FAULT Magazine in conversation with Sam Olyott

Sam Olyott’s is following the success of his debut single ‘Cold Toast’ with new track ‘On Your Own’. The new track once again highlights the singers emotive raspy singing tone and vocal prowess which is gaining depth with every listen.

We caught up with Sam to discuss his headspace, his process and of course, his FAULTs.

Can you describe your headspace when writing ‘On Your Own’

I remember being sad. In that moment I needed to get everything off my chest and this song felt like the perfect way. 

Was ‘On Your Own’ written while still caught up in that situation or was It retroactively composed as a way to understand your emotions at the time? 

When I got the first ideas for ‘On Your Own’, I was just out of the situation but still hurt. I was sat at my piano and everything just poured out of me. The bridge actually was written in one take and nothing got changed haha. 

You describe this as your most vulnerable song to date, does that add more pressure to make sure your sentiment is understood with this release? 

Definitely, I really hope the lyrics resonate with people. 

Would you call this a sequel to ‘Cold Toast’ or are both songs to be understood as separate narratives in your current musical narratives? 

Yeah this song is definitely a separate narrative to Cold Toast. 

 What’s been the most challenging aspect of your musical journey so far? 

I guess like a lot of artists the pandemic was really hard, I managed to write lots of songs but wasn’t sure when it would be the right time to release anything. I’m really grateful to be putting music out now and long may it continue. 

With the runaway success of your release this far, do you feel added pressure to live up to the hype. 

 I’ve always wanted to release music and I’ve been planning it for years so I’m really just enjoying the process :) I put a lot of pressure on myself to make everything I put out the best I can make it, I know I’ve got a long way to go yet but I’m sure that’s a good thing.

Are you a regimented songwriter or do you prefer to write when inspiration strikes? 

I definitely love to write when inspiration strikes. I’ve got 5296 voice notes on my current phone and they’re all late at night when I’m in my feels haha. 

How did busking as a child prepare you for your musical career?

Busking as a child opened the door to the most honest audience I’ll ever perform to. To learn and grow in that environment is something I’ll always be grateful for. I’ll always be thankful to Liverpool :) 

What is your FAULT?

I often get caught up in life and things I’m working towards and forget to live in the moment. Something I’m working on :)