Maria Broster

I've been building myself up to this since yesterday. It's difficult to put into words just how much she influenced me musically and personally. She didn't just teach me to play guitar. She didn't just teach me to play mandolin. She didn't just perform with me at many of my gigs and open mic nights. She taught me that someone who follows their dreams without comprimise can be happy without limits. Even more importantly than that, she was my friend.

I get called an inspiration quite a lot because of what I do and how I do it. I can honestly, hand-on-heart say that Maria Broster was an inspiration to me, and I'm sure many people feel the same.

The world today is a bleaker place having lost a wonderful artist, musician and person. Rest well old friend.

x

a quieter week

A quieter week this week. Open mic tonight was good fun (thanks to Matt Dooner and Faye Bagley for coming down to play) and I'll be back at Village Coffee in Codsall on Saturday for my usual residency gig.

I spent some time setting up the studio at home today and have almost got everything working and how I want it, so hopefully I can get working on the new album shortly. It's embarrassing how long it's taking me to be honest, the project file is labelled 'new album 2014'!

So, I better get to it then!

a weekend of festivals!

 

Another mega exciting week!

Tuesday is open mic at The Wharf. If any of my muso friends fancy it I can give you a lift, so why not come down and play some tunes? Depending on what time I finish I might head over to the songwriters' night at The White Lion too.

Saturday sees me return to one of my favourite gigs from last year, Music in the Valley at Habberley Valley Nature Reserve for Kidderminster Arts Festival. It's a cool 'semi' unplugged gig out in a clearing at the nature reserve, so bring a blanket to sit on a enjoy it :)

Two gigs on Sunday! First it's a morning trip to The Legendary Llangollen Faery Festival (Kayla has already bought Buddy's faery wings in preparation!) before heading back to The Crown, Codsall for my first gig there since it re-opened. Im hoping to put on some music sessions there in the coming months similar to the sessions at The Fox & Anchor, so it would be great to see you there showing your support :)

See you in the week :)

 

Sam.

Gigs this week!

Great week of gigs coming up!

Tonight I'm hosting open mic at everyone's favourite Walsall bar The Wharf from 8. Come down and watch or play :)

Friday night I'm playing at The Sow And Pigs in West Brom from 9. It's always lively in there on a Friday and it's a craft beer pub! What's not to like?

Saturday is a chilled afternoon at Village Coffee in Codsall from 2. Try the brownies. Trust me.

Then Sunday I've got another super gig at The Fox and Anchor from 7:30. David Young and Brains for Breakfast are also playing, so you know it's going to be great!

See you in the week!

Sam.

To vinyl, or not to vinyl...

Just a quick one. I've been thinking, and I'd really like to release my next album on vinyl (as well as on CD and online). I enjoy collecting it myself and it would feel like a real achievement to do it. Only problem is, I'm not sure how well it would sell. I'm not really interested in making anything from it, but I'd need to sell enough copies to at least get close to breaking even, and getting vinyl pressed is expensive!

What do you reckon? Would you be interested in buying my 'still' upcoming album on vinyl?

More gigs for July...

 

I'm just back from another really good Brewood Music Festival. It was a great day and great turn out. I won't start ranting about what happened during my set, but needless to say that, in my opinion, it's very rude for the band on after you to start setting up around you while you're playing your second song!

Anyway, I still had a good time :)

This week coming I've got open mic at The Wharf in Walsall from 8 of Tuesday, which is a venue that books live music every weekend, so maybe come down and show what you can do!

On Friday The Replicas are making a rare public appearance at The Crown in Bridgnorth for it's grand re-opening. It's also my last day of working at school for the summer, so I'll be looking to have a good time! It's free entry and in the courtyard, so it should be a really good atmosphere and a good night.

Saturday there will be a chance to nurse your Replicas induced hangover with a chilled session at Village Coffee. Promise it won't be too loud for you!

Then Sunday it's Fox & Anchor time again, with another super line up of local musicians hosted by me!

Hope to see you in the week :)

Sam.

11/07/2016

 

Some cool gigs coing up this week.

After having to call in sick last week (massive thanks to Craig Pate for covering for me at the very last minute!) I'll be back at The Wharf in Walsall for open mic on Tuesday from 8pm. As always, everyone is welcome to come down and show their stuff!

Then on Sunday I'm returning to Brewood Music Festival. Two years ago I compered with local hero Will Morgan, but this year I've gotr my own slot on the main stage at 4:20. It's always really well attended, and I'm looking forward to playing. I'm also looking forward to seeing Pete Kent play again!

See you there!