Get Familiar: Sam Akpro
Interview by Passion Dzenga | Photography by Raymond van Mil
Hailing from the vibrant streets of Peckham in South-East London, Sam Akpro is not your typical singer-songwriter. His music is a kaleidoscope of sound, a fusion of fuzzed-out guitars and digi-drums that creates an inimitable sonic landscape. Sam's artistic journey is deeply rooted in his hometown, where the energy of London life serves as both muse and canvas for his musical expressions. Sam Akpro's signature style sets him apart in the crowded music scene. With each release, he delivers a musical experience that is uniquely his own, blending plaintively immediate lyrics with industrious instrumentals. The result is a captivating reflection of the crush and chaos of urban life, a sound that is distinctly Sam Akpro.
Having graced festival bills and enchanted audiences with a series of singular releases, Sam has built a devoted cult fan base. His sold-out headline shows are a testament to the magnetic pull of his music, drawing enthusiasts from all corners. This month, he unveils his latest creation, the eagerly anticipated single 'Disposition,' promising another sonic journey into the unexplored realms of his artistry. The stage is where Sam truly comes alive. Known for his dynamic presence, he has become a showman in his own right, engaging intimately with the crowd, and even daringly diving into mosh pits. This passion for creating an immersive live experience has turned his performances into unforgettable spectacles.
As if his calendar wasn't exciting enough, Sam Akpro is set to hit the stage at prominent events like Ritual Union Festival in Bristol, UK, London Calling Festival in Amsterdam, and Bristol Sounds (The Breeders) in Bristol, UK, in the coming months. In 2023, Sam received a stellar 10/10 review during the BBC Radio 6 Music Round Table hosted by Huw Stephens, marking a significant milestone in his career. This recognition undoubtedly fueled his creative fire and left fans eager for what's next.
Signed to the prestigious ANTI Records, Sam Akpro's journey is a testament to the power of authenticity and innovation in the music industry. As we step into the world of Sam Akpro, get familiar with his journey so far and find out what fuels him to keep on creating.
Congratulations on your new single, 'Disposition'! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and what listeners can expect from it?
The song came about on a random one really, I was just messing around on my computer with a sample and that became the driving force of the tune.
Your music has a unique blend of fuzzed-out guitars and digi-drums. How would you describe your creative process in bringing together these different elements to create your distinctive sound?
My creative process usually consists of me trying to find some sort of sonic palette that I haven’t used before and manipulating that sound until something happens really, I also try to not overthink making things too.
Growing up in Peckham, London, how has your hometown influenced your music and lyrics?
I would say lyrically not one place influences me I try to soak up every book, or conversation that I have. Musically I’d say Peckham is very varied in musical genres, so I'd say it has played a part in how I try to mix different styles of music together. Are there specific experiences that have shaped your artistic perspective? Off the top of my head, I couldn’t say if there are but mainly my daily experiences and my friends’ experiences are what inspire my perspective.
You've garnered a cult fan base and sold-out headline shows. How do you connect with your audience during live performances, and what's your most memorable interaction with a fan?
I think moshing is the best way to connect with people who watch your performances it breaks the fourth wall feeling that you can get at some shows.
It's impressive that you'll be performing at the Ritual Union Festival in Bristol, UK, the London Calling Festival in Amsterdam, and Bristol Sounds (The Breeders). How do you prepare for such diverse audiences, and what do you enjoy most about playing at festivals?
I prepare by rehearsing with my band which is comprised of Cameron Jacobs, Chucho, Luke Chin, Kyle Creaton & Tay Deveney. I’m not really trying to think about the audience too much. I enjoy getting to play in all these different venues and stages.
Getting a 10/10 review on BBC Radio 6 Music Round Table hosted by Huw Stephens must have been a significant moment. How did that recognition impact your career, and did it influence your approach to future projects?
Getting radio plays is cool, I guess it helped my music reach more people, I don’t think o would ever let that have any impact on my recording process, it would be counterproductive to make music for the listener rather than myself.
Being signed to ANTI Records is a notable achievement. How has being part of a label like ANTI Records supported your artistic vision and career goals?
Being part of ANTI Records is sick, it’s cool to have support in realising my ideas with ease whether visually or musically they’ve added an extra bit of backbone to my vision.
Your live shows are known for their energetic stage presence, including getting active with the crowd and jumping into mosh pits. What drives your passion for creating an immersive live experience, and how do you balance that with delivering a musically rich performance?
I’m not sure, to be honest, I just like getting hyped at shows.
In a world saturated with various music genres, how do you see your music fitting into the current music landscape, and what sets you apart from other artists?
My music, like many others, falls into this modern landscape where everything art-wise is a collage of inspirations. I’m not sure what sets me apart, I’m not big on defining myself like that, bit of a waste of time.
Looking ahead, what can fans expect from Sam Akpro in the coming months? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're excited to share?
I got some more singles on the way and I’m just working on a longer form project that will be out at some point.
As a singer, songwriter, and producer, how do you navigate the challenges of wearing multiple hats in the music creation process, and do you have a favourite role among these three?
Having a co-producer that I can go to at the end of my process helps as it refreshes the process again, and I can become more of a songwriter and leave the technical side with Finn Billingham (Producer). I enjoy each aspect equally; they all feel different at times.
Finally, for aspiring musicians and songwriters, what advice would you give them based on your journey in the music industry?
Make stuff that gives you inner satisfaction, try to have a vision of what you want artistically and be open to change through your music.
