Frequency Cowboy is the pseudonym for Somerset-based multi-instrumentalist and singer Sam Hurt. He is set to release his debut single “Control” via Dactyl Spondee Records next month, which has been recorded and mixed by Stew Jackson and was premiered by The Line Of Best Fit. We touch base with the artist to chat about how he creates the backbone for his distinctive sound.
To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?
Most songs are based around my Wurlitzer piano, which is a big part of the sound. On top of that, its got an Indie Pop vibe. Mostly I write about how I’m feeling. I like the idea of people being able to dance to my music but it doesn’t always pan out like that by the time I’ve finished writing a song.
What are the 5 albums and artists that have influenced you the most?
Sonic Youth – Dirty
The Stooges – The Stooges
Live in 66 – Bob Dylan
Neil Young – After The Gold Rush
Blur – Blur
What other artists do you really like at the moment and why?
I love that track ‘In the Midst’ by sir Was. It’s got this amazing spacious almost orchestral feel to it. I like Teleman. They look like they belong together and have some great songs. Also, Public Service Broadcast are good. Who needs a singer? The Allergies are good and from the South West.
Tell us about some gigs that stood out to you.
Me and some band mates once forgot half our gear and went to play in Nottingham. My piano was propped up on a pub table and everyone’s effects pedals kept cutting out. Weirdly though, through adversity, we pulled off a brilliant show. The first ever Frequency Cowboy gig I did was just me and the piano. I was so nervous and kept looking down at my hands thinking ‘what are you doing?’ as they seemed to be making a total hash of what they were supposed to be doing. Like a giant ham on the end of each arm.
What is your take on some of the following genres?
Classical:
Played a lot of it growing up on the piano. Love Beethoven, Chopin and Mozart. Its all about piano sonata’s for me. Could never get into Schubert or the romantics (Liszt isn’t bad though).
Blues:
Muddy Waters, BB King, Robert Johnson, Jimmy Reed. I like the Soul end of the market. The Stones do a decent job with the covers on their early albums.
Soul:
Massive Northern soul fan and soul in general. There are too many to list but Marvin Gaye, Fontella Bass, Martha Reeves, Etta James (could be in Blues too I guess), Don Covay, Junior Walker, Tammi Terrell. I’ve a soft spot for soul with a female voice – Piece of My Heart by Erma Franklin (the original and best, even better than Janice Joplin) is a high water mark.
Hiphop:
Jurassic 5’s first album is good, so is a Tribe Called Quest, DJ shadow and Cut Chemist do some cool work together. Brainfreeze by them is just awesome as its a Soul, Funk, Hip Hop mash done up to utter perfection.
Folk:
Not a massive fan of the newer folk revival but I enjoy some of the older stuff. Early Bob Dylan and Nick Drake are a yes.
Trap:
EDM isn’t really my thing I’m afraid, unless I’m out at a club which again isn’t something I do very often.
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