LISTEN HERE
“Overflowing with raw emotion and poignant lyrics.” – Wonderland
“Join us at the forefront of Sam Olyott’s more than promising career.” – Noctis
“Gripping.” – Variance
“Gaining depth with every listen.” – FAULT Magazine
“Soulful warmth and dynamic vocals from a new Liverpool one to watch.” – This Feeling
After winning upbeat comparisons to Sam Fender and Paolo Nutini with his debut single ‘Cold Toast’, Sam Olyott added a second flurry of acclaim with his second release ‘On Your Own’. Third time out and Sam’s fine form continues as he shares his new single ‘Never Be You’. It comes after Sam recently played two landmark shows: his debut headline gig at Liverpool’s Phase One and a set at the reopening of Battersea Power Station.
Sam puts storytelling and stark emotions at the forefront of his songs, and ‘Never Be You’ is no exception. His appealing soul-pop voice begins by depicting how an apparently ordinary moment signified the end of a relationship, but the mood lifts with the realisation that it’s time to move on. It’s a song which doesn’t need any overly elaborate instrumentation. Accompanied by acoustic guitar and a little piano, Sam’s voice has the strength to do all the heavy lifting it needs. Listen HERE.
Sam says, “If I had to sum up ‘Never Be You’, I’d say It’s a song about knowing you have to move on from someone but also feeling like you’ll never find anyone as good as them.”
Sam’s first three songs all feel like they’re chapters in the same story: the initial realisation that the relationship is over with‘Cold Toast’, the subsequent pain reaching a peak with ‘On You Own’, and now ‘Never Be You’ reluctantly accepting that it’s time to try again with someone new. The single was written by Sam with Mark Vallance (Tom Walker, Lost Frequencies), who co-produced it with Teddy Gristle.
Sam first started to make a name for himself as a busker. It was a big ask for a 14-year-old to face the unreliable weather and initially disinterested shoppers in Liverpool city centre, but he had a role model in the shape of one of his favourite artists,Passenger, who had also busked on the way to mainstream success and an Ivor Novello award. Sam discovered that it was the perfect way to hone his talents. That time he spent devoted to his craft really improved his voice, and it became more imposing too to help attract people’s attention. It also gave him the confidence and charisma to interact with an audience, as well as the work ethic needed to make things happen.
| And sure enough things did happen: many of those passers by became his first fans, he achieved some viral moments leading to over a million views on YouTube, and was even invited to perform at Liverpool Football Club. He credits the city’s community spirit and banter as helping shape who he is today, while the support of his Dad, who helped out in all seasons, was also vital. He often sketches songs at night when the emotions he sings of are prevalent in his thoughts, and has over 5000 song ideas saved as voice notes on his phone. As well as Passenger, Sam Olyott’s music is also inspired by the likes of John Mayer, Khalid and Donovan Woods. His ultimate goal is ambitious, but rooted in the pure joy of writing and performing – he would love for his songs to be remembered long into the future. |
