Teesside singer-songwriter Samantha Durnan is preparing to release new her album so Mark Davies caught up with her to find out what it was like working on the album during a pandemic.
How was recording the new album in the current climate? And were any recordings complicated by any restrictions?
Despite having all of my live shows cancelled due to the current climate, this has allowed me the time to write, produce, learn and really experiment with the ideas that have been flickering away in my mind. I’ve been on a high these past couple of months as recording from home has allowed me the freedom to just hit record and lay down ideas without question. The process of recording the album was really easy as I had all the equipment I needed in my home studio and I was able to communicate with Patrick Jordan who mixed and mastered all the tracks via email.
How has the pandemic affected your approach to creating and producing your music?
It has given me the confidence to trust my musical instinct and realise I’m capable of doing anything if I set my mind to it (okay, maybe not anything, but you know what I mean). I’ve really challenged myself to not only keep myself sane throughout the pandemic but to grow as a musician, producer and writer. I would usually rely on others to decide the overall sound of my music but by asking the right questions and allowing myself the time to take in new information, I realised I could not only do it myself but duplicate the exact ideas I could hear in my mind straight into logic. I think a year ago I was comfortable as an overall musician and I came to release there was a whole new world of music once I stepped outside of the ‘acoustic singer-songwriter’ field.
How are preparations going for the album release show at the Georgian Theatre? And how are you feeling about getting back on stage?
They are going really well so far. I haven’t played a local original show in years so I’m a little bit nervous but I’m sure once I’m on stage the buzz will take over as it always does. My band consists of some extremely talented musicians/performers and I’m so excited to play alongside them. I’ve craved the stage buzz this past year, especially the one I get when performing with a band. Feeling that mic’d-up bass drum and energy from a responsive crowd is like no other. In all honesty, I’m just looking forward to socialising with actual people again. My dog has been great company but she never claps after my living room performances [Laughing].
Have any new influences snuck into the new songs?
Yes, so many. I’ve been teaching myself more lead guitar and I’ve been drawn to the likes of Joe Satriani, Carlos Santana & Orianthi. I’ve always listened to an eclectic mix of music and taken a little bit of something from each genre, but for the past year or so, it’s definitely been about the guitars, guitar pedals and amplifiers. I’ve invested in lots of new guitar pedals which I feel has added a more refined sound to my overall production and live performance.
You’ve been getting stuff out there since you were 15. What would you say to the 15-year-old Samantha?
I’d say music is going to be a big part of your life so never forget why you started it in the first place. Continue to listen to your gut instinct and throughout your life experiences, you will continue to be introduced to your musical family who will teach, love and help you along the way.
Samantha Durnan’s album launch show will take place at The Georgian Theatre, Stockton on Thursday 16th September. Tickets, priced at £8.00 in advance, are available from georgiantheatre.co.uk.
