Singer-songwriter Sam Buckingham has been a fixture on the Sydney music scene for many years. Now she’s taking her music to the rest of the country with shows to support her latest EP, Fragile Heart. She recently took time out from her busy touring schedule to chat about her new release, her upcoming shows, and what it’s like to be admired by some of the industry’s best.
You’re currently on the road promoting your EP Fragile Heart. What can you tell me about it?
It’s been a long time in the making and I think, more than anything, I feel like it completely sums up who I’ve been, who I am, what I’ve been thinking and feeling over a period of time, and it tells a story
I love the first single “Hit Me With Your Heart.” What was it about that song that made you want to release it?
As soon as I wrote that song (on the floor of an Adelaide backpackers in 2011) I loved it. I actually played it that night at a gig, with a lyrics sheet on the floor, because I was so desperate to show it to people. I think people love it because it’s so honest and really paints a picture of hurt and finding a way to make sense of that and turn it into something positive. It’s a liberating song
I noticed you’re playing both festivals and smaller intimate shows on your current tour. Do you have a preference?
I love them both! No preference. They’re both wonderful in completely different ways.
What do you love about performing?
I love the immediacy of it. I tell a story, people hear it and feel it right in front of my eyes. I feed off the audiences energy, they feed off mine … I love the exchange and being able to see what people are getting from the songs.
You’ve played some amazing festivals and supported some of Australia’s most beloved performers. What are your personal career highlights?
Supporting Washington at the Astor Theatre in Perth was a beautiful and musical life affirming moment. It was a huge crowd and I felt enveloped and accepted by every single one of them. It was a beautiful night. Co-producing this EP with (Australian producer) Paul McKercher was a definite highlight as well. Mostly because it felt like a very real and perfect match … to find someone to collaborate with that perfectly complements and challenges you is no mean feat and every day in the studio was both very intense and very good for the soul … we’ll be finishing off the album together as well.