Aussie Indie Artists is a series of interviews with lesser-known Aussie creators across all forms and fields. The goal is to share exciting new works, find new angles towards the art, and peek behind the scenes.
Woody Samson has been a musician ever since the first tan-ta-ra-tan of his trumpet at age 7, but he started playing full-time right before COVID-19 started. He started House Of Wood with Lewis Toms and Tejo Cruz, and they sold out the Gaso and The Leadbeater with their launches.
But during Covid, House of Wood had to take a break, and Woody started focusing on making music solo. Now, Woody’s debut single, “Don’t Let Them”, is out and features sound engineering by Lachlan Magoo (Jungle Giants, Midnight Oil).
I talked to Woody about “Don’t Let Them”’s debut, creating under quarantine, and whether the trumpet will return.
Congratulations on your debut single. How does it feel to debut as a solo artist? Is it different from your band’s debut?
Thank you muchly! It feels a little bit like imposter syndrome, but it also feels like a celebration of my journey in music– I’m so damn excited!
I miss my band so much! It’s a unique feeling when you launch with a band, tour, hug, jam, share experiences, but it’s definitely not as lonely as I thought it would be– plus I’m the only one late to rehearsals now haha.
I’m lucky to have a beautiful little circle of artists around me that I talk to every day. A little team, getting around each other’s projects and throwing each other at the sun!
“Don’t Let Them” is a killer track, and it was written during Covid. What was the creation process like?
Thank you again, and yes, a covid track. Unlimited time with limited inspiration. When I listen back to the music I wrote in lockdown, I hear an intensity that’s not in my current writing. This song is no different.
On top of that, the timing in the verses is a bit of fun. The vocals and bass are in 5/4, while the guitars are in ⅜, and the drums are in 4/4. These don’t meet up until the 60th beat, which doesn’t happen in the song– it’s like lockdown!
The lyrics popped up when I was finally making choices that were authentically me. The verses came out quite aggressive– I’m often quietly observational and use humour to communicate. This was empowering and refreshing, validating feelings that are consistently quashed in our world.
Was it the first time you’ve worked with a big producer like Lachlan Magoo?
It was! And honestly, I thought I’d have to immediately apologise for my bedroom recordings, but it seems my skills in the bedroom have improved. Fake it til you make it I guess.
It was amazing to work with Goo! It was another big time producer that brought us together – Marcus Knight. Marcus saw me play at a little pub on Chapel St, and asked if I had any demos– so I sent through like a hundred! Hahah. He then worked on a few of the tracks with me and we wrote the chorus of this song together. Like Goo, his ear is otherworldly!
Marcus and Goo have worked in the music industry together for years and I was stupendously blessed to send the tracks through.
Do you feel like your music is taking a new direction with this release?
It’s definitely sassier and more unforgiving. As I get older and smellier, the care for acceptance is decreasing, creating unlimited possibilities and endless experimentation– I say this, but I play five shows a week and still write on my arm “no one cares” to remember to send it.
My writing is developing into something very exciting and the tracks I’ve written this year are coming out seriously groovy. The new synths blend with the brass, beats and my blue telecaster is exploding onto paper– I’m hoping it’s as fun to listen to as it is to play!
And will your trumpet playing make a return? I know it was a big star on your Youtube channel.
I don’t want to toot my own horn here…but YES! Trumpet is my #1 and I bring it out in my live performance about once every three songs. I think my writing has a similar strike rate. So stay tuned and keep your ear plugs in, the trumpet is coming.
Who are a few artists that have been inspiring you lately?
I can’t stop listening to Tash Sultana. Their tones, their voice, their fearless song movements. An undeniable force of nature. They just finished a two-year world tour– LOVE the hustle!
I also think G Flip is starting something special. I can’t wait to watch their journey into a new market, then see how Australia reacts. Shouts to Chet Faker, Jacob Collier and Marc Rebillet.
What about some old flames, some trumpet players?
I can’t talk about old flames and not talk about Prince! I mean, 40 studio albums and a live show that musicians can only dream about. As a multi-instrumentalist, Prince is so inspiring. That funk, that space, those fingers!
As for trumpet players, I can’t go past the tones, mouth-art, and imagination of Miles Davis, Bix Beiderbecke, and Louis Armstrong. Get in my ears!
And what else is coming from Woody Samson?
I’m back in Melbourne in November, and have 8 tracks that I’m excited to release. I’ll put a plan together, play a bunch of shows, and hopefully tour around the country a little. Come along if you like a bit of colour and sparkles. I’ll keep my Instagram updated with my cheeky piggy activities.
Looking forward to it! Thanks for the interview.
Thank you so much for listening and being interested in the music, it means the absolute world!
You can listen to “Don’t Let Them” on Spotify and on Apple Music. You can follow Woody on Instagram, or YouTube.
