Inside OUT Hawaii With Sam Bradley

Sam Bradley to play at The Venue

Canadian musician Sam Bradley makes his debut appearance in Hawaii later this month. Photo by Andrew Apuya

Add a dash of soul, throw in some folk, blend in some rock and you’ve got Sam Bradley, a Vancouver, B.C.-based artist who will make his Honolulu debut at The Venue later this month.

Born in England, educated around the world, the 26-year-old musician is no stranger to creating unique experiences abroad. Inspired by his Canadian mother, Lee Lindsey, and close musical friends, Bradley continues to grow, using the intimacy he feels for his music, along with the participation of fans to make timeless sounds that continue to inspire new listeners with his hard-to-define music.

“The ass in me would like to say that I play and sing my music and not describe it … but it’s Americana-ish,” said Bradley, who writes most of his own tunes. “It really varies from song to song but that’s how it’s shaping up on the new recording. I have a really talented band and they are contributing more and more songs, which is perfect for keeping ourselves fresh as we grow.”

However, categorizing such an eclectic performer would be ridiculous. Bradley’s music seems to transcend from blues to rock to folk, seamlessly and all with an authoritative voice that demands to be heard. Earlier songs like “Is Love Enough,” “Paradise” and “You Think You’re Free” earned Bradley credibility with earlier listeners, while songs like “Whiskey” are fan favorites.

With a timeless sound and a sultry voice, Bradley derives his inspiration from everyday experiences, never forcing the process nor losing the spontaneity. So what does keep the young artist’s juices flowing? Well, in Hawaii, he quipped, “Pineapple?” Ah, the modest artist.

Bradley’s rise to stardom stems from a little known fact that ties him to a cultural phenomena, which outed the once-anonymous singer and assured him the solidity that he needed to jump start his career. Back in 2008, a discreet film, called “Twilight,” about a teenage girl who falls in love with a teen Vampire was released. What happened next could not have been predicted. Catapulting the stars of the film into super-star status, Bradley received recognition for co-writing one of the film’s soundtrack hits, “Too Far Gone/Never Think” with fellow Englishman, Robert Pattinson.

Since then, Bradley has never looked back, and he has been touring and creating music ever since. In 2009, he released his first EP with the beautiful and vocally haunting song, “Sea Blue,” which once again resonated with fans. His second EP release, “Zuni,” skyrocketed to #1 on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart and this self-funded artist can happily say, he’s doing it his way.

Understanding the need for artistic and creative control these days, Bradley said it was important to tour and reach out to his dedicated fans, who show their appreciation by using social media and blogs to help share the love for all things Bradley. Still, the self-made artist hasn’t become a household name — yet — and fans still see him as under appreciated.

“Its just the beginning,” he humbly said. “I’m just working on reaching as many people as possible.”
During his two concerts here, Bradley will play an acoustic set with local artist Frank Taua. “I may play some new songs but I will be playing without my band so that will be different from my last tour,” Bradley said.

“There’s nothing to hide behind. Not that that’s what I do, but I will be naked.”  Not literally, of course.

What: Sam Bradley Concert
When: September 30 and October 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Venue, 1144 Bethel Street
Tickets: $20 pre-sale or $25 at the door; visit www.brownpapertickets.com

source

Photos of Sam Bradley in Hawaiii - WakeUp2Day Appearance...ALOHA!

Sam starts his Hawaiian adventure!  Here he is at KHON2 for his appearance with WakeUp2Day.

Sam Bradley in Hawaii RED Magazine.com

Sam Bradley
Plays Live in Hawaii
Inspired by his life’s experiences, influenced by musicians that catch his “heart, ears and feet,” and motivated by “general love,” Bradley chose the path of most resistance by becoming a musician. He hasn’t looked back since – except, that is, to occasionally appreciate the progress he’s made.


Read the rest here

Sam Bradley Appears in Honolulu Advertising

Here is a photo courtesy of @chablisparis  who is graciously scanning a copy for A Soulful Sound.. will update when available.

Sam Bradley Talks with The Honolulu Pulse

An 8 a.m. telephone interview with Sam Bradley — 2 in the afternoon for him — sounded OK when his publicist said that was the time he was available. Little did I know that I’d be working on other assignments for the paper until 2:30 a.m. the day of the interview, or that I wouldn’t be able to sleep until almost 4.

I was at my desk at 8 a.m. as agreed, but felt like death warmed over.

I placed the call. “How are you?” Sam asked politely. I decided he deserved the truth.
“I’m a little tired as well,” he replied. From that moment on it was like talking with an old friend.

“I’m in a car, traveling to St. Louis,” he added, getting those preliminaries out of the way. The trip was going to take four hours, so we had plenty of time for an interview.

Bradley, a native of London who’s best known for “Too Far Gone,” the song he co-wrote with Robert Pattinson of “Twilight” fame, is in town this weekend for two solo acoustic shows at the-Venue.

Though he’s been doing a lot of work recently with a small band, he said, “the acoustic thing is definitely something that I am very comfortable with and want to explore more as well.”

“I hope it’s touching people when it’s supposed to … (but) I’m not taking myself too seriously. That is something that I really think is coming across; it’s something I’m really happy about,” he said.

As of this week Bradley had performed in 48 of the 50 states. Now he can add Hawaii to the list.

He’s bringing CDs with him. Much of his work to date has been available only as digital downloads, but “Zuni,” released last November, is a traditional CD, with five first-time recordings plus remastered versions of three songs from a 2009 self-titled debut project.

BRADLEY’S “Twilight” song, “Too Far Gone,” appeared on the “Twilight” soundtrack album as “Never Think.” Pattinson was the vocalist, but Bradley’s career has been accelerating ever since.

His fan base is international, and a concert tour of the Philippines made in the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy was documented in a digital film.

Writing “Too Far Gone” didn’t feel like work, he said: “I definitely work on songs, but that one was extremely organic in its approach in that I was drunk and so was the other writer, and we were just chilling out. … It just so happened that that song really boosted my career.”

Some artists hit big with a song that isn’t really representative of what they do — Don Ho and “Tiny Bubbles,” for example. Bradley is comfortable for the moment with “Too Far Gone” being his best-known work.

“I skip lightly across a few genres, so that’s a ballad and I’ve definitely got more of those, (but) I try to be as eclectic as possible, or as my acoustic guitar
allows.”

“My writing for the most part is from personal experience. I do have some story-based songs, but that still comes from personal experience or from me being affected by something I’ve read or watched.”
His experiences have not been conventional. At 16 he left school in London, then moved to Vancouver with his mother.

“It bought me some time to figure things out,” he said. “If I’d stayed in London, I’d have had to get a job immediately. I ended up going to high school (in Canada) for a couple of months, just to meet people, really; it wasn’t for education purposes,” he said. “I met someone and she became my girlfriend.”

Girlfriend aside, Bradley “couldn’t really fit in” in Vancouver and returned to London. He “hopped between places, doing odd jobs and odd things” while he explored different options.

“That was kind of when I started playing guitar, too,” he noted, “so I hopped around and started writing.”
Soon, Bradley made a complete commitment to music as a career.

The commitment paid off, and at 24 he’s an internationally known artist.

“The biggest payoff for me is being able to travel and meet people,” he said. “That’s something that I’ve always loved doing, ever since I can remember, and the fact that I get to do it through something I completely love and am completely committed to is pretty special.”

SAM BRADLEY
Where: The Venue, 1144 Bethel St.
When: 8:30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow (doors open at 7:30)
Cost: $20 at the door
Info: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ or http://www.sambradley.com/


source

Sam Bradley's Zuni Heard West On Interstate 84

Great story from a fellow Sam supporter! 

"Today on my daily commute home I was sitting in the epicenter of hell, otherwise know as rush hour traffic on  I84 West of Hartford CT. 

I had my windows down and was flipping through the radio stations looking for something to hum along to so the time would pass.  When I found nothing I switched to the CD player and popped in my Zuni CD.

The intro to 'Lights' came on and I'm tapping the steering wheel to the beat enjoying the musical magic that is Sam Bradley.  Cars are not even crawling by, but all is well for me as Sam sings me through it.

I was suddenly startled by the guy in the car next to me

*Not the actual guy*

He reached over and tapped my passenger door and when I looked at him he said 'Who are you listening to?'  I replied 'Sam Bradley'.  I could tell the guy didn't know Sam's name yet.  He listened for a moment and then our cars crawled forward a few feet and we stopped again.  'It's good' he said, 'what's the album?' the cars started to move again as I reached for the cover and showed it to him 'It's called Zuni, SAM BRADLEY, ZUNI .' he nodded and started to pull away.  When I caught up with him again I said 'You can get it on iTunes' He nodded looking for something beside him and then he held up an envelope and a pen 'Zuni?' he asked writing on the envelope.  I nodded back and his car started to move again and I yelled out the window 'SAM BRADLEY' once more. He waved out the window as he drove off."

Now that's what we call "Going Global"

One highway at a time

Purchase Zuni, for yourself or a fellow commuter... HERE.  

Hawaii Gets Ready For Sam Bradley

September 30, 2011 and October 1, 2011 -- The Venue at Bambu Two
Click HERE to purchase tickets.

Photos from The Zanzabar in Louisville, KY



Photos from The Old Rock House In St. Louis

source

Photos From Sam's Recent Gigs In Ohio This Week

Sam Bradley Show Report - The Basement, Columbus Ohio - September 20, 2011

Show Reporter, AmberC checks with with A Soulful Sound, sharing her experience at Sam's show in Columbus, Ohio!

Date:  September 20, 2011
City:  Columbus, Ohio
Venue:  The Basement
Supporting:  Jenny Owen Youngs and Hank And The Cupcakes

I have to say that I have been waiting for over 2 years for the day to come when Sam finally realized that Ohio has a capital city named Columbus and that we were very receptive to having him play here!

Yes my disappointment was great every time I'd see a new Sam Bradley tour announced and no Columbus and really no Ohio at all. So imagine my surprise when all those months ago he announced a small little intimate tour, just him and his guitar in support of a fellow artist, that Columbus popped up! It took me literally 5 minutes to even comprehend that yes I was in fact going to get to see Sam live on stage.

Fast forward a couple of months and it's the day of the concert, my husband is looking at me like I need to be committed because I am so keyed up with energy and can't sit still for more than 2 minutes.

Finally the time comes to leave.  I live 45 minutes away and were planning to beat rush hour traffic.  We got there early. I'm talking like 3 hours early, yes we might be slightly crazy!

Let me explain about the venue a bit, It is called The Basement because it is literally the basement of another concert venue, its very intimate and cozy with leather couches along the wall and band decor plastered all over the walls! Even the restrooms are awesome!  They are signed and drawn on by anybody that wants to from the artists that play there, to the concert goers.

There is a bar of course but the main feature is the stage and the floor in front of it which is known as the pit. It actually drops down so that the stage is elevated and you have to look up to see the performer.

Around 7 pm they opened the doors.  We we were first in line, with about 7 people behind us. I was a little worried, really wishing more people were going to show up.  These great artists deserve to play to a sold out house! We walk in and Hank and Cupcakes are doing a sound check, we watch them for a minute then turned to go to the bar and bam who do we walk into?

Yea, I probably don't even have to say it but I will...Sam.

We played it cool like "hey whats up, glad you came to Columbus" when on the inside I'm like screaming this is Sam motherfucking Bradley and were just chatting with him like its nothing. I think that's when it hit me Sam is just a normal guy doing what he loves for fans that appreciate him for being Sam and not for other reasons that shall not be mentioned!

Alright lets jump ahead another hour before I get worked up and start discussing those unmentioned reasons! I'm right up front direct center of the stage the floor is packed because more people did show up.  It wasn't sold out but there was a solid crowd of about 40+ and for a Tuesday, I'd say thats pretty damn good! The stage is set.  Sam's water bottles are sitting out, his mike is waiting for him to come out, the red, blue, green and clearish lights are flashing making the moment a bit more heart poundingly intense waiting for him to come out on stage! Did I mention this is my 1st time seeing Sam live? I might have been a bit dramatic in my head I hope you will forgive me or you know join it!! 

All of us women and even some boys, who kept on making comments about how delicious Sam was looking, are crowded around the stage. Finally about 8:15 he comes strolling out like he hasn't a care in the world. He sets his set list down and introduces himself as if we needed it!

Amberc4_20©

We all applaud him and the awesomely awesome gay boys behind us do the cat calls, Sam being the nice guys tells us that we are all to kind when the boys yell out "oh no honey you're the nice one here" some more cat calls and I do believe a blush on Mister Bradley to cute!!

Amberc4_20©

His 1st song of the night was No One and Me such a beautiful song. After that  it was apparent Sam wasn't happy with the way things were sounding so we got a special treat in the form of Sam singing an R. Kelly song called Sex Me.  (Amber's video follows)

I guess to him singing that was better then having to listen to himself say tune over and over again or so he claims. That boy just does not understand the effect he has on women and men, I'm pretty sure there was some swooning going on and some vivid imaginations that really we don't need to discuss cause I am sure you can imagine it on your own!

After that was all taking care of and the general population gathered their wits back about them,  the show went on and I was mesmerized. I gotta say one of my favorite songs of his is Details I just love how soulful this song sounds and hearing it live...I can't even describe how incredible it was.

Amberc4_20©

I'm not sure how many people have gotten to hear the "Hippie Song", but it is probably the funniest song I have heard. He told us a story about it saying he wrote it in honor of his sister and her friends who fancy themselves hippies. Well actually it was more of a rant then a story because he didn't seem at all happy about his sister being a hippie and I quote "they weren't even born in the 70's... hell they weren't even born in the fucking 80's."  I wish i had recorded it because it is a great song so funny and it captured Sam's playful side! 

Amberc4_20©

  

The next song he played was a classic song sung by the likes of the Rolling Stones and ....... called ......... (Editor's Note:  pretty sure Sam was talking about Otis Redding's That's How Strong My Love Is) At this point Sam made a very big booboo and stated that these were fabulous musicians so he couldn't go wrong with this song though he doesn't consider himself as such...the crowd was not at all happy with him about this little mess up and well we let know what we thought about him putting himself down!! I think he learned from that mistake rather quickly!

Amberc4_20©

  

Amberc4_20©

Next he sang Women You Crazy. I might get some flak for this but I am gonna say it anyway, this is not one of my favorite Sam songs.  I kind of wish he would have picked something else but I still enjoyed it. He actually dedicated it to this family that was there who apparently have followed him around on this tour and as I  gather it his other tours as well.... I guess that's Sam love right there!

Amberc4_20©

 

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and even though this was more than good, it was fan-fucking-tastic, it came to an end with probably my favorite Sam song. I know you're probably thinking wow how do you choose just one there are all fabulous and I agree, but there is just something about Passport that makes me happy. It's probably the absurdity of the song or maybe it's the way he seems to growl in it that just does well we won't discuss what it does to me! Sam actually told us the story of how Passport came to be and if you haven't heard it here is a shortened version of it. Sam was 19 dating a 47 year old that was apparently crazy and made him do crazy things. Thats the short version but enough to grasp the concept.

Amberc4_20©

After that was over.  Me and my cousin exited the stage so people that were more interested in Hank and Cupcakes could get a better spot and we walked around the bar and over to the merchandise stand. I gotta say I was slightly disappointed that the only Sam merchandise that was there was a poster and his CD. Well I ended up purchasing a poster for him to sign and took a picture with him.

Sam & Amber
Amberc4_20©

This is also where I learned how completely 100% awesome he is.  Sam sat down at the bar with us and we talked for a good 20 minutes about anything, and I may have told him that I was pissed off at him for not coming to Columbus sooner, but I can neither confirm nor deny that as I may still be slightly embarrassed that I said that to him!  I did get an iron-clad promise in the form of an autograph that underneath it says he will be back and I fully intend to hold him to that!! He even told me that I could sue him if he didn't keep his promise!!


The rest of the night was pretty great as well and I encourage everyone that has a chance to not only see Sam live to go and see him. Also Hank and Cupcakes put on an amazing show as well and Jenny Owen Youngs!  Jenny kind of makes people mad because I swear she has found the  fountain of youth and needs to be sharing that right quick seeing as how she is 29 and looks 19. I even asked her if she was legally old enough to drink. Some people have all the luck.


It was an amazing night filled with amazing music and generally awesome and cool people. Can't wait to do it all again only this time when he comes back he will be with his band and I will finally get to experience that side of a Sam show.


Until then I hope I didn't bore you guys very much and maybe, hopefully, gave you a bit of a laugh!   AmberC

Thank you AmberC!!!!!!!!!!


Interested in being a "Show Reporter" like AmberC, contact us at  Asoulfulsound@gmail.com

Though I guess I can't say much because if I would of had the money this would not have been my 1st time seeing him live!!

After that came the song that most people got introduced to Sam by of course I am referring to Too Far Gone an absolutely beautiful song on disc and even better in person.

The way he sings to an audience is just incredible he makes it feel if even for just a moment that you are the only one in the audience and the only one that matters to him!

Record Rebellion Interview with Sam Bradley

Get to know Sam Bradley a bit better in this insightful interview with TheRecord Rebellion

Inside out Hawaii's Interview with Sam Bradley

From

 

Sam Bradley to play at The Venue

By Suzie Setzler
Add a dash of soul, throw in some folk, blend in some rock and you’ve got Sam Bradley, a Vancouver, B.C.-based artist who will make his Honolulu debut at The Venue later this month.

Born in England, educated around the world, the 26-year-old musician is no stranger to creating unique experiences abroad. Inspired by his Canadian mother, Lee Lindsey, and close musical friends, Bradley continues to grow, using the intimacy he feels for his music, along with the participation of fans to make timeless sounds that continue to inspire new listeners with his hard-to-define music.

“The ass in me would like to say that I play and sing my music and not describe it … but it’s Americana-ish,” said Bradley, who writes most of his own tunes. “It really varies from song to song but that’s how it’s shaping up on the new recording. I have a really talented band and they are contributing more and more songs, which is perfect for keeping ourselves fresh as we grow.”

However, categorizing such an eclectic performer would be ridiculous. Bradley’s music seems to transcend from blues to rock to folk, seamlessly and all with an authoritative voice that demands to be heard. Earlier songs like “Is Love Enough,” “Paradise” and “You Think You’re Free” earned Bradley credibility with earlier listeners, while songs like “Whiskey” are fan favorites.

With a timeless sound and a sultry voice, Bradley derives his inspiration from everyday experiences, never forcing the process nor losing the spontaneity. So what does keep the young artist’s juices flowing? Well, in Hawaii, he quipped, “Pineapple?” Ah, the modest artist.

Bradley’s rise to stardom stems from a little known fact that ties him to a cultural phenomena, which outed the once-anonymous singer and assured him the solidity that he needed to jump start his career. Back in 2008, a discreet film, called “Twilight,” about a teenage girl who falls in love with a teen Vampire was released. What happened next could not have been predicted. Catapulting the stars of the film into super-star status, Bradley received recognition for co-writing one of the film’s soundtrack hits, “Too Far Gone/Never Think” with fellow Englishman, Robert Pattinson.

Since then, Bradley has never looked back, and he has been touring and creating music ever since. In 2009, he released his first EP with the beautiful and vocally haunting song, “Sea Blue,” which once again resonated with fans. His second EP release, “Zuni,” skyrocketed to #1 on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart and this self-funded artist can happily say, he’s doing it his way.

Understanding the need for artistic and creative control these days, Bradley said it was important to tour and reach out to his dedicated fans, who show their appreciation by using social media and blogs to help share the love for all things Bradley. Still, the self-made artist hasn’t become a household name — yet — and fans still see him as under appreciated.

“Its just the beginning,” he humbly said. “I’m just working on reaching as many people as possible.”
During his two concerts here, Bradley will play an acoustic set with local artist Frank Taua. “I may play some new songs but I will be playing without my band so that will be different from my last tour,” Bradley said. “There’s nothing to hide behind. Not that that’s what I do, but I will be naked.”
Not literally, of course.

What: Sam Bradley Concert
When: September 30 and October 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Venue, 1144 Bethel Street
Tickets: $20 pre-sale or $25 at the door; visit www.brownpapertickets.com

Source

Swerve Magazine Reviews Sam Bradley's Pittsburgh Show

Sam gets a mention in Swerve Magazine's review of Jenny Owen Youngs' performance at The Brillbox this week in Pittsburgh.

Sam's mention here.

Opening act Sam Bradley played solo with only an acoustic guitar and had the crowd revved up with a story of dating an older woman to a new song about what frauds hippies (and hipsters) really are despite their slanted view of themselves.

source/full article here

Woman You Crazy!

How YOU can help Sam Bradley

Get Sam's music on the radio! 

Request Zuni.

Radio exposure is still a great way to share and hear music, reaching a very large audience.  This is even more so these days, with on-line streaming!

Public Radio (especially Triple A format stations) are very open to new and exciting music.  Non-Commercial, member supported radio stations, have the flexibilty to play what they want, not what fixed formated, very often repetitive shows, dictate.

How can you help Sam get radio play?

Contact your local public/college radio station and request Sam's music. 

Call their request lines, music directors and program directors!!  Tell them you want to hear Sam Bradley's music!

Here is a link to PublicRadioFan that lists THOUSANDS of public radio stations all over the world.

Find your city and light up their request lines!

Another idea... The University of Pennsylania's station, WXPN produces a show daily called the World Cafe. 

The World Cafe is hosted by David Dye.

Each show, David has a live guest.  The live guest is anyone from established veteran artists like Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell and Steve Forbert to newer acts like Adele, Joss Stone, Amos Lee and The Civil Wars.

What is so very special about The World Cafe, is that it is simulcast into 200+ cities all across the US !

That is GREAT EXPOSURE with one visit!!

Contact The World Cafe Staff Here and request Sam as a guest for the show!

Let's start a movement here, music lovers!  Let's DO THIS!

Sam Bradley The Rock Shop -- Brooklyn September 16, 2011

 On Friday, September 16, 2011, Sam performed at The Rock Shop in Brooklyn.



Sam is currently on tour supporting Jenny Owen Youngs. 

Here are a few photos of Sam from Friday night's appearance.
 

 

See Sam in a city near you! Tour Dates