Hi Sam, how are you?
Very well, thank you.

Where did the name come from?

I was a big Phantom comic book fan as a child and “Ghost Who Walks” was the nickname the jungle people gave him. I really dug it as a project name and it stuck.

Why the half-skull face paint?

I guess it’s a play on the name, I feel it’s a very powerful image. It was for a one off promotional shoot which we also used as a vector image creating our logo and our brand. It’s not something worn for the live show.

What are your influences?

Jimi Hendrix was probably my first big influence and still is today. As well as Gary Clark Jr, I really dig his style. Also, Chris Moses a now friend of mine who seen me play at an open mic night in Wellington in 2015, He helped me form the first incarnation of Ghost Who Walks, while also teaching me a lot of what I know about music today.

How do you come up with your lyrics and what inspires you the most when writing your lyrics?

I guess I wait for moments of inspiration, then I put pen to pad and it all comes out for the most part. I mostly write to inspire the listener, but I’m also very much inspired by moments I perceive to be beautiful, whether that be a moment of sadness, a moment of joy. meeting someone who inspires me. Or losing someone who inspires me. To feel in itself is a beautiful thing.

How would you describe your music?

Funky Electric Voodoo Blues

You’ve just released your new single Vertigo. It’s a great track. Can you tell us more about it? Also, do you think putting your music on Spotify has helped you share your music?

Thank you. It’s a psychedelic funk journey that explores the concept of dark versus light, high and low and the idea that inside we have a true compass that guides us to overcome our fears and transcend into our ultimate purpose. I think anywhere you can put your music, so it can be heard is a good thing. 

What were you doing before you became a musician and what do you think you would be doing if you weren't performing music now?

I’ve always been a musician at heart, I worked the roads for some time then saved enough money to record the way I wanted to record. I couldn’t do anything else, music is everything for me.

What music do you enjoy listening to?

Tama Impala, Arctic Monkeys, Fat Freddy's Drop, Pink Floyd, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bob Marley to name a few.

You play quite intimate gigs. Would you like to do larger shows, or do you prefer the intimate setting?

Intimate is cool it really gives the listener a chance to be up close and personal with the show which creates a nice vibe, you can really feel the energy. Larger shows are cool too the more people the more energy there is to vibe with. I am happy to play for any amount of people if they’ll lend me their hearts and ears.

You’re doing quite a few shows in Wellington. Can we expect you to travel further soon?

We’re looking to do a full tour next summer taking us through the smaller towns and some of the main centres. And a quick trip to some of the cooler climates in winter. Wait and see.

What has got you to where you are today?

The people that believed in me very early on without them I would have never started this journey. I’m forever grateful for their support, followed closely by hard work and perseverance.

What is the one thing you want NZ to know about yourself?

I never took music in school and I still can’t read music.

What can we expect to see from you over the next year?

Looking forward to the EP release and the summer tour. Also, very keen to hit the studio again to create some more tunes for ya’lls listening pleasure.

Anything else to add?

Marmite on crumpets is a total win.

Thank you for doing this interview with us Sam. I wish you all the best and can’t wait to hear more!