Tag: Sam Buckingham

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sam Buckingham Drops Superb New Single, “Something More”

When I saw Sam Buckingham supporting Tim Freedman recently, “Something More” was one of the tracks that impressed me most. So I’m thrilled to see the rest of the country gets to discover this folky feminist anthem.

“I wrote this song because I was tired of being told I was asking too much – when really, all I’ve ever asked for is the absolute bare minimum of equality and respect,” she said. “It’s a reminder to myself not to accept the status quo.”

“Something More” gives us our first official taste of Sam’s upcoming album Dear John. Before that drops later this year, get a sneaky listen to some more new material at Sam’s upcoming gigs.

4 June 2021 – Low 302, Surry Hills
5 June 2021 – Rhythm Hut, Gosford
10 June 2021 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
11 June 2021 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
12 June 2021 – Smiths Alternative, Canberra
18 June 2021 – Establishment Bar, Dubbo
19 June 2021 – Little Alberts Room, Bathurst
25 June 2021 – Marvel Hall, Byron Bay
26 June 2021 – Bellingen Brewery, Bellingen

Image used with permission from Serious Gelato Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tim Freedman @ Laycock Street Theatre, Gosford – 12 March 2021

The Whitlams were one of my concert casualties of last year. While that gig has been postponed to August, Tim Freedman is putting himself in front of smaller crowds with his Hot Autumn Nights shows.

Byron Bay-based singer-songwriter Sam Buckingham warmed up the crowd. Holding the attention of a sold-out theatre there to see someone else with only an acoustic guitar and your voice is no mean feat, but you could have heard a pin drop during her performance. I remember seeing her play at a little bar in inner-city Sydney what has to be at least 15 years ago, and it’s thrilling to see how far she’s come. She’d delight us with a witty, light-hearted number, then go for the emotional jugular with something weightier. She chatted easily with the crowd, clearly delighted to be out in the world amongst music lovers again. Her set was a big reminder that I need to catch up on the music I’ve missed because she’s such a talent.

While we were appreciative of Sam, there was a buzz of excitement when Tim took the stage. We were thrilled to see him and it seems the feeling was mutual. I’ve seen him play live so many times over the years, both with the Whitlams and on his own, but I can’t recall him being in such a chatty, upbeat mood. He stopped to pause and talk between most songs, regaling us of tales of their origins. Not even the steady stream of people exiting and entering the venue for the bars and toilets seemed to faze him, as he joked that while he’d lose them for a while they always seemed to come back.

In some ways, a Tim Freedman show isn’t too dissimilar from a Whitlams show. The hits and fan favourites from the band’s back catalogue still make up the bulk of the set. Nothing was neglected, from the songs that climbed the charts like “No Aphrodisiac” and “Blow Up the Pokies” to earlier singles like “Gough” and “I Make Hamburgers,” released before the band really gained mainstream attention. A selection of choice covers peppered the set. I saw Tim paying homage to Harry Nilsson years ago, so I was thrilled to hear him deliver the poignant “Mr Richland’s Favorite Song.” He nearly forgot to deliver the Randy Newman cover the show’s ads promised, but “Short People” was a fun addition to the encore. Nilsson and Newman covers were natural choices for a piano-playing singer-songwriter, but his take on Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” was more unexpected. I’m so glad I could witness it.

I don’t have photos from the night to share; Laycock Street Theatre forbids photography. I don’t mind that rule too much though. It forces you to stop looking for that perfect shot and simply appreciate what’s happening in front of you. After the year we’ve all had, so starved of live music, sharing in those moments with Tim, Sam, and the appreciative Central Coast audience was so welcome. Tim will take his Hot Autumn Nights tour to the following venues in the coming weeks:

18 March 2021 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
19 March 2021 – Burrinja Cultural Centre, Upwey
20 March 2021 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
21 March 2021 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
24 March 2021 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
25 March 2021 – Soundlounge, Gold Coast
26 March 2021 – The Triffid, Brisbane
27 March 2021 – The Triffid, Brisbane
30 March 2021 – Rockford Winery, Tanunda
31 March 2021 – The Gov, Adelaide
1 April 2021 – The Gov, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Katie Noonan & Friends Celebrate “Songs That Made Me” Release

With her Songs That Made Me album now in stores, Katie Noonan and some of her musical sisters are set to take the CD on the road.

Following the successful 2013 tour, Katie and other amazing local female talents have laid down tracks which pay homage to the songs that shaped their lives. Not only is the album full of fabulous music, 100 percent of the profits from sales will benefit the Cancer Council’s Pink Ribbon campaign.

“I am so thrilled to be able to join with these remarkable women, utilising the Songs That Made Me concept, to raise funds and awareness for Cancer Council’s Pink Ribbon campaign,” Katie said in a press statement. “It’s not every day that you get to work with such incredibly gifted artists and contribute something meaningful at the same time.”

Featured artists Angie Hart, Melody Pool, and Sam Buckingham will join Katie for these very special shows.

30 October 2014 – Artbar, Perth
7 November 2014 – The Gov, Adelaide
8 November 2014 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
13 November 2014 – Joan Sutherland PAC, Penrith
14 & 15 November 2014 – The Basement, Sydney
16 November 2014 – Lizotte’s, New Lambton
21 November 2014 – The Byron Theatre, Byron Bay
22 November 2014 – Old Museum Concert Hall, Brisbane
23 November 2014 – Soundlounge, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sam Buckingham Tours “Shackles”

Aussie folk songstress Sam Buckingham spends most of her time in the United States these days, so opportunities to see her play are few and far between. But she’ll play her first, and possibly her last Australian shows for 2014 when she promotes her single “Shackles” this month.

Fans of this blog might remember watching Sam playing the song with Buffalo Tales last October. Now the song’s got an official release and a gorgeous black and white video to match. Following this tour, Sam will head back to New York to get back to collaborating with some of America’s top producers and songwriters. Who knows when we’ll see this bright talent again, so catch her live while you’ve got the chance!

19 February 2014 – Revolver, Prahran
20 February 2014 – Baha’s, Mornington Peninsula
21 February 2014 – Fringe Festival, Adelaide
26 February 2014 – The Rhythm Hut, Gosford
1 March 2014 – The Shack, Narrabeen
2 March 2014 – The Newsagency, Marrickville
13 March 2014 – The Front, Canberra

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sam Buckingham & Buffalo Tales Pair Up for “Shackles”

If you were umming and aahing about getting to one of Sam Buckingham and Buffalo Tales’ upcoming gigs, this video might be just the thing to tip you over the edge. It features the talented twosome in the studio performing “Shackles,” a fan favourite from Sam’s I’m a Bird album.

Music doesn’t get much better than this folks. If you agree, make sure you get to one of the following gigs.

30 October 2013 – Royal, Exchange Theatre, Newcastle
31 October 2013 – The Rhythm Hut, Gosford
1 November 2013 – Venue 505, Surry Hills
4 December 2013 – Revolver, Prahan

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sam Buckingham Covers The Fresh Prince of Bel Air Theme

The musical stylings of sweet Sydney songstress Sam Buckingham and Will Smith couldn’t be more different, yet for some reason this clip of Sam covering the theme from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air works. You’ve never heard it quite like this before!

Sam recorded this gorgeous take on the retro classic backstage in Brisbane recently. I think it deserves a place in her sets, don’t you?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sam Buckingham Charms with New Album & Single

Sydney folk songstress Sam Buckingham is back with a brand new album I’m a Bird. It’s a collection of songs about travel, love, and life’s other adventures. The album is the follow-up to her EP Fragile Heart, which debuted at number three on the iTunes singer/songwriter charts.

The album features the single “Follow You”, which might just be one of the sweetest and most romantic tracks I’ve heard in months. There’s nothing grandiose about it, but it’s impossible not to get swept away by Sam’s angelic voice and heartfelt lyrics.

Sam’s been spending time in Nashville and New York City, but she’s back on home soil to launch I’m a Bird with the following intimate shows.

21 July 2013 – The Bird, Northbridge
28 July 2013 – The Workers Club, Fitzroy
1 August 2013 – The Front, Lyneham (Entry by donation at the door)
3 August 2013 – Hibernian House, Surry Hills
7 August 2013 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
10 August 2013 – Royal Exchange Theatre, Newcastle
11 August 2013 – The Powerhouse, Brisbane (FREE)
28 August 2013 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
30 August 2013 – The Wheatsheaf, Thebarton (FREE)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with Sam Buckingham

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.

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