Sam (vocals/guitar) looks back at his year going solo with Mixtape Saints!
How was 2014 for you?
Up and down I guess… Played some really great shows with some really great people, but nowhere near as many as I wanted to! I guess its that time of year where everyone gets all introspective and retrospective… It always makes me think of Counting Crows lyrics, haha.
What was the best/most memorable show you played?
Probably Clear Your Throat Fest, it was in The Chameleon Café in Nottingham which is this awesome venue above a card shop (and right next to Nandos!) and we played with some wicked bands. It was also the last band show I played with two of my good friends, so that was pretty special. Other than that, WTFest was amazing, and its been ace to play quite a few shows with close friends.
What was the best show you went to?
Seeing Martha play (and blow a PA!) in a packed out art spae in Leamington was pretty amazing. It’s kind of rare to get that kind of an atmosphere round here, so it was really special to see people dancing on a Sunday Afternoon.
What are some of your favourite releases this year?
My buddies Magpies and Vagabonds dropped a wicked EP, GIVER, and their even newer stuff is so cool! I’m still completely in love with the Guerrilla Monsoon record, totally relatable, and so full of energy. I love the latest Martha record, and Perkie’s full length, Time Machines, is just beautiful song writing. In terms of “bigger” bands, I’m still not over Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me! even though that came out at the start of the year. This year was the first time I heard the Lorde record as well…its amazing, particularly when listened to back to back with The Postal Service.
What are you excited for in 2015?
Just to start playing shows again! There’s an awesome scene in the UK, even if it’s spread out all over the place and I can’t wait to get in a car and go catch up with people I haven’t seen for ages. Other than that, I’d love to finish the guitar I’ve been trying to build for like a year, find the perfect leather jacket, get a tremolo pedal, and think about playing music with other people again… Who knows, maybe I’ll even release another record.
