Catch Of The Week: Sam Robbins
Meet Sam Robbins, a Berklee grad from Portsmouth, NH
““You have a stunning voice, and you’re an amazing artist.” Those are the words that came out of Adam Levine’s mouth just a year ago, when singer/songwriter and self-proclaimed old-soul, Sam Robbins auditioned before The Voice judges on national television, performing Jim Croce’s “Time in a Bottle.” Fast forward and Sam is now a Berklee College of Music graduate, where last year he was awarded the most prestigious songwriting scholarship at Berklee, the Pat Pattison Songwriting Award. Now, it’s off to Nashville to spread his wings and fly.
There is definitely something special about this artist. He has a commanding presence, without making a lot of noise. His silky, soulful vocals smoothly glide over the ebb and flow of his thoughtful melodies, captained by his guitar. Sam Robbins’ lyrics taste like they are aged in oak barrels, and aired to perfection for consumption. You will definitely hear influences from his heroes, like James Taylor and John Mayer. But Sam has carved out a niche for himself, notching a brand that needs to be heard. A brand that is timely, gracious and refreshing.
Look out Nashville!
Rockin Robbins
Before Sam leaves for Nashville, I invited him to come share a couple of songs he’s been working on.
“(You Don’t) Remind Me”
“All I’ve Got Is Time”
Sam, I Am
- What lead you to music: From a young age I found myself drawn to music but I wasn’t sure why – I tried many different hobbies and once I was able to take drum lessons, I found myself completely in love with it. I would practice at least an hour and a half a day, and I found music to just be the best obsession. I carried over this obsession into what I have for a career today.
- How old when you started: I took piano lessons when I was 8 – they didn’t last long, and soon after that I decided to try playing drums and became quickly obsessed. I played in a (not great) punk band from ages 12-15 and picked up guitar casually on the side. I always thought of it has a side hobby until I was 16, and I read Bob Dylan’s autobiography and realized that I could be a singer/songwriter too, and that I would start working every day on it.
- Instruments played: Guitar, Piano, bass, ukelele, drums
- Describe your sound: James Taylor meets Jason Isbell -basically I want to be the young James Taylor!
- Biggest influences: James Taylor, Jim Croce, John Denver, Jason Isbell, John Mayer, Kacey Musgraves
- All- time favorite country song: “The House that Built Me” – Miranda Lambert
- Favorite country concert: Margo Price @ Paradise Rock Club, Boston
- First Country Concert: I honestly can’t remember!
- What songs do you like now on Country 102.5: “Tequila” by Dan + Shay is one of my favorite country songs I’ve ever heard! “She Got the Best of Me” by Luke Combs – I’m a big fan of that guy too
- If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: Tough one! I love talking to people and meeting people, so I would maybe be a teacher or
something that allows me to work with lots of different kinds of people - Most proud moment: Definitely being out in LA to do The Voice! Being able to have my parents and brother flown out to be there was a huge
point of pride for me – even though it didn’t go super well, it was a big step for me - Craziest thing that happened in your music career: I played an MIT frat party where I was the soundtrack to a bunch of frat guys destroying a car with sledgehammers -definitely the craziest gig I’ve ever done!
- Frivolous fun facts: I LOVE Star Wars – ask me any kind of Star Wars trivia and I guarantee I know it. I dressed up as Batman for an entire year when I was five!
- Mantra: “It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.”
Robbins On The Road
- September 7th: 3S Artspace in Portsmouth, NH. My last headlining show before I move! It sold out last time.
- September 15: Gatherfest, Cisco Brewing in Portsmouth, NH. A benefit show with some awesome national acts.
Social Sam
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
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*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing carolyn.kruse@bbgi.com
