Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Sam Stokes
THE RELEASE
Sam Stokes has just unveiled her latest single, "Met a Man," a poignant and compassionate composition that delves into the depths of human emotion. This heartfelt track tells the story of someone beloved who has experienced a fall from grace, and yet, Stokes manages to see love and compassion within them. "Met a Man" serves as a reminder to cherish and support those who are going through their darkest moments, embracing them with empathy and understanding. Stokes' evocative lyrics and soulful vocals invite listeners to connect with the song's message of love and resilience.
As the first single released from Stokes' forthcoming debut album, "Met a Man" sets the tone for the highly anticipated project, titled Common Ground, scheduled to be released in October 2023. With its raw and unfiltered energy, the song perfectly embodies the essence of Stokes' musical style, showcasing her ability to express intense emotions with authenticity and vulnerability. Through her poetic storytelling and profound observations, Stokes reveals her exceptional songwriting prowess and leaves no doubt that she is a rising star in the music industry. With "Met a Man" as a powerful introduction, music enthusiasts eagerly await the full album, eager to experience the magic that Sam Stokes has in store for her listeners.
THE INTERVIEW
What song or moment in time sparked your passion for music?
Impossible to say. I think I was always destined for music, which is why I chose my family and my ancestors before coming to Earth as Sam Stokes. All of my relatives are and have been incredible musicians. I was on stage while my mom was pregnant days before she gave birth and then a few days after I was born, she was back on stage with me strapped into a baby wrap.
So in that, I am incredibly grateful for how everything has been so interwoven.
If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?
Easy! Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder.
Why these artists in particular? These artists unlock doors within yourself you didn’t even know were there. They help you see colors you didn’t know existed in the field of vision. They help you feel emotions that never had a name but somehow fit perfectly within the context of one song. They are timeless and they are gifts to humanity. Their songs are gifts for humanity. So for that, I am grateful and deeply inspired.
As for this release, who is the producer and what about the production moved you?
This song, as well as the album Common Ground, coming later this year, was all self-produced. A friend told me it’s one of the most challenging things to perform open-heart surgery on yourself, which is what producing your own record can feel like, but in the end it was incredibly moving and deeply spiritual the whole process.
How does your creative process work from the moment you develop the idea to the completion of the record?
One of my core beliefs, my core sayings is “serve the song.” Whether I am collaborating with others or working alone, I firmly believe I am the vessel for the message coming through, so an active part of my process is to genuinely send my ego out the door. I kindly ask my ego to take a walk and leave the room so that the muse may come through without judgment. Once the ego has left, there is now an opening, a window for the muse to come dance and whisper sweet melodies in my ear. Normally the process of recording is simultaneous with the process of creation. Especially on this record, the moment was captured as the muse danced onto the recording.
When it comes to the songwriting on this record, what is the message you want to get across to your listeners?
Everything comes down to love. No matter how we feel about a situation, no matter how strong a feeling of anger or sadness or fear, the answer is always love. So to see our loved ones in their greatest challenges and greatest triumphs from the perspective of love is our most precious gift we may give them.
KEEP UP WITH IDLE MOON BELOW:
