Lorna Irvine speaks with True Adventures about touring, music and the future.
Sam Leonard, aka True Adventures, is a definite name to seek out. A charismatic singer-songwriter based in Norwich who is just about to release debut single ‘North Atlantic Ocean’, a swooping, cinematic song produced by Wild Beasts' Two Dancers producer David Pye. He is also friends with the brilliant Wooden Arms, whom he recently toured and worked with, and was recently touted on BBC6 Music. I caught up with him ahead of the single's release.
You are just back from the States--how was that?
I used to be a real Bob Dylan obsessive. I read and watched and listened to everything I could, so walking around Greenwich Village is like visiting some kind of music heritage site. In fact, the whole of New York is like that--every street you walk down has some kind of historic significance.
Who were your earliest musical influences?
The first cassette tape I ever bought was Michael Jackson’s ‘Earth Song’. I actually taped it and gave the original to a girl I fancied. She wasn’t that impressed as she was more of a Peter Andre fan.
R.E.M. were the first band to really have an effect on me. My friend made me a mix tape of their early years and I listened to it over and over as I sat on the bus in Birmingham. At that age you’re really looking for an escape from your surroundings. I had no idea what Michael Stipe was singing about but it definitely wasn’t Birmingham.
You recently worked with your friends, Wooden Arms. How was that? Is it easier to work with friends, as they will be more honest with you? (Or worse, in a way!)
It was perfect actually. ‘North Atlantic Ocean’ is a pretty old song now. I’ve tried to record it a few times but it’s never really been given the time and effort it deserves. Wooden Arms are just complete pros. They understand what a song needs and, more importantly, doesn’t need. They are also kind enough to humour me as I try to explain (without being able to read/write music) what I’m looking for.
The problem I have now is: I want them on everything I record!
Your songwriting sounds very intimate. Does it make you feel vulnerable, in a sense, putting your soul out there for others to hear?
I’ve realised that it’s the only way I can write. I tried to change a while back, writing from the perspective of a fictional character, but it just doesn’t float my boat. Songwriting is my way of trying to make sense of what’s around me. I often only realise what a song is about when I’ve sung it a thousand times, or someone asks me about it.
The best thing is hearing from someone that your song got to them in some way, often with a different meaning than the one you imagined.
What's next for True Adventures?
I’m touring the UK in May and hopefully doing a few festivals. After that I’ll be back in the studio with some new songs and an EP.
North Atlantic Ocean is released on April 27th. Go to hello@true-adventures.com.
True Adventures - North Atlantic Ocean [Live at O…: http://youtu.be/Yke7ZeoyHd4
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