Quick-fire questions: SAM DOTIA
Quick-fire questions: SAM DOTIA
“You should never call into work saying you can’t come in because you washed all of your clothes at one time and have nothing to wear because everything is still wet. No, I didn’t end up working there for long.”
Rather than making a splash, SAM DOTIA’s first release was more like the calm in the midst of a storm in London’s busy music scene. Cutting through the much of the noise of the industry, his debut single ‘Uriah’s Cry’ introduced the Zambian born singer’s delicate sound to the world with Annie Mac and Phil Taggart quickly becoming fans of the 23 year old.
The influence of Jeff Buckley, Moses Sumney and Bon Iver is easily identifiable in the powerful delivery SAM possesses. Inspired by coming-of-age movies too, there’s parallels between his approach to story telling and that of a young and before-the-fame Kevin Abstract. It’s effortless and untainted by frivolous desires of modern trends.
Combined with a penchant for deeply complex lyrics exploring themes such as metaphysics, religion and humanity; Sam has established himself as a serious singer-songwriter with an enduring lyrical poise and elegant rich sound.
He’s just dropped his sophomore single ‘Requiem 48’ and we caught up with the singer to see what makes him tick.
You are fighting in the octagon, what song do you walk out to?
Easily m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar, the beat switch is enough to get me through a whole championship! (featherweight though aha)
What fact about you would surprise people?
Kind of surprising, kind of weird whenever people find out but, I chew my tongue when I concentrate. Not on purpose but I’d be focusing on something and later find out I was chewing my tongue the whole time without realising.
What does retirement look like for you in the future?
Eventually, I want to retire fit enough to still be physical maybe, take up a new skill Who knows, I might be doing Tai Chi in Central Park.
What is your morning ritual?
From reading this, I immediately realised I don’t actually have a morning routine. But recently I’ve been trying to keep myself occupied while the world falls apart. so I would wake up and fall to the floor to work out a la Christian Bale in, ‘The Dark Knight’.
What movie / video game has the best soundtrack?
Best video game soundtrack has to be Sonic Heroes. I absolutely love it Movie soundtrack? I’m leaning towards Garden State, but I think The Twilight Saga slightly eclipses it. Pun intended. Radiohead? Bon iver & St Vincent? Muse? PARAMORE? Sublime. Growing up, I found a lot of inspiration in those soundtracks without knowing at the time.
Finish this sentence: You should never __________
You should never call into work saying you can’t come in because you washed all of your clothes at one time and have nothing to wear because everything is still wet. No, I didn’t end up working there for long.
What is essential to have with you in the studio?
Haribo’s Supermix. There was like a month where I think I had a packet a day. No Regrets.
What is the last thing you watched on netflix/youtube/tv?
On YouTube I last watched a video called, ‘A TikToker Drank 1 Bottle Nutmeg Spice. This Is What Happened To his Brain. By Chubbyemu. Surprisingly interesting. On Netflix, I last watched, ‘The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes’. I’ve been getting more and more into architecture as of late.
What are you addicted to?
After some self-reflection, I’ve realised, I think I may be addicted to my phone? I spend way too long on it doing nothing important. But I won’t be for long.
You have your own talk show, who is your first guest?
Salvador Dalí, as well as asking about the persistence of memory, I’d ask for tips on how to grow a super cool moustache (Happy birthday Señor Dalí)
You are headlining Glastonbury, what are your most outrageous rider requests?
I’m a simple guy, some Lemon and Ginger Tea from ‘Teapigs’, A packet of Haribo’s Supermix, and I’m good.
The first album you bought?
The first album I bought with physical money (not alluding to anything unlawful) was Come Around Sundown by Kings of Leon. I absolutely love their music.
You can choose one artist to head up the government and subsequently save the country, who is it?
Akala. I don’t even know how many times I’ve watched his TEDx talks on Shakespeare and Hip-hop.
You can rock the stage with any act past or present, who are you choosing?
I’m torn between two. Either DMX at Woodstock ‘99 or Jeff Buckley live at Sin-é. Two Impeccable shows.
What is your pet hate?
To my sisters’ dismay, I’m somewhat of a grammar police officer. I try not to be condescending or pretentious about it, but I hate when people say something wrong but they know better.
Listen to ‘Requiem 48’ below:
