Interview

Sam L. Williams Talks About His Career Path, Influence and New Music

Sam L. Williams is an extremely talented musician who has big dreams of one day paying his bills with his original music. A multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, bass, piano, and drums, he’s also a skilled singer-songwriter and arranger. The 25-year-old musician is deeply passionate and extremely knowledgeable about Oldies music from the 60’s and 70’s. Read more below.

Response below Each Questions

Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

Sam L. Williams –I have always been a fan of music for my entire life, but I didn’t discover I was actually good at it until I was in my early teens. Before then I listened to music and specifically, the music I grew up listening to (which was Oldies from the 50’s,60’s and early 70’s) but when I was young, I actually was thinking about being a cartoonist at the time because I was also fascinated and interested in Classic Cartoons at the time, but then one day when I picked up the bass and started to play it and I got really good at it, then I picked up the guitar and started to write songs shortly after I did that, I knew that this was what I’m good at & this was where my true talent was at & this was my calling.

I treat music like therapy for me so writing songs is like seeing a therapist for me cause I pour my feelings out into lyrics about what I feel the most strongly about and it’s a reflection of how I am feeling at a certain time in my life. As well as being a musician/songwriter, I consider myself a music geek & nerd so i have an extensive knowledge of songs & artists from the 60’s that goes deeper then what most people have about that subject. And that all started like stated above, when I first discovered 60’s music just when I was getting started on life when I was a toddler.

I knew then that I liked the music and I was also aware of me not being such a huge fan of today’s current music even back then (which still continues to this day to be honest with you with today’s popular music climate for the most part). because I remember when I was a kid being in the same car with my parents & my sister, we would always get into fights as to what station to listen to while we were both in the same car together going somewhere.

She wanted to listen to Radio Disney (at the time Britney Spears had just become a huge pop star and was a fresh and new face in the pop music world. I wasn’t crazy about her then, I”m still not), and I wanted to listen to K-EARTH 101, the Oldies station I loved listening to at the time that I couldn’t get enough of. Also just a reminder I’m 25 years old so I consider myself an “Old Soul” even though I’m not of the generation that grew up listening to this music back in the 60’s.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?

Sam L. Williams – I have had many twists & turns in my career, and I’m multifaceted so all of these things went into different directions which ultimately resulted into what’s happening now in my life.

I consider myself a music historian & an aficionado on all things 60’s music, so a lot of these stories about that part of my career tie in with the people I have met who were making & recording music from the 60’s, and many of these songs were big huge famous songs.

I once met the guy who produced and wrote a lot of number one hits for Motown in the 60’s, and I was able to secure him as a guest on my podcast. I also met the guy who was the original producer for The Kinks and The Who, and I also had him as a guest on my podcast as well.

I met these people at live music shows related to Oldies/60s music. I started the podcast 3 years ago after being encouraged by friends to do one about 60’s music and I’m currently over a 100 episodes deep into it with over 19.k thousand listeners in total all organically built up since I launched it.

As far as my original music is concerned, I was mentored early on by some cool people that helped shape my songwriting & recording craft when I was young. My first engineer I worked with worked on big hit records in the 80’s for artists like Cher, The Bee Gees and Blondie in New York.

A guy who helped kick start my songwriting career was someone who co wrote a bunch of big hit songs with Neil Sedaka in the 70’s. He mentored me and taught me everything I need to know about writing lyrics. I went to Musician’s Institute quite some years ago and recorded some songs there and I just couldn’t get much momentum going with my own music career after I graduated.

I played full band shows playing my own music but never made any real money off of them, I struggled financially for a long time and to add insult to injury, I had a full length album taken down from the streaming platforms it was on for reasons I’m still unsure of. Then I found the school I’m going to now (Jazz Hands for Autism) and they stepped in and are now providing career support for me for my upcoming release at no cost to me and I became aware of this school after a friend of mine introduced me to the head of the school virtually after she met him at NAMN.

I have been associated with my new school for 2 years now and I’m excited to see what the future will bring with me going there. I’m very hopeful & optimistic about them for sure.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Sam L. Williams – I have a tendency to clap for myself after every song I play live, which is weird but people seem to like it & they don’t necessarily mind it.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

Sam L. Williams – I do a podcast every week where I take one 60’s song by one 60’s artist/band, and I dive into it/analyze the song/break it down, then I talk about the history behind it. It’s called the Millennial Throwback Machine, and I also interview legendary musicians from the 60’s on my podcast to get their perspective on their music that they originated back then and I have them share the stories behind their songs.

But, I also have a potential project currently in the works with the organization the Grammy Foundation (part of LA Live). I also have an EP slated for release in May along with 3 other singles you can stream right now. It’s a self produced project where I play most of the instruments & every song on there is an original song of mine. Every song on the release is about relationships & some are based off of real life experiences & feelings I have had, others are written from someone else’s perspective & life and not mine.

Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?

Sam L. Williams – I once met the guy who originally co wrote and produced Stand By Me at a Rock & Roll History Storytelling event in Santa Monica, California and I was trying to pick his brain about some of the other hit records he worked on as a producer, and I asked him if he can remember who were the session musicians on some of the hits he worked on as a producer, he told me this and I’ll probably never forget it “after you get to a certain age, the names are the first thing that go”.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

Sam L. Williams – Find People in your life that support your dream & want to help you achieve your goals. Be Willing and able to barter with them so that way they don’t feel like they are not being appreciated by you. Honor them as you are asking them to honor you.

You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?

Sam L. Williams – Build a community of people within your industry around you and develop strong relationships with people within your industry that can help propel your career forward and don’t burn bridges.

Can you share with our readers any self care routines, practices or treatments that you do to help your body, mind or heart to thrive? Kindly share a story or an example for each.

Sam L. Williams – I do kickboxing 3 times a week, sometimes 4. I ride my bike and do 20 and at one point, 30 mile rides whenever the weather permits it. It has been a long time for me since I have done those big long 30 mile rides to be honest with you. I try to stick to at least 20 miles round trip so I don’t wear myself out and bite off more than I can chew on any given day when I choose to go cycling.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.

Sam L. Williams – Be prepared for the long haul and try not to get discouraged if things aren’t going the way you originally wanted them to go and don’t freak out if you have to start all over again in the middle of your career, cause that can be a part of the process in regards to you pathway to success within your industry.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

Sam L. Williams:

“Making Music is learning the rules and then learning how to break them”

“Great Music doesn’t have an expiration date”

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

Sam L. Williams – I had two mentors growing up that helped me along with my songwriting & recording career. One was a guy who co-wrote big hits with Neil Sedaka in the 70’s, and the other was an assistant engineer for Electric Lady Studios in New York in the late 70’s early 80’s.

One helped me write some of my earliest songs when I was a teenager and the other one recorded 2 songs of mine that I wrote and he fully mixed & mastered them. My teachers at Jazz Hands For Autism in Culver City (the school I’m currently going to) are also very helpful to me in my life and I am grateful for them because they have gone out of their way to help me out with various things in my music career free of charge so I’m very lucky to currently have them in my life.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

Sam L. Williams – I would want more Younger people/Millennial/Gen Z people to get excited and fall in love with 60’s music, just as I did when I was just a little boy. And I would want them to know about recording studios and session musicians of that time, and record labels and songwriters and have a deeper understanding of what went on back in the 60’s as far as the music business was concerned.

People within that age group tend to only focus on The Beatles, but I would want to open their minds to other bands & artists from that time besides them. I don’t have a lot of friends in my age group that love this music just as much as I do, and the ones that do love this music as much as I do, most of them are about 12-13 years older than I am.

Other than that it’s boomers & people that were there at that time. With my own music, I want to reach young men who have low confidence with themselves with girls and struggle with rejection & unrequited love and send a message to them saying that I know what that feels like & I have been there personally and can relate to you on that level, even if they have never met me and I have never met them personally.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this. 🙂

Sam L. Williams – Hands Down Burt Bacharach. I have been a lifelong fan of his music for as long as I can possibly remember, and I would absolutely LOVE to sit down and eat with him so I can pick his brain undisturbed about the absolutely AMAZING music he wrote with his then partner Hal David, plus talk about the session musicians he worked with back in the 60’s both in England, LA and New York and the studios he worked out of in those areas.

I would also smother him with compliments on his music & mention that the one commonality I have between me and him is that we both love the same kind of chords & chord changes & we both love songs with complex & interesting chord progressions and intelligently written lyrics about everyday emotions & feelings. I would LITERALLY die and go to heaven if this ever happens in my life.

How can our readers follow you online?

Sam L. Williams – I have three singles out now under my stage name – Sam L. Williams. Those are Keep Her In My Back Pocket, Turquoise Apricot and She Said No, and you can find those wherever you stream your music. Under that same name Artist Name will you find my upcoming EP that is coming out in May. I also have a podcast out now about 60’s music called the Millennial Throwback Machine and you can find that wherever you like to listen to podcasts. You can also find me on my website samwilliamsmusic.net.

Follow on Instagram: @iheartoldies.
Website: www.samwilliamsmusic.net

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Artist Spotlight

Exclusive Interview with Country Chart-Topper Ashley Puckett

Ashley, it’s great to have you here. Let’s start from the beginning. Can you share a bit about your journey into music and how your upbringing in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, influenced your musical path?

Hi! Thank you for taking some time with me today!
My musical journey started when I was only about 5 years old when I sang my first song from the Dixie Chicks. Sometimes I like to say it even started before, because my mother would sing to me all the time When I was little, and there was always country music playing. Growing up, I had a great childhood. I was a happy child, always had my parents support for anything I wanted to do. I didn’t want for anything. Still to this day, my parents are my biggest fan. I remember growing up I was writing songs on my swing set outside in the summer. Music was just part of me growing up all the way to where I am now.

You mentioned being inspired by artists like Lee Ann Womack, Carrie Underwood, and Miranda Lambert. How have these influential figures shaped your style and approach to songwriting and performing?

I love traditional county music. And gals like Miranda allow me to still do what I do because a lot of this genre is moving to pop country, and there’s listeners out there that still want to hear some good ol’ country tunes. My influences are those who I can follow a path of success and motivation no matter the set backs, and those who have paved ways for others. These women, among others showed me at an early age that you can be yourself and stick to your roots, and more success will come from that.

At age sixteen, you picked up the guitar and began writing songs. What was it about songwriting that drew you in, and how did you hone your skills as a songwriter over the years?

Yes, learning to play guitar was a very big part of taking my songwriting to the next level. For me, songwriting came early also. It’s always been an outlet for me to express myself. I’m a very good listener, but when it comes to talking,I usually say it better in song. It’s a way to remember the good times and help me get through the bad. And the thing is, I’m not the only one who goes through those emotions, so it’s a way to share a way of healing for others, too.

Your debut album, “Never Say Never,” was a lifelong dream come true. Can you tell us about the process of bringing this album to life and working with industry professionals like Bryan Cole and Doug Kasper?

It truly was nothing short of a dream come true! I love being on stage, and writing songs, but the part where you get to work with like minded, talented individuals and see your work come to life and share a million creative moments together is by far my favorite part of making music. It’s been a while now since I’ve been in the studio, and I miss it very much!

The first single from your album, “Medicine,” charted nationally and received widespread acclaim. What was the inspiration behind this song, and how did it feel to see it resonate with audiences?

When I heard that song for the first time, it spoke to my heart because it was just so raw and beautiful. There’s an innocence about that one that I felt could touch many different types of people just like it did me. I love acoustic love song, easy listening music, and this one was all of that wrapped in one.
I knew this song had to be part of my debut album because it was a perfect fit to my traditional style, my vocals, and love for beautiful melodies. I love how the audience has taken an immediate interest in me and this song and helped start my mainstream music career.

“Bulletproof,” released on your birthday, became a #1 iTunes hit in South Africa, and a #1 Radio Hit in the US. What was your reaction to the song’s success, and did you expect it to have such a significant impact?

Oh my gosh, it was such a surprise to me! Honestly, when that happened, it gave me a whole new look on my accomplishments to that moment and made me realize that every little success until then had contributed to that very moment. So I till this day appreciate the little things and the little successes a lot more because I know they will lead to much more. I was also very surprised to learn about the culture in South Africa and how they outsource music and love country! That was very cool to learn! I’d love to visit there sometime!

Your single, “What’s Her Name,” was also a radio hit. Can you give us a glimpse into the inspiration behind this track and what listeners should expect from it?

This one was very fun to record! It’s very “done me wrong, cheating song country” haha. A lot of us have unfortunately been in that situation, and it was finally a moment to sing about it! You put so much into something and give your all to someone who would just rather take it for granted and not show the decency to you that the relationship isn’t working out, they go out and cheat and then play at home like it’s all good and perfect. You’re blind sided. Naturally it makes you wonder who she is and what’s her name.

You mentioned that meeting Bryan and Doug reignited your passion for music and inspired you to pursue your dreams. What is it about your collaboration with them that makes it so special, and how has it influenced your creative process?

In so many ways! This opportunity when we all met and decided to move forward gave me my chance at country music. So I knew my life was changing I just didn’t know how or what to expect. Throughout the process of making the album, I leaned a lot about the industry and a lot about myself. I think this project made me a better artist both creatively and professionally. As I mentioned earlier, when I have the chance to be in the studio, it became my favorite part of my entire career. Just getting to create music from nothing and see it turn into a masterpiece with a bunch of talent in the room making it possible is just beyond amazing. It also inspired me to keep writing – not that it was going away, but because I saw that the words I put on paper were not just words anymore with an A-cappella melody, it was a radio hit. That people liked!

With your new single, “Anchor,” on the horizon, what can fans anticipate from this latest release, and how does it fit into the larger narrative of your musical journey?

I’m very excited to share this one! I wrote this song on a birthday vacation in Florida. I love the sea and I get most my inspiration lately it seems from the ocean. This song is a pretty melody, vocal and simple yet story telling song. My favorite instrument you don’t hear much anymore is steel guitar, so we brought that back here for sure! After my debut album, I wanted to start sharing my original work, and “Anchor” is going to be a follow up to my first written debut back in 2022, “Tequila”

That song was accepted very well and made it into the top 80 on the Music Row charts, so I’m hoping this one can set a huge stage for me and my writing and overall career showing that I didn’t just write and sing one song, I’m a songwriter, too, and I have a lot to say and share!

Finally, where can listeners find your music and stay updated on your upcoming releases and performances?

All major platforms, wherever you listen. Amazon music, Apple Music, pandora, Spotify, or if you’re out and about on the town having a drink, play a song on any AMI Jukebox! I’m also really big on Facebook and instagram for all things Ashley including upcoming events and performances. You can also check out my website at www.AshleyPuckett.com

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Artist Spotlight

A Conversation with Singer Songwriter Eddy Mann

Eddy Mann is a smile for the soul. He’s a combination of cultural and spiritual traditions living in an ever evolving neighborhood. He’s ever comfortable in his hometown Philly roots that speak of peace, and brotherly love. An award winning and prolific singer-songwriter, he’s moved gracefully through a catalog of twenty diverse albums. His hit single, “The Consequence” was a Top 10 Christian Music Weekly radio hit.

His latest album, “Chapel Songs” featured the #1 UK ITunes hits, “Hallelujah” and “Hope of the World.” His new album is out on June 7th, with the first single being released today. Eddy took some time to answer some questions about his music, his career, and of course, his faith…

HM: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your single “The Humble Cottage by the Sea”? What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from it?

Eddy Mann: The inspiration came from a gospel story that presents a theme of healing and hope. In a world that’s broken and hurting, one can only pray that a message of peace and unity might be found within the spirit of the song.

“Turn Up the Divine” is your latest album set to release soon. How does this album differ from your previous work, both musically and thematically?

EM: The album is a collection of divine stories and prayer moments that have been put to song over the past year. They’re really just a reflection of my daily experiences. The musical influences are a little more diverse than usual, but that’s just what the songs were calling for.

Your music is known for blending cultural and spiritual influences. How do you navigate incorporating these elements into your songwriting process?

EM: I don’t consciously bring influences into a song, but what I’ve been exposed to naturally becomes a part of my fabric, and then it’s re-processed into my own creativity. I’ve had a very diverse upbringing and it probably shows throughout my catalog.

“The Consequence” was a Top 10 Christian Music Weekly radio hit. Could you share the story behind that song and its impact on your career?

EM: The Consequence was released in November of 2016 on election day. I wanted to make a statement about the apathy I was witnessing. Our system only works if everyone participates. Anything less than that doesn’t reflect honestly about who we are, and how we feel. It was my hope that I might bring a few more folks into the fray and that would help in the cause.

Both “Hope of the World” and “Hallelujah” from your album “Chapel Songs” topped the UK iTunes Christian chart. What do you think contributed to their success, and how do you plan to build on that with your new album?

EM: Both of those songs took a very simplified approach musically and lyrically. I was looking for an easily remembered melody with an easily remembered lyric, and both songs seem to reflect that it was successful on some level. I’m pleased that they’ve done as well as they have.

Your career spans over 20 albums. How do you keep your music fresh and relevant while staying true to your artistic vision?

EM: I’m a student by nature, I love learning new things and I think that helps to naturally put me in new situations where I can be surrounded with challenging thoughts and different soundscapes.

You mentioned that God often appears in humble settings, such as the cottage by the sea. How does this concept influence your approach to music and ministry?

EM: As a man of faith, I never wander anywhere on my own. What I mean is that my faith is always traveling along with me, usually leading the way, and yes, sometimes correcting my faulty navigation. It doesn’t matter where I might be, or what may be going on around me, my God is not influenced by the trappings of this world.

What can fans expect from “Turn Up the Divine” in terms of sound and lyrical content?

EM: Everything was written, performed, and produced in house, under the Spirit’s watchful eye, and with the blessing of the One. So the success of the project will be measured in it reaching each and everyone that God intends.

With the changing landscape of the music industry, how do you see Christian music evolving, and how do you position yourself within that evolution?

EM: I’ve reached an understanding that I just need to be an honest reflection of myself. I don’t feel restricted or restrained by what the business tells me I should be doing, about the how the mix should sound, or about what messages are deemed appropriate. What God wants is for me to speak, write, and record what the Spirit puts on my heart, and then he’ll use it to fulfill His purpose.

What are your hopes and aspirations for your music career moving forward, especially with the release of your new album?

EM: I have no expectations anymore. I’ve been blessed to have produce an abundantly humble catalog. So I’ll just continue to follow the Spirit wherever it leads and be grateful.