According to his brief bio on Facebook Sam Bartells is an "Auckland NZ Based Singer/Songwriter releasing new music throughout the world". His slickly produced music video for the song Our Love May Go Away has been viewed 16,000 times in its first month online.
His bio is not extensive or overly verbose, so music journalist Darryl Baser went looking for answers, and the pair sat at their computers at opposite ends of Aotearoa.
What inspires your music?
Generally, whatever I’m going though at the time. Lately and this latest project is about change and almost losing everything and addiction and finding a new way to be happy in life.
Which instrument do you like writing on?
Acoustic guitar for me but would love to get better on the piano ????
Are you a words first or music first person, and why?
Usually I find a chord progression or single note and on any given day it can sound different to me. Then most of the time a word or phrase will come into my mind and that will be what the songs about.
Where are you in the cycle of writing, recording etc?
I have just released my first of three singles to come this year followed by an EP/album next year. I have been recording this project for over a year on a weekly basis and am still writing and planning the next one now.
What's your five-year plan - going overseas?
I would like to be on tour next year and year after with my band and also plan to go to Nashville and a few other places in the near future. I’m not 100% sure at this stage but hope to build my audience over here and overseas.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Be humble but go hard! haha
Believe in yourself as everyone single person has something unique about themselves to offer. Find your groove of what works for you and have fun. Experiment with your voice.
When did you first begin making music?
I started teaching myself guitar and singing at about age 14.
If you weren't a musician, what would you be doing?
Haha I’ve done lots of things, but I would love to rebuild and race cars or it would be great to build guitars or something.
My default last question for all interviewees, is always Is there anything I haven't asked, that you'd like to say?
To which the humble Sam Bartells replied: Thanks.