Glasgow alt-folk singer-songwriter and harpist Sam MacAdam has released her second single, “Longsands”, now available on all streaming services. 

The track explores disappointment and lost love, juxtaposed with a rare and perfect English sunny day, and uses dovetailing string entries to recreate the undulating North Sea, with the harp providing rhythmic stability throughout.
“I wrote this song following a bad break up,” says MacAdam. “I wanted to experiment with acoustic instruments and production techniques to create an intimate experience where I speak directly to the listener.”

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Sam about the new release, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I’m from Glasgow, and I make alt-folk style music. Drawing on influences from classical and romantic composers (Debussy is a favourite of mine) to the trad Scottish tradition I like to compose songs that ‘world-build’ and take you to a particular snippet, or place in time.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

I’m always making songs, from singing to the cats, or singing with my flatmates about silly things. I feel like songs are intrinsic to human expression, and it helps me work through situations and emotions by putting it down sonically.

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

This release I really tried to paint a landscape using instruments, with the harps acting as waves to the individual string entries catching the listener in a whirlwind of sound

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this over saturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

I find social media and self promotion exhausting – I’m sure we all do! Having work and creative practise and socialising all entwined in one space that seeps into all parts of our lives is a way to completely lose track of ourselves. 

I have been enjoying finding out about new artists and new tracks online – it feels like we’re in a super creative place as a society at the moment. There’s definitely a creative boom now that lockdowns are easing.

What was the last song you listened to?

Drown – Marika Hackman

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

Vinyl – it feels like it puts music in a more ‘active listening’ situation. Having to flip the record keeps you engaged, and it feels like a special treat to listen to the music.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why? 

I use Spotify – but I also try to support all my favourite small artists through bandcamp as we all know Spotify doesn’t pay the artists well enough…

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

I use instagram far too much (especially for someone who says they hate social media), and I’m always posting about various projects! I love a chat!