As I do each year, it feels appropriate in the wake of 2023 to pause and reflect on the twists and turns of my musical journey over the last 12 months. It’s been a period filled with proud music milestones and new experiences, but also continual challenges, risks, and occasional self-doubt. However, such is the dichotomy of pursuing art while […]
My Music Milestones of 2023: Growth, Creative Risk and Reward Read More »
I am thrilled to unveil details about my new single I’m Coming Home, set for release on December 8. This track marks a return to my roots, with a sound that long-time listeners will find both familiar and fresh. I’m Coming Home Cover Art Reveal I’m particularly excited to reveal the cover art, beautifully illustrated by Gianluca Cardinale: Inspiration and
I recently finished a new song that I’ve scheduled to go live before the end of the year. Tallying up the overall costs and budgeting for promotion prompted sobering reflections on the precarious economics of releasing independent music when the realities are that costs may never be recouped. For transparency, here is my full expenses breakdown for this single track:
The Hidden Costs of Releasing Independent Music in the Streaming Age Read More »
Today, I want to reflect on an inescapable feeling that sits at the heart of my own experience as an independent musician and driven creative person who is determined to impart my own unique footprint on this world while I’m still alive. I don’t want to sound dramatic. Still, I feel like my own experience is likely common, an unspoken
Rehearsing Resilience: The Path to Triumph Over Musician’s Guilt Read More »
Here I am on the second day of November 2023, updating my new, swish blog almost 4 months since my last post. So much has occurred in these past months for me, and in the world that we live – much more than I have the energy to reflect upon, nor you have the patience to sift through. Since this
Celebrating the release of ‘The Year of the Rabbit’ music video, join me as I dive into the behind-the-scenes journey of recording, mixing, mastering, and release.
As the countdown continues towards the release of my new single ‘The Year of the Rabbit,’ it’s the perfect time to share some backstory behind its creation. So, let’s jump straight into it. Allow me to take you back almost 6 years, to a cold winter’s evening on a remote property in Upper Brogo, a suburb on the far south
Reconnecting and Looking Ahead: Embracing the Musical Journey Greetings music enthusiasts, Welcome to the final installment of my reflection series (for now). Today, I invite you to join me on a journey through the doubts and challenges that have coloured my musical path during the COVID-19 pandemic up until this point in time. We’ll explore how the absence of gigs
Reflections on the Journey: A Return to Music – Part 3 Read More »
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
Reflections on the Journey: A Return to Music – Part 2 Read More »
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,
Reflections on the Journey: A Return to Music – Part 1 Read More »
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. As some of you know, originals gigs are pretty rare for me these days. This
I have a songwriting itch. A creative hole in my pocket. I want to fill it up with new musical ideas and songs but I’m worried that nothing will stick. I want to do things in a different way. At the same time, I’m a stickler for processes and methodology. This brings me to part two of this blog series.
I’m currently shaping a songwriting process. One that is more reliant on the DAW, which seeks to use it as an instrument, as a tool. To support this process, I’ve also worked some magic in Excel and created a random parameter generator.
Are blogs still a thing? I want them to be a thing…. But my last post was a long, long time ago. Pre-global-pandemic long. Regardless of this, I’ve been busy. I mean… most people are busy. But I feel like I actively seek it out. It’s a symbiotic face-hugging alien sort of busy. Lately, it’s also been a productive sort
I love House Concerts. They are intimate, personal and musically fulfilling. These are often the gigs where people feel comfortable enough to have a big chat before or after the show. They are the gigs where you can get adequately deep on lyric backstory or the songwriting process. House Concerts make it easier to authentically connect through the power of music. For
Want a free limited edition t-shirt? To celebrate the release of my new album ‘Stare Into The Dark’, I’ve decided to give away some free t-shirts valued at $30 each. I also want to start dedicating a bit more time, energy and love into building up my mailing list. So on Friday 27th July, you can win 1 of 5
My new album ‘Stare Into The Dark’ is now out everywhere. Recorded live at Blue Sky Recording Studio in the Blue Mountains of NSW over three days, Stare Into The Dark is my third full-length release and includes many of the songs written during my 100 songs in 100 days songwriting challenge. Like my previous album, Violet Road, the creative
I’m extremely excited to announce the upcoming release of my third studio album – Stare Into The Dark – on June the 22nd. Pre-order Stare Into The Dark now. Pre-order is available right now via my bandcamp page and will include 3 advance tracks. Click HERE for more information. Where can you get a copy? The album is getting physical and
Announcing the release of Hazel Eyes, the latest single from my upcoming third album, Stare Into The Dark. The song was recorded live by Chris Gillespie with a 5-piece band in a cute, pink cottage, in the picturesque Blue Mountains of NSW, Australia. Performing on this track: Sam Newton – Acoustic Guitar, Voice Cameron Henderson – Electric Guitar Emma Stephenson
The gravel is loose today Traffic lights flash green I hope nobody gets hurt Mid-week panic is rampant Even children rush Should have stayed in bed today
Dark room, Swinging light, Dim and wet, Hid from sight. No sound, Silent fear, All alone, Quiet tears.
Cold and bright Hold me tight Give me sparks The match I strike This I know I’m bound to go Show me out Toward the snow Drag my feet And likely freeze Raise my hands Upon my knees Kiss the floor Feel no more Numb to touch The final pause
Come, my brothers, far and wide to view the memory maker It opens with an envelope and closes with a taper The present is the past and now the last thing you remember The first thing when you wake tomorrow wishing it was later On the surface memory is something you discover Lying in a darkened room, waiting for your
Secrets held within a bag Reveal the long-lost answer The only sign upon the tag A name you don’t remember Counting from a backwards clock Is gradually getting louder Your breathing slows, your numbness grows Reach out for your lover Rising metal fingers ease You lean in for the first time A book of fleeting fantasy Is faded from the
Merry widows stand in line The curtain call of truth divine They do not know which show will play Or if theres even a show today The only truth can’t be denied To inevitably stand in line Evening dress and favourite coat Open heart and lovers note
About the Porch Light Sessions The Porch Light Sessions are a series of monthly acoustic gigs showcasing both upcoming and established singer/songwriters to listening audiences. It is one of the few nights in Sydney where you can actually be in a public space, in a pub, but once an artist gets up on to the stage, the people go quiet. It’s
What is Australian Americana Music? According to the newly launched Americana Music Association of Australia, Australian Americana music builds on established definitions of the genre and “melds them with aspects of uniquely Australian sounds, stories and lyrical content, often influenced by our history, people and place in the world.” fyi: Americana is contemporary music that incorporates elements of various American roots music styles, including country,
My Spotify Playlist – Australian Americana Spotlight Read More »
A week ago, I officially released a new music video for We Can’t See An End In Sight, the first track from ‘Violet Road‘. My good friend Lyn Taylor is the mastermind behind the clip with filming, directing, producing and editing duties. We shot the video both in Lyn’s studio and on a cold, rainy night in Sydney, at a number of
Lineup Addition to Cully Fest 2017 I’m very happy to announce that I’ll be performing with my full band as part of Cully Fest 2017, held at the Toowoomba Showgrounds in Queensland. Cully Fest 2017 is an annual all-ages Folk Festival held between 17-19 November. Over the course of three days and three nights, festival goers are provided with the opportunity to immerse themselves in music,
New Residency @ Different Drummer Bar, Glebe Great News – Starting tomorrow, the 4th April, I’ll be playing on the first Tuesday of every month as part of a residency over at Different Drummer Bar in Glebe. It’ll be 2x solo sets between 7:30-9:30pm(ish). Expect a good selection of originals and tasteful covers. Hope you can make it.
Different Drummer Bar Residency on First Tuesday Every Month Read More »
I have just released a new single. The song is titled ‘Simone‘ and was written and recorded as part of a reward for a crowd-funding campaign that I ran a couple of years ago. This new single will be a digital-only release and not pressed as a physical CD. It is free to download via my Bandcamp Page but will cost you an
Violet Road has officially been released for several months now. With all things that are no longer new and sparkly, the chance of getting any more press to give my album a listen and review has dwindled to almost zero. I say almost zero, because I’ve just been forwarded a great write up by Samuel J. Fell (Rolling Stone, SMH, Rhythms) with permission to
On Friday the 16th of September, I am releasing my second album ‘Violet Road’ and will be heading out on the road across 5 states to support its release. Pre-order Violet Road and receive an instant download of my new single ‘Hold You Down’. Watch the video here: Here are the full Tour Dates: 17th-18th September || Nimbin Roots Fest ||
UPDATE 11th April 2021: since my Soundcloud Pro Account membership lapsed, many of the track were unavailable. I have now amended this by adding them to my own website’s playlist function. Enjoy! ———- Yesterday at around 7:30pm, I wrote my 100th consecutive song in 100 days, successfully completing a songwriting challenge that I commenced on the 9th of May, 2016.
100 songs in 100 days Songwriting Challenge – A Reflection Read More »
100 songs in 100 days … a tenth of the way there I’m already over 10 days into my 100 songs in 100 days songwriting challenge. So far, I’ve found this to be an extremely satisfying experience. I’m getting a large output of original music and feel myself improving exponentially at something that I am very passionate about. However, there
In my time spent exploring the internet, researching songwriters and reading independent musician blogs, I have occasionally come across something known as the 100 songs in 100 days Challenge. With this floating somewhere in the back of my mind, I sat down on Monday with my guitar, coffee and iPad. I had just finished the successful run of A Man Walks Into
On Tour As of today, I am officially half of the way through my February Violet Road Tour. I’ve already had so much fun on tour down the South leg. I’ve met new people to share my music with, recorded a Midnight Sessions song for Lyn Taylor’s Youtube Channel, caught up with old friends, jammed with incredible musicians and played in places
Yesterday, I returned home from the Tamworth Country Music Festival. This was my second time attending Tamworth, with the last one being in 2011. This year’s festival was filled with its fair share of highs and lows but for the most part, I had an incredible time. I met countless amounts of new people and talented fellow-musicians who I am
As you can see, I’ve got a whole new look website! It’s using a theme by WordPress called ‘Harmonic‘, which I’ve customised just a tad. Hopefully this’ll make for a more enjoyable and smoother browsing experience. Enjoy!
Ladies and Gentlemen – Bill’s Lost Love, It is my absolute pleasure to introduce to you – Bill’s Lost Love the Animated Music Video by Sarah Eddowes! This video is 6 months in the making and has been made possible by all of the incredible people who donated to my crowd-funding campaign several months back. Using a combination of mediums and
Announcing the Official release of the ‘Bill’s Lost Love’ Animated Music Video, created by Sydney Animator Sarah Eddowes over a 6-month period. The Animated Music Video Launch will be held at the Glebe Justice Centre (formally Cafe Church) AKA Glebe Uniting Church and the night will commence at 7pm SHARP. This Event is BYO. Tickets will be $10 Prebooked or
As you can see from the previous top 3 albums post, there is a major advantage in having friends that share similar music tastes to you and who are also avid taste-makers. However, sometimes this isn’t the case. In those situations, don’t underestimate the power of quality music blogs. Before I get going on my next top 3 albums of now, here are
In addition to being a creator of music, I am also a passionate listener. From now and into the foreseeable future, I’ll be adding a weekly post sharing some albums that I’m currently listening to. My Top 3 Albums of Now will be from any era and are not limited by newest, edgiest, best or worst. Writing about these albums may not mean
Greetings, I’m still alive and keeping well. Just a quick one here to confirm to everyone that I have indeed updated the website. There are new fonts, pictures, some new pages (such as a press page), and an updated Bio. Basically just an overall new and improved feel with up-to-date info. While I’m on the topic of a new ‘Press
Hey everyone, We’re having a great time on the road bringing my music to new and exciting places around NSW. Here’s a short update as part of my planned Tour Blog: So far, some of the shows have been fantastic (Byron and Newcastle), and others not so much (Tamworth). We all played to our first empty room with our gig in
To celebrate the release of my upcoming debut album, ‘Set in Stone’, I’ll be taking my band out on tour in late October through November. We’ll be kicking off this tour with an album launch gig over at the Hibernian House in Surry Hills on the 18th of October. Joining me will be the very talented Chris Gillespie. For more information on
Ladies and Gentlmen, It is my pleasure to present to you my first full length album – ‘Set in Stone’ (releasing on 18th October) artwork by Sarah Eddowes (2014) A couple of Wednesdays ago, I got the record mastered by Rick O’Neil at Turtlerock Mastering. So now I can safely say that we are on track for a launch on the 18th of
Hey Friends, At my Hive Bar gig on Tuesday night, I was approached by some friendly audience members who help run Beejay’s Cafe and Wine Bar in Marrickville on Illawarra Rd. After some short conversation, they asked me if I’d be interested in starting a residency in Beejay’s for every Thursday @ 7pm. I said yes. How exciting is this?!
Greetings, Now that I’m at the 50% mark of my Pozible Campaign, it’s time for another big update. Here’s a video: httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsxaSuiBccg If you decided against the video, allow me to fill you in… New Tracks I’ve just put out another 2 songs from the album. This makes a total of 4 songs now available for your listening pleasure. There
Huge Album news at the halfway mark of my Pozible Campaign Read More »
On Wednesday 25/6/14, I attended a free for members event organised by the Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA) titled ‘Marketing Your Live Gig 101‘. Due to afternoon/evening private teaching commitments in previous years, this was my first time attending one of APRA’s events. So before I outline the night, let me just say how happy I am to have a service like
Ladies and Gentlemen… As promised, here it is: The official release of my first two singles from my Debut Album. That’s right, I’m throwing the definition of ‘single as one’ out the window. The following tracks can begin to give you some idea about the contrast in sound and style that I’ve gone for with this album. Both follow some sort of narrative but
Big News. Today, I’m announcing a crowd-funded Pozible campaign for my debut album. I’ve officially launched a Pozible Campaign to help fund the release of my full length Debut Album. Please share this link around. Any pledge will be forever appreciated: www.pozible.com/samnewton In total, I’m trying to raise at least $5500. Here’s where the funds are going: A music video
Announcing A Crowd-Funded Pozible Campaign For My Debut Album Read More »
Hey Everyone,As of next Tuesday the 6/5/14, I’ll be commencing a fortnightly residency over at The Hive Bar in Erskineville. This’ll have me playing a heap of my original stuff, both old and new, and a tasteful assortment of covers from folk, blues, country and traditional styles. The Hive Bar has a fantastic assortment of tasty beers on tap and cheap
A couple of days ago when one of my acoustic strings broke, I felt it a perfect opportunity to record a video lesson on how to change strings on a Steel String Acoustic Guitar. I was going make a post with extra written information to accompany the video, however it ended up being so long and in-depth that I don’t
How to Change Your Guitar Strings + Gigs, Recording Updates Read More »
Last Christmas (I gave you my heart… jokes), I received an iPad Air from my amazing partner, Gilly. I know that I’m a little late to the tablet party, but I had been waiting around for a particular mixture in design and hardware that was slick, light and powerful. For me, this was Apple’s latest offering. Due to the enormous
5 Essential iPad Apps for Practicing and Performing Musicians Read More »
Hey all, Just a quick post with this one. I started editing and uploading some live videos that were recorded at the Marrickville Newsagency earlier this month but gave up due to poor sound quality from a swivelling fan in the room. Even still, the first three songs are there and I’ve compiled them as a playlist for anyone keen
Live Newsagency footage and some Cover Gig listings Read More »
Towards the end of last year while I was overseas, my housemate sent me a message to notify me that he had brought his grandma’s record player home… I didn’t know how to react. While I was really exciting about the prospect of delving into the wonderful world of vinyl, I also knew that it would mean the beginnings of
It’s always tricky writing a catch-up post after leaving it so long without any updates on this page. This must be mostly due to the pressure that I put on myself to include absolutely everything. Writing now, I have surrendered to the prospect that I will indeed miss out on a thing or two. But that’s OK! Also, apologies for
Here in Australia, we have a new Prime Minister called Tony Abbott. With a new leader comes a new party and with that, differing (and at times opposing) policies which determine how we live today and how we will be affected in the future. In case you were curious, I voted for the other guy. I am not going to
As of writing, I am currently at the halfway point of my final Prac in Music Teaching over at St. Patrick’s College in Sutherland. The prospect of finishing this degree, which has occupied 90% of my time over the past 4 years, is a very exciting one. Only 3 weeks left (including this one). I have to say that this
You know those things that we intend to do, but don’t often get around to doing? Those tasks that slowly eat away at both our sanity and patience until we finally reach a point where we say “no more”? If you don’t know what I mean, see the following video: httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9tRGMBGzNs Recently, on a return trip from the Blue Mountains
I’m feeling pretty good right now. I’ve just finished my second last Semester of Uni and all my time can officially be spent on music, sleeping and video games. =D As such, I have just given my website a long overdue update. This includes a new look for my header, a few aesthetic fixes and some retina resolution love. I’ve
Lately, all of my posts have been about gig and website updates. This is only great as a sometimes thing… So I figure, it’s time to give something back. In addition to performing on stage and practicing in my bedroom, I also teach guitar privately and have been doing so for about 8 years. In fact, that’s my main source
I had a rehearsal last night with infamous Henderson Brothers (Nick and Cam)… They will be joining me for my Union Hotel gig this Thursday night. I’m pumped for it! We’ve got a great set of songs ready to go with a few new ones included. Here’s the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/350104155098583/?ref=ts&fref=ts … Just this morning, I also received a call
Union Hotel and The North End Cafe gigs. A massive week! Read More »
More gigs to announce… I just booked in a free gig at the 4 Pines Brewing Company in Manly. It’s on one of their Monday Singer/Songwriter nights. Considering they brew some of the best beer in Australia, the music is only an additional reason to head along. :p Other shows that I’ve yet to post on here are 2 UNSW
You know what’s really daunting? Looking at a blog such as the one on my website and thinking about what to write. How am I going to fill out enough words to justify this post as readable? I’ve had an epiphany. I don’t need to write up long posts. Small and sharp is where it’s at. Expect more updates… shorter
I’ve been very busy and very organised of late. If you look to your right, you will notice some new dates up and locked in for gigs. Hoping that some of you reading this will consider coming along… even after all of the facebook and email flooding that will be received. I have also uploaded some studio snaps taken with
What a massive break between posts! 2012 was a massive year and 2013 is going to be even bigger. Over the past few months, I’ve been busy recording an album with help from the wonderfully talented and polite Pat O’Grady on Engineering/Production. Here is Pat’s website: https://www.pogmusic.com/ We have a solid 11 tracks making the cut so far with half
Fans, Friends and Family, The Biennale gig was great fun. The boys played well and the crowd was diggin it. See if you can catch a glimpse of us in the following video: Asahi Super Dry presents The 18th Biennale of Sydney’s ‘Art After Dark’: August 24th, 2012 Also, on Saturday I attempted my 7th Grade exam
Spot us in this Vid.. and I am offically a 7th Grader. Read More »
Time for the second post of the day… Rather than dwelling on the past… Let’s focus on the future! As in… 6 hours from now. At 6:30pm tonight, I will be performing with Zeke Ruckman and John Clancy in a trio as part of the 18th anual Biennale Sydney. This gig is looking to be amazing. Here as a
Hey everyone! Firstly, I’m sorry. It wasn’t my intention to leave this blog so long without a post. I’m not very good with the whole internet punctuality thing. Heaps has been happening since my last update. SO… I’m posting two blogs right now. Yes two. Here are some of those happenings: Went to South Island of NZ and more specifically
Hey strangers! It has been quite a while in between posts. For this, I am deeply sorry… On the plus side, heaps of stuff has been going on. Website maintenance We’ve finally rewritten my bio and put it up on the About page. No more ‘Needs Updating’. 😀 Gigs Over the past few weeks, Emma (manager) and I have been
Happy Thursday! What a busy few weeks this has been… In addition to my high school prac, performance exam preparation, and private teaching commitments, I’m also trying to get back into a regular gig pattern. More shows the better I say! 🙂 On the topic of gigs, last night at Sappho’s bookshop, cafe and wine bar went great! Despite the
I woke up on this overcast, rainy sunday with the intention of posting about a gig that I have this Wednesday at Sappho’s (see sidebar on right or facebook event here)…However, following a quick email check, I discovered that one of my heroes – The great finger and flat picking bluegrass/country/americana guitarist Doc Watson has sadly passed away at the
Greetings. My High School Prac is going great. I’m currently at a School in Sydney’s highly multicultural south west… Couldn’t be happier though! I’ve also added an image gallery… A few albums up, more content to come. Next on the agenda – book some more gigs and post them up. 😀 Speak soon.
Greetings! My writing of this post represents something great…It represents my intention to maintain this blog as something constant. Let’s set ourselves a goal of maybe 3-4 times a week? Yeah? Yeah. Moving on.. As of late, I’ve been slaving away on my Vodafone iPhone-tethered internet to get this website int0 some kind of presentable shape. I’ve added pages, content
Welcome! So I’ve had this domain and webspace for just under a year and a half now with nothing coming out of it. I had an email with a fancy sounding address (@samnewtonmusic.com) but that is all… I wanted to do something with it but just couldn’t find the time/motivation. A few days ago, I figured enough is enough. I
