Samuel is a 22 year old singer, songwriter and producer who started out in the creative scene as a model. However, he’s not just a pretty face, moving between Paris and London, Samuel has released music in both languages, covering topics from relationships to the climate crisis. We caught up with him to discuss how his dad influenced his music, how music can help anchor the climate movement and his newly released EP: Lonely.
First of all, how are you? What have you been up to today?
Hi, I’m great, better than ever actually! Spent the day with my family today. I’m always with my family when I’m in London.
Let’s talk a little bit about your journey. What was your upbringing like and how does it affect your music?
I was born in Paris and was raised by my dad who’s a musician. He taught me the basics of music from a very young age by sharing all his favourite albums and inspirations with me. He’s never made music professionally, but we always say that music is a kind of second religion in our family and I think that’s beautiful. He always pushes me to be curious and open-minded, so I think this really helped me with my journey in the music industry.
What music did you listen to when you were younger? What was the first single/album that you bought?
I was obsessed with the Jackson 5 when I was a young kid. I was already dreaming of singing on a stage. I’d also listen to all the mainstream pop music like all the other kids – it’s always been my favourite genre.
Who are your biggest inspirations at the moment?
Nowadays, it’s so easy to discover new music that it feels like I find someone new who inspires me every day! But at the moment I am obsessed with Oklou, Rosalia and Troye Sivan, I’m really into this HyperPop vibe. I love it!
You’ve been described as “a multi-faceted artist”. What does this mean to you?
To be honest, I don’t know, I just don’t like to feel like I am stuck in a box. I love singing but I also love writing, producing and acting, and a whole host of other things. I enjoy being in control of everything that’s visually related to my projects. For example, I was lucky enough to create the concepts of my own music videos singles/EP covers. It’s a cool way for me to be involved in much more than just the music.
The GreenTeam sounds like an amazing collective. Can you tell me a little more about it and what you hope to achieve through it?
With the GreenTeam album, we wanted to reach young or very young people. This was super important as these are the people who are going to be most affected by our climate crisis, so it’s vital that they get involved in the movement. That’s what we wanted to achieve with the album. I’ve met so many incredible young people through the project, it’s been really inspiring.
You’ve released songs in both French and English, how does the creative process differ when writing in each respective language? What feels more comfortable for you?
At the beginning of my career, I was young and was not that confident switching between languages. I’ll forever love all the music I’ve made in French but English just speaks to me. I feel way more comfortable and free writing and collaborating with my co-writers in English, the opportunities are infinite.
You seem to make music all over the world, from France to LA to the UK. Where’s home for you?
I love having different places I can feel at home in the world, it makes me feel alive to travel but London and Paris are home for sure, it’s where my family is.
So you recently released your first EP, Lonely. What’s the reception been like?
It’s been the best feeling ever, people seem to really love it, especially the new single ‘Across the Room’. It’s a very important song to me so sharing this with the world feels weird but so good.
Your title track is an “ode to solitude”. What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re alone?
The main thing I’ll do when I’m alone is make music. It can be on my piano or on my computer. I love making beats and melodies, at any time of the day or night. Other than that I love binge watching shows and I can drown myself on TikTok like most young adults I think, haha.
What’s the overarching message of the EP?
In this EP I’m basically sharing my feelings of saying goodbye to someone that is already gone, in a sad and nostalgic way, but without being bitter about it. It’s almost a message of accepting the process of being alone again.
Your single ‘Across the Room’ has been featured in multiple Spotify playlists. Have you created any playlists that you’re particularly fond of? If so, what kind of vibe are they?
Yes I have a public playlist featuring all my favourite tracks right now. The vibe is new and eclectic, I like sharing songs that I have just discovered, rather than from artists who are super famous.
When you’re not making music, what’s your favourite thing to do? Where can you normally be found?
I love spending time with my friends and doing simple things with them, we usually have coffees, go for drinks or food and can spend hours just talking about life.
What have you got planned for this summer?
Summer is my favourite time of the year. Because I spend most of the year in big cities, when summer comes around I always make sure I’m in the countryside. Once I’m there I spend time with my friends and family, just soaking in that summer feeling!
