The current pandemic that we are facing has left us with a lot of time to be stuck in our own heads, creating, and reliving past experiences, etc. Getting stuck in our heads is not always the best way to spend our free time. For me, it’s late hours working on so many things at once, thinking and comparing myself to others, all of those ‘VERY BENEFICIAL’ circumstances.

So, it is important to stop what I am doing, take a step back, and find better ways to pre-occupy my mind. & let’s be honest, sometimes that means scrolling social media with sad music playing in the background just to let out emotions that you have bottled up. & our go to for the sad boy music, Sam MacPherson.

We spoke to Sam MacPherson a few months ago when he released one of the prettiest singles we’ve heard this year, ‘Perfect Conditions’. Now, Sam has returned with the absolute most stunning debut EP, ‘Songs For Sam’ – an EP Sam created for people who are in a long distance relationship. & honestly, let’s be real – those just suck and realistically, struggle to survive. However, Sam makes it feel.. special. Whether it’s his soft, clean vocals, or his beautiful, simple production – Sam has a way of making everything that comes with long distance relationships so pretty.

If you love true, authentic, genuine artists, you will absolutely love Sam MacPherson and everything that he is. When I heard he was releasing his debut EP, I knew this was the perfect time to catch back up with him and see how music and life has been treating him since our last chat, and the release of ‘Perfect Conditions’.

PopWrapped (PW): We caught up with you in July to talk about your latest single at the time, ‘Perfect Conditions’ – which is a track that comes as a result of “ignorance surrounding falling in love”. You also mentioned previously, all of the tracks “share the same DNA” – now that this EP is finally here, how are you feeling knowing this story has been written, published, and now heard?

Sam MacPherson (SM): It’s certainly a weight off my chest. I feel like I have spent so much time with my nose up against the glass writing these songs, going over production, making mix and master notes, etc… it’s nice to take a step back and see the big picture I was trying to piece together. 

PW: Your debut EP is titled “Songs For Sam”, leading us to assume this EP is not only a personal story of emotions and how you have overcome them, but almost like this was the therapy that got you through some pretty tough times – and that must be a pretty scary thing to share with people. Was there any certain track on this album that made you think, “okay, damn, so this is where it’s going”?

SM: I think when I wrote “Start” I knew I was going to have a a lot more to say. That song became the anchor point that I always came back to in terms of the evolution of the story I was trying to tell. That story being falling in love, moving across the country, and trying to be 24 years old. 

PW: “Counts” and “Perfect Conditions” are the stand out tracks for me. “Counts” because it’s important to not reminisce on History and live in the present – ESPECIALLY when it comes to a relationship. & “Perfect Conditions” because it talks about being broken but still in perfect conditions. When you finished these tracks, what was going through your mind? When did you know that these would make a beautiful fit for your debut EP? Are there any standout tracks for you, and why?

SM: When I finished Counts and Perfect Conditions I loved the perspective I was left with. Those songs come from things I have actually said, but they’re also filled with words that I’d love to hear someone say to me. I loved that the sentiment of each one was applicable to people on either side of a love equation. 

PW: I can’t imagine how scary it is to put out a debut EP, or create music that you have to continue to improve and impress. However, that is exactly what you’ve done here – You’ve continued to top each release, improve, and obviously impress your audience. When everything was mixed, mastered, and finalized – and you played it back for the first time as a body of work, how did you feel?

SM: Thanks Nick. Always so generous with your words. It felt like I accomplished what I set out to do. Tell the story, and really, just tell the story. I think a lot of times it’s easier to be clever than it is to be real. I wanted these songs to feel as real as the emotion behind them. Playing them back I do think I did justice to the feelings I was trying to communicate. 

PW: You just recently did a virtual showcase with Liam Payne which brought a lot of attention to not only your unique voice, but your entire existence as a person and artist. What was it like being selected by Liam Payne for his virtual showcase? How has that experience helped you as an artist?

SM: It was a huge honor. Obviously Liam is a real life rockstar and an artist that has a global reach. Exposure is always beneficial but naturally it can be the thing that is most difficult to secure. So having Liam ask me to play during his concert was amazing and it put me in front of a lot of lovely people who now are fans of my music. It’s been inspiring and humbling to connect with so many people from all over the world in such a small amount of time. 

PW: This debut EP features tracks that we already know and love: “Routine”, “Last Minute”, “Counts” and “Perfect Conditions”. However, we do get a new track, “Start” which was produced by the incredible, Adam Yaron – who produced Perfect Conditions, Counts, and Last Minute. What was it like working with Adam on your debut project? Tell us a little bit about the chemistry between you two that glues this project together, per se. 

SM: Adam has been my closest collaborator for the past year, whether that be in writing or production. He did production on 4 out of the 5 songs and wrote two of them with me. I really don’t think there’s a ceiling for him in terms of his ability.He is a true songsmith. He’s also become one of my best friends in music and that helps when you’re exploring the inner workings of your heart in the key of G haha. We understand each other and respect each other’s sensibilities so it makes working together so enjoyable. I can’t even tell you how many songs we have written since the EP so I am excited for people to hear those in the future. 

PW: Five stunning tracks. Your Debut EP. Is there anything else that we may not have covered that you want to let your audience know? How are you feeling? Are you already working on the next body of work? And finally, what can we expect from you in the new year as it is right around the corner? Is it time to take a little bit off and let the music speak?

SM: I am already working on what comes next and I am really excited about it. There will be no shortage of songs that you hear from me in the near future. Maybe I will take some time off at the end of next year to live life again but for now I’m really enjoying keeping my head down and working. 

PW: Your music is incredible, your artistry is special, and you are unique. This is an absolutely stunning debut project and we are excited to continue following you along your journey. The best truly is yet to come. Incredible career ahead. Any notes you want to leave our readers with as we close this chat?

SM: I just want to say that I appreciate everyone who takes time out of their day to listen. People giving these songs a home and letting them keep them company means more to me than I could ever articulate. I feel only lucky. 

Sam MacPherson’s Debut EP, “Songs For Sam” is available now on all of your favorite music streaming platforms. If you are interested in hearing more from Sam, be sure to follow his journey on TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram.