SAM SEG TALKS STILL THINKING OF ME

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

You were unsigned when you released your debut earlier this year. How is it today, has the success that 'Lover' had resulted in any deals on the table?

I didn’t have any big expectations since it was the first single I ever released. This spring, I’ve had meetings both in the U.S. and Sweden, but so far, nothing has convinced me to sign anything.

Do you see any pros or cons to being independent versus being signed?

Of course, there are pros and cons to everything. These days, there are so many platforms where you can be seen and heard without being signed to a label. I think it’s more about having a good team that believes in what you’re doing.

How did it feel to get such a big breakthrough even internationally pretty much right away with your very first song?

It felt amazing, of course!

Was that something you had in mind when it came time to follow up with your second single. To make a song “for the charts”?

Not really. I always make music that I would want to listen to myself. If you start thinking about making a song just for the charts, I think you’re already on the wrong track.

Do you tend to draw from your own life?

I only ever write from my own experiences and events in my life. It can be about anything, from a breakup to my fig tree at home in the apartment.

How do you work with your productions?

I often handle most of the production myself. The latest single, 'Still Thinking of Me', I produced together with the incredibly talented Oliver Forsmark.

When did your journey as an artist begin?

Honestly, it started the moment I picked up a guitar for the very first time, when I was thirteen years old.

Who have been your musical role models?

Everyone from Thin Lizzy to D’Angelo.

You spent some time in the US, writing music with others, what can you tell us about that time?

It was an incredibly valuable experience. I learned a lot about myself but also about how to actually create a song from start to finish.

Why did you decide to move back to Sweden again?

After spending some time in the US, I realized just how many amazing songwriters and producers there are here in Sweden.

It has been said many times, but it’s still a relevant truth, Swedish songwriters continue to push pop music forward. As a songwriter why do you think that is?

That’s really hard to answer. I think Swedes simply aren’t afraid to try new things, when I’ve worked in the US, I’ve noticed that, especially when it comes to song structure and language, there can sometimes be an approach that has looked the same for decades. That said, there's just as many brilliant songwriters in the US as there are in Sweden.

You’re only two singles in, but as said, you already have years of music-making behind you, would you say you’ve found "your" sound yet?

I really do think I am starting to find my sound. My next two singles are going to make that even more clear.

Where does 'Still Thinking of Me' land, sonically speaking?

It’s always tricky to talk about sound, but it’s definitely a pop track with strong hooks.

What is the song about?

The song looks back on a past relationship that I had with someone who has meant and still means a lot to me.

Have you played any gigs this summer?

No.

Any upcoming gigs then?

Absolutely! Coming this fall.

What do you want to bring to the stage?

A lot. And I don’t just mean musically, the visual aspect is just as important to me.

What’s been your most memorable performance yet?

Playing on the main stage at Kungsträdgården was incredible!

Can we hope those two other singles to drop shortly?

Absolutely! There’s more music coming this fall.