Sam Heselwood on his latest single ‘Kind Love’
Layered with tender finger-picked guitars and soaring dynamic shifts, UK-based kiwi singer-songwriter Sam Heselwood’s poetic lyricism and raw, powerful vocal range softly narrates the journey of navigating life’s curveballs with one’s soulmate in his new track. An honest, vulnerable and utterly beautiful story of true love.
HM: Hey Sam! Thanks so much for taking the time to chat to us about your new music! First of all, we'd love to know about your musical journey from when you first started singing and making your own music?
Sam: Hi guys! Thanks for taking the time too! My musical journey started when I was at primary school, I had just moved from Darfield, a small rural town, to a prestigious town school. They had compulsory choir auditions that I attended. Before then, the only singing I had done was with my family in the car at the top of my lungs. Before I knew it, I was singled out as one of the soloists and had to attend choir every Sunday. The only problem I faced with all of this was that my true love at the time was sport and choir practices were over lunch time and that’s was when all my friends were our playing sport doing what I loved. So once I got to high school, I decided to decline the choir offers and pursue sport. It wasn’t until I left high school that I started to write music. I then started to upload some covers on Instagram where I got some good feedback. In 2021, I came across SOLE Music Academy - up until then, I had no idea that I could pursue a music career.
HM: Well we so glad you started singing again! What/who were your main musical and creative influences growing up?
Sam: Ed Sheeran was my absolute number one inspiration growing up! I also listened to a lot of soft rock old school music with my family too, usually on big road trips.
HM: Congrats on your latest incredible single ‘Kind Love’! Can you tell us about the concept of this track and what inspired you to write it?
Sam: Thank you! ‘Kind Love’ was written at a top of a mountain where my partner and I were living at the time in the Lake District, UK. We had been through a crazy few months travelling and moving countries trying to settle. I sat down one night and wrote ‘Kind Love’ about finding someone that makes life’s ups and downs a lot more enjoyable and to have that special someone by your side through thick and thin. It is also about acknowledging that we all go through ups and downs but it expresses how much easier it is having that someone you truly love throughout the crazy journey.
HM: So beautiful! What was one of your main highlights working on the song "Kind Love" as well as the music video?
Sam: It was just about having fun! I have also worked with people I get along with really well - Tara Burns, the videographer really made this come to life. My partner and I always want the videos to be as natural as possible and to just be ourselves which really shows in the music video.
HM: Absolutely! And taking a step back in time to your last EP "Home Is Where the Heart Is", what was one of your core memories made throughout the journey of making that project?
Sam: All the great people I got to work with once again. Each project brings out new opportunities and also to be able to learn more about myself and grow. Every time I do a project I come away feeling as if I have progressed in my music journey.
HM: Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you especially love?
Sam: I still listen to a lot of SIX60’s ‘GOLD’ album - I really love the way all that music feels.
HM: What's one of the biggest lessons you've learned in your career so far, or one of the best pieces of advice someone has given you along the way?
Sam: Some of the best advice I have been given is to appreciate the small things and trust the process. Do to grow.
HM: Love it! Lastly, if you could say one thing to every person in the world, what would it be?
Sam: Just be kinder to each other.
Thanks Sam! Make sure to keep up with him on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Spotify or Apple Music.
