Simon returns with another heartfelt new single, Carry You With Me.
The single is a delicately weaved blend of soulful songwriting, textured indie-folk and subtle electronics. Opening intimately with Sami’s warm vocals and his acoustic guitar, Carry You With Me then grows into a cinematic soundscape of stunning musicality. Fans of the likes of Fleets Foxes and Iron & Wine will instantly feel at home here. While drawing on the contemplative character from Simon’s debut single, Bombs, Carry You With Me conveys a melancholic yet consoling message. Sami elaborates,
I started writing this on a trip through Scandinavia and wanted to capture the twisted feeling of hope and heartache when you decide to move on but also leave something substantial behind. Like a love that has withered over time and has become painfully cold, while you still have those beautiful memories.”
In this interview spotlight, I speak with Sami about his latest release, motivations, challenges, and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I really like how a song that maybe doesn’t contain much more than guitars, vocals and perhaps some synths and reverb has the potential to be so beautiful, atmospheric and deep that you keep coming back to it for years. That’s what makes folk / indie folk / singer-songwrier music so appealing – it can be heartfelt and consoling with but a few simple but skillfull elements.
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
I fear it sounds like a cliché answer but when I start writing a song it happens out of an urge to do so. I can not say it does not feel good to be appreciated for the music that you wrote, but the actual origin is something different – it is a form of communication. It seems to just be there, trying to get out, aspiring to become something that can be heard by people.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
Oh and how they changed! As a child I preferred classical music (I was not forced to!), then I started to listen to Hip Hop and write rap lyrics. Around the age of 15 or so I started to play guitar and dived into the whole blues and classic rock thing, leading me all the way from Ray Charles over early AC/DC to Queens Of The Stone Age. I guess after that I just needed some more peaceful sounds, and now I am an indie folk musician. Though I do not see myself lined up in the tradition of folk songwriters, it’s just the approach or the arrangements that people classify as folk or indie folk.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
It is my debut so I guess that is the accomplishment.
What was the last song you listened to?
Still Parade – 07:41 – one of my most favorite songs of all time!
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I must admit I really enjoy the convenience of streaming services lately.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Spotify. I like the look & feel and the way it works, for the user as well as for the artist. It’s not perfect, the payment models are arguable and since most of the major labels are shareholders of Spotify it is also a political thing. But streaming has nearly stopped the illegal downloading and file sharing.. and yes, I use Spotify every day, it is a great tool!
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
Connecting with or finding fans has never been easier. Technically. At the same time the listeners can find many more songs and bands in one hour than ever before. So it is much more about attention and attention economy. Being featured in playlists or with a nice interview is one of the advantages of music in the web and social media. Having to post private (or enacted private) stuff every day to keep some people on board with you is something I don’t like to do.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
Besides music blogs, Facebook and Spotify are the ways that I prefer to discover new artists and connect with them myself. So connect with me on Spotify and Facebook or say hi via hi@samisimon.com
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
Thanks for the interview!
