With yet another Summer season behind us, ‘Feels Like Summer,’ which amassed over 100 million streams, reappeared on rotation and reminded us of its euphoric superpowers. The artist behind this mega-hit is UK based singer/songwriter Samuel Jack, who returns with his second album, One Last Dance In The Valley: “It feels like the album I was always supposed to write.”
Influenced by Sam Cooke, B.B. King, and Van Morrison, One Last Dance In The Valley celebrates the music Jack grew up on. The record pays tribute to California and Tennessee, capturing stories and adventures from his career, backed by full live instrumentation and his phenomenal soulful vocals.
Featuring recent singles ‘Feel Like Summer (…Again)’ and ‘California Sun,’ Samuel Jack’s blend of R&B, soul, and pop summarises the young promise of a city and the anything-is-possible mentality of Los Angeles.
Elaborating on One Last Dance In The Valley, Samuel Jack hails from his home studio in Somerset, thriving and living the countryside dream. He opens up about LA witnessing his ups and downs, and how it was the people who made him fall in love with what the City of Angels has to offer.
What are the main themes you’re covering in One Last Dance In The Valley beside your love for California?
There’s a lot of joy in this record. Besides my love for California and Tennessee, it’s a record that really tells my story of the adventure I’ve been on with music, everything I felt along the way, and it really celebrates the music I was raised on. It feels like the Album I was always supposed to write.
Would you like to recommend a way/a setting how your fans should listen to the album?
Best enjoyed on vinyl, by the fire place, whiskey in hand – and if that’s not an option, I recommend headphones walking down Sunset Boulevard.
Do you enjoy working on full-length projects or do you prefer working on single separate snapshots?
I like both, but there’s something about working on a bigger body of work that really ticks some creative boxes for me. It feels like you’re creating a world. It’s multi-faceted – one song can take you anywhere, but doing that twelve times on one album is an emotional rollercoaster, I love that about it.
Your new single ‘California Sun’ pays tribute to your home away home Los Angeles. Do you remember your first trip over there? Was it love at first sight?
To be honest there have been times when I’ve felt really out of my depth in LA, particularly when I first started going out there to write. It’s seen me through many ups and many downs and I’ve grown to truly love it there. California will always inspire me. I can’t help it.
What made LA feel like home to you?
The people, no doubt. My long standing writing partner Lily and producer Owen are based out there. They’re like family to me. I’ve made some great friends out there not just through music but also just in the neighbourhood. It’s so familiar now, like an old friend.
How does your day-to-day differ when you live in LA compared to your life in Britain?
I mean, normally when I’m in LA it’s on writing trip, which can get pretty intense! Long days, multiple sessions, the whole shebang. The sun is always shining though, and I love a morning hike before getting to work. At home, its a bit more relaxed, and maybe not quite as glam.
Are there any other cities you would like to live in?
I’m very happy at home here in UK, but if I had to choose I’d say New York.
Could you tell us more about the drive you felt working at a pub, wanting to improve step-by-step?
I worked in hospitality for years. Making a career in music work alongside that was near impossible at times – but I’ve certainly carried some stuff through into music with me. Discipline, graft, managing people, managing expectations. It’s wild to think I used to finish in the restaurant at 11pm, go home and work on music ’til 3am, then go back to the restaurant at 7am – regularly. But when you love something so much, and want it bad enough, I guess you tend to do pretty crazy things to yourself.
How do you reflect back at the career you’ve had?
With a lot of gratitude. For a start, I was never some sort of musical prodigy (annoyingly!) I’ve only really had the opportunities I’ve had for two reasons; one – hard work – and two – having some people in my corner from the very beginning that had belief in me. I’ve been a sponge my whole career, learnt as much as I can and when I look back I think, ‘wow mate, you’ve done alright’ – but there’s a long way to go yet until I’m satisfied though.. watch this space.
Could you list some accomplishments you’re particularly proud of?
Breaking the UK top 40 for the first time and seeing my music charting around the world, without any major label, any marketing machine, completely fan led was a lovely feeling. I think having over 100 of my songs used on TV shows, films and commercials is a good one too – but I think the thing I’m most proud of is just being in this industry and being able to call it a job – that was always the goal.
Did you creative process change at all throughout the years?
It’s developed. I’ve sort of refined how I work. Working in Nashville really helped me get closer to mastering the craft than where I was before, but I’m always learning. I have my go to ways of writing music, but try not to overthink it.
Working on ‘Feels Like Summer,’ did you feel like it will turn into a viral sensation?
Not even for a minute.
Would you say ‘Feels Like Summer’ was a turning point?
Interestingly, I wouldn’t say turning point actually – it was the first time I’d had some global recognition, but I’ve learnt that these ‘viral’ moments are indeed just that – moments. Before Feels Like Summer I’d extensively toured through Europe and UK and already built a small, but mighty fanbase – Feels Like Summer just shone a bit more light on that.
What does the success of ‘Feels Like Summer’ mean to you?
I’ll forever be grateful for that song. Every year it soundtracks so many peoples’ summers, all over the world. It still blows my mind, to this day.
What would you like your fans to take away from your new record One Last Dance In The Valley?
That life is an adventure, full of ups and downs – but there should always be time for one last dance …
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Words: Karolina Kramplova