INTERVIEW: Sam Wrangle releases new single

Drawing inspiration from an array of musical influences, including Tame Impala, Supertramp and Joy Division, Sam Wrangle crafts an original sound that’s at once reflective and infectious. Based in Brisbane, Australia, he weaves a musical narrative that invites listeners to partake in the simple pleasures of life through his solo musical endeavour.

Sam Wrangle’s musical journey has been a globe-spanning adventure. From teaching and making music in far-flung corners of the world to finding his musical home in southeast Queensland, his experiences have shaped his distinct style. He’s a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who brings a wealth of diverse influences to his indie rock creations.

He first introduced himself to the music scene in 2020 with his debut single, “Motel Quarantino,” and since then, he has been steadily building a repertoire of well-received singles, an EP, and two full-length records. With his latest single, “Just Living Really,” Wrangle is joined by Dylan Young, also known as Way Dynamic, who contributes his percussion and production talents. Together, they form a sonic partnership that elevates Wrangle’s solo project to new heights.

From the opening notes of “Just Living Really,” it’s clear that Wrangle has a keen ear for crafting catchy indie rock tunes with a dreamy psychedelic twist. The track exudes a bright and breezy vibe, with jangly guitar strums, rhythmic drum patterns, pulsing bass grooves and memorable melodic vocal leads. It’s a musical cocktail that immediately delivers a sense of nostalgia while remaining firmly rooted in the present.

While the song channels the aesthetic of artists like Tame Impala, Wrangle infuses his own distinct style. The result is an uptempo and buoyant jam that effortlessly marries a retro vibe with contemporary indie rock. As Sam Wrangle continues to share his unique creative vision, “Just Living Really” serves as the latest showcase of his compelling songwriting and performance talent.

We caught up with Sam Wrangle to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Just Living Really” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Sam Wrangle below.

Hey Sam, how’s things?

Good. Staying with my folks for a few days on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

Writing a song called ‘Blood Red’ when I was 17. It was exciting, but I had no idea about how to structure a song. We played it at ‘the annual rock show’, along with ‘A Forest’ by The Cure. Someone else was singing, and they forgot the lyrics. I was happy to perform nevertheless!

I also had a little melody called ‘Alley Way’ which was about those little short cuts you take in the suburbs: “The alley way / is not a place to stay / it’s just a getaway / for the all the hideaways”. You can understand how this didn’t make it into a song. I was essentially my first rhyming exercise.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?

Steve Kilbey (The Church), Dry Cleaning, Fontaines D.C., Weyes Blood, Tame Impala. If we we’re talking ‘older music’ – Supertramp.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Talking to people, and hearing their stories. I get a lot of this through my work as a high-school teacher. Everyone’s got their own take on something, which often shifts my thinking. It’s rejuvenating, and grounding. Pretty much anything that gets me out of my own head and into the real world.

I write pretty often. If it’s not on my phone, it’s in my notebook. Voice memos are good. The future is inspiring. I get to make music when I want to. What more can you ask for?

Also listening to my favourite albums on my hifi setup. Nothing like getting home from work and monging out to your favourite tunes.

What do you love about the Brisbane music scene?

There are a few venues here that are supportive of new groups and artists – Greaser and Tomcat being my favourite. If you’ve written some tunes, and can play a few covers – you can play in Brisbane!

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Nice headphones. In bed while scrolling through your FYP. While cooking dinner. While talking to friends. Through the PA at the school you work at.

I aim to produce music that is as listenable as it is ignorable. You can let it wash over you, or you can be delve a little deeper. It’s really up to you. Because of my background in sound engineering and production, I would say I emphasise sonics the most. I want Sam Wrangle tunes to ‘sound good’. Easy listening.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

When I started producing music in 2017, I really couldn’t sing – or write lyrics effectively for that matter. I made noise with my throat like mid-range rumble, and I did this vibrato thing that made me sound like a yodelling goat (which my housemate at the time lovingly pointed out). I didn’t have a lot of conviction.

I had no idea what I wanted to convey in my music. I spent hours toiling away after work in a tiny room in London. Trying different microphones, and using inexpensive gear. This is how I learned to produce music.

I produced quickly, and with little thought, thinking this was the way art was made. Now I have a routine and stick to it. I practice singing often. I practice guitar often. I brush up on my music theory. But most importantly – I’m satisfied that what I’m making is my best work. I’m never stressed when I’m making music. And if an idea is culminating, I take a break, or do something else.

Then I give it all away, and move onto the next thing.

How did you find making your new single “Just Living Really”?

I wrote the song initially using my drum machine, but it wasn’t working. I wanted to write the ultimate jangle pop song. I messaged Dylan Young (Way Dynamic, Snowy Band, Cool Sounds), and he injected the song with the energy it needed (he plays drums). From there, it was smooth sailing. I ad-libbed the lyrics, but had the melody for the chorus in my head for months. I wanted the song to capture the nature of memory, and how it plays out as a series of disparate images – often subconsciously, in dreams or otherwise. Memory is non-linear; a bit like the song.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

These are the thoughts I have on a fairly regular basis. Anyone with an interest in psychology has probably delved into their formative years in an attempt to understand their current state of mind. I’m a bit older now (32) and life is moving much more quickly than it used to.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Supertramp’s ‘Even in the Quietest Moments’ LP – especially the song “Babagi” about the Krishna-like figure. The most recent Slowdive album, ‘everything is alive’, is a soul affirming experience on repeat. Their song ‘chained to a cloud’ is incredible.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I want to make people feel less lonely. No one is an island, even if it feels that way sometimes. Pain is part of being human, and so is talking about what’s going on in our heads. I just find it easier to communicate through music. There’s magic in combining words with sounds. It’s a beautiful thing.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

I performed my first show as ‘Sam Wrangle’ two weeks ago at Greaser Bar, Brisbane. Even though there was only one person there, they watched me the whole time. I was over the moon to envisage my own music in a live environment.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

The Church, Supertramp, and Weyes Blood at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne. But it’d only be an evening thing, so the acts had time to organise themselves between sets.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Accept criticism with grace. Keep on going, and failing. There is no success without failure. Find your voice. Be proud of what you produce. Don’t give up. Be grateful for your friends and family. Enjoy performing your music. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?

My eponymous LP ‘Sam Wrangle’ comes out on the 17th of November. That’s pretty exciting. I’ve got to prepare for moving to Melbourne, so that’ll be some work. Got another term of teaching to do too. Keep on writing music. Find a pianist to work with. Get better at performing.

Listen to Just Living Really below