Sam Newton

Musician, Performer, Songwriter.

on

Rediscovering my Sound: Unexpected Songwriting Styles

Greetings music lovers,

In this blog post, I invite you to join me on a sonic adventure as I explore the evolution of my songwriting style during my recent(ongoing?) period of obscurity. Life’s demands and external factors have shaped my journey in unexpected ways, leading me to discover new sounds and genres. Today, I’ll share with you my experiences of rediscovering my voice and redefining the boundaries of my music.

Unforeseen Combinations

Embracing new musical territories has been an exciting endeavor, leading me to explore sonic soundscapes I hadn’t originally planned on traversing. While folk and alt-country have been my musical roots for years, my growing confidence with digital composition and experimentation in Logic Pro X through sampling and production, and a newfound appreciation for VST instruments and plugins, has infiltrated my creative process and introduced some electronic elements where none previously existed. These unexpected genre fusions have unlocked new dimensions of creativity and expression within my music.

How have these diverse influences transformed my sound and expanded the palette of emotions I can convey through my songs?

My current home studio setup

Embracing Serendipity

Some of the most beautiful creations arise from unexpected moments of inspiration. Over the past few years, I have allowed myself the freedom to indulge in spontaneous songwriting sessions, incorporating technology in addition to organic flow.

See my songwriting parameter generator, which has since evolved further.

These unscripted moments have become a testament to the artistic growth that continues to occur. By embracing serendipity and letting my creative instincts guide me, I have discovered an authentic representation of my artistic evolution.

How have these unplanned songs and unfiltered moments of creativity become a true reflection of my musical journey?

Stay tuned for the next post in this reflection series, where I delve into the concept of relevance and address the doubts that lingered during my absence from releasing music.

on

A Pause, a Transformation, and the Arrival of Arthur

Greetings music lovers,

In this blog post, I invite you to join me on a reflective journey through the past few years—an era where I took a temporary hiatus from releasing music. Life presented me with significant changes, challenges, and responsibilities that shifted my focus away from my musical career. Today, I’ll share the transformative moments that reshaped my life and artistic journey.

A Welcoming Change

Since my last release, my family expanded with the arrival of Arthur, blessing my daughter Florence with the role of a loving big sister.

Bushwalking with Florence
Baby Arthur keeping warm
Twins!

Parenthood has deepened my sense of responsibility and fueled my creativity in unexpected ways. Witnessing the beautiful bond between my children has inspired me to delve deeper into the depths of emotions and explore new themes within my songwriting.

This increased calling to responsibility and the joys of family life has influenced the depth and sincerity of my music.

A Life Demanding Balance

Amidst the demands of daily life and navigating a challenging global climate, I often find it difficult to fully immerse myself in music. Financial responsibilities, a busy life-schedule and the lingering effects of COVID-19 have created mental barriers that often hinder my ability to book gigs with the confidence I once had. The question that occasionally lingers in my mind is not whether a massive crowd would eagerly anticipate my performances, but rather how I could overcome these obstacles and continue to connect, or re-establish connection, with those who have regularly come to see me play in the past?

How can I ensure that every performance, no matter the size, becomes a memorable experience for those in attendance?

While the size of my following may be modest, I am grateful for the unwavering support of those who appreciate my music. Their presence, whether in person or in spirit, fuels my passion and reminds me of the profound impact that music can have on our lives. Together, we navigate this uncertain landscape, and I am committed to exploring new avenues of engagement to reach those who resonate with my songs on a deeper level. Time to get it together and book more gigs.

Stay tuned for the upcoming posts in this reflection series as I continue to share my musical journey and the evolution of my sound.

on

Next Wednesday, I’m returning to Newtown to play a gig at The Midnight Special, sharing a bill with the Marvellous Hearts. (Thank you Mother Hen Touring!)

Thanks to Bill Donohoe for the following snaps, taken during my last show at the Midnight Special in 2021.

Sam Newton gig at the Midnight Special
Sam Newton gig at the Midnight Special
Recorded by Jolyon Gray in April 2021

As some of you know, originals gigs are pretty rare for me these days. This is also a rescheduled date, after I came down with COVID back in February. Hope you can make it!

TICKETS AVAILABLE VIA OZTIX – $15+BF

@ The Midnight Special

Book Tickets