2020 has meant that we are online and connected via social media more than ever but Indie Pop/Rock artist Sam Franklin is fed up with materialism and the toxic nature of social influencers.
His new track ‘NSF’ (as part of his latest EP, Strange Times) uses energetic beats and digitalized productions to create a futuristic Alt-Pop soundscape. By using a poignant narrative Sam is able to make a statement on society in a seriously catchy way.
We spoke to Sam to get the low-down on what gets his creativity flowing.
Mornings
Once I started getting my morning routine in check, my days started getting better. It starts with getting good sleep the night before, which means I stop looking at screens an hour before I go to bed, do some yoga, meditate, read, and then get 7-8 hours of sleep. I wake up, try my best not to look at screens for an hour, meditate, stretch, go on a run, and then make some tea. This routine honestly changed my life and helps me feel so much more present and creative for the rest of my day.
Books
I try to find some things to do that don’t involve screens since so much of my time is spent looking at them, whether it be producing music, playing video games, watching TV, or looking at my phone. Even if you can only read for 10 minutes at a time, that’s a good place to start. Books are incredible sources of knowledge. I know I’m late to the party but I just finished “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell and it was so inspiring. Questlove has a great book about creativity called “Creative Quest” which is a must-read for any artist or creative person. Eckhart Tolle’s “The Power of Now” was the first book that really changed every aspect of my life, I would absolutely recommend every human read it.
Video Games
I might be jumping all over the place here, but since the virus hit the US, I’ve been playing a lot more video games than usual, and it’s been a blast. I’ll play with my brothers and friends, so there’s a social aspect that I get to indulge in that’s especially missing from normal life right now. A little bit of competition and problem solving and critical thinking makes for a good time and a rewarding experience, especially when you win. It can be a much needed escape from the real world for a while.
Kenny Beats
Kenny Beats is one of my favorite producers, and I just started watching him live stream on Twitch. He’ll show his whole process of making a beat, including recording live instruments and flipping samples, and he gives a lot of really great advice about making music in general, as well as specific production tips and plug-in recommendations. Even though my music isn’t quite hip hop, I learn a lot and always end up feeling inspired to make something after watching him. Plus, the Blazercore mixtapes he’s been making are so good.
The Internet
From the time I was a kid, the internet has been a huge part of my life. I know I’ve watched countless production tutorials and spent hours researching microphones. The amount of information now available in your pocket is mind-numbing, and I’m so grateful to have that kind of capability with me at all times. Once I started putting my songs out at 14, and especially once I first started getting some money from streaming and actually gaining some fans, my life really changed. Talking to people that like my music all over the globe blows my mind, and it’s crazy that the internet has given me this platform. I really get to live my dreams and do what I want and share it with the world, because of the internet. For that, I will forever be thankful.