Pop Culturalist Chats with Sam Way

Model Sam Way is more than just a pretty face. He’s a talented singer-songwriter quickly making his mark in the music industry. His latest single, “Last Page”, is blowing up. And, we can’t say we’re surprised.

The self-taught musician learned chords and riffs in between photo shoots and runway shows. And, our ears are thankful he did. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with him about his rising career, juggling two passions, and his upcoming sophomore EP.

PC: What inspired your new single, “Last Page”? And, what was the songwriting/recording process like?
Sam: “Last Page” was born from a jam session at my place with fellow singer-songwriter and lead singer of the Arcaves, Billy Wright. I was messing around with some chords and some ideas of fantasy and storytelling. Then, Billy turned up, and we chatted about our respective dysfunctional relationships.

We came across the idea of the last page of a story and it became the core of the song. The recording process was lengthy, but fun, so many amazing musicians lent themselves to the creation of the song. We took loads of time to reflect and added all the layers which make it what it is.

PC: It’s the first single off your upcoming sophomore EP, when can fans expect it to be released?
Sam: March! Whooohooooo. I’m so damn excited.

PC: Are you planning a tour following the release? And, do you have any upcoming shows in the works?
Sam: It’s all in the pipeline. And, it should be around the time of the release of the EP.

PC: How would you describe the new EP in a few words?
Sam: Epic. Cinematic. Alternative indie-pop.

PC: How is it different than the Architect EP?
Sam: The all important addition is rhythm. A lot of the Architect EP was rich in strings and lush in texture/harmony but this time I just wanted to grab listeners from the start. Also, expect my most danceable track to date too—a co-write between me and Henry Dell.

PC: How did you make the transition from modeling to music? And, if you could only do one for the rest of your life, which would it be?
Sam: I feel my development as an artist has been largely born from the life I found myself living as a model; lots of spare time alone, lots of traveling, lots of meeting people and being exposed, from quite a young age to a bizarre and fascinating world. Though I love creating an image and being part of that process, I would have to choose music. I feel there is so much still to explore.

Photo Credit: Arron Dunworth via Sam Way’s Instagram Page

PC: What’s more nerve-wracking: walking the runway or performing live?
Sam: *laughs* Depends! Once, during Milan Fashion Week, one of my flip flops started falling off my foot as soon as I stepped out onto the catwalk of this show I was in. I dragged it across the floor, trying to get it back on my foot properly, but eventually just gave up, bent down, and picked it up. That was a funny moment. Gigs are always nerve-wracking but in a ‘this makes me feel alive’ sort of way.

PC: Who are some of your musical influences?
Sam: All my friends know, I’m pretty easy to influence! It’s so eclectic, and my taste leans towards the obscure, and sometimes the classical. I spent my late teens listening to UK hip hop, drum and bass, and dubstep in that order. Then, it was more weird electro, soundtracks, and soundscapes! I think my taste has just been a massive melting pot.

PC: Who is an artist you would love to collaborate with and why?
Sam: Major Lazer. I just love them!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Sam: *laughs* Naruto Shippuden—A Japanese cartoon about ninjas!

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Sam: Aladdin

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Sam: Little Shop of Horrors. When I was in school, I played the Plant! I literally had to shout my lines. It’s a taking to eat people from inside this massive papier-mache beast that the art department had to make.

PC: Favorite book?
Sam: The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy.

PC: Favorite social media platform?
Sam: Instagram

PC: Hidden talent?
Sam: Card tricks

PC: If you could have dinner with five people, alive or dead, real or fictional, who would they be and why?
Sam: This is actually really hard! There are too many amazing people and characters! Anyway, here’s my tentative dinner party guest list:

• David Attenborough: A legitimate legend. I could just listen to him talk for hours.
• Bill Bailey: So brilliant in every single way.
• Muhammad Ali: The greatest. RIP. What stories he would have.
• Blanca Padilla: This girl’s smile melts me to pieces.
• Ed Sheeran: The singer-songwriter who changed it all. Maybe we could even have a jam.

Make sure to follow Sam on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. And, don’t forget to pick up “Last Page” on iTunes!