Sam Bekt - Sound In The Signals Interview
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I recently had the opportunity to interview Sam Bekt. We discussed the writing process for new album, ‘Bedhead’, the themes and concepts he explores on the album, his recording process, favorite lyrical and musical moments from the album, his hopes for listeners to continue returning to the album, his upcoming tours with Remo Drive, Oolong, and Rubber, and more. Check it out below.
First, thanks for the interview.
Of course, thank YOU!!
You will be releasing new album, ‘Bedhead’ on May 13th. What can you tell us about the writing process?
The writing process for me is always just a lot of self-reflection. Like, processing emotions from events that occur in my life and seeing if there’s a song in those emotions. I’m also a big fan of relying on instinct when it comes to songwriting, like playing through a verse and trusting whatever chord my brain naturally flows to for the upcoming chorus. For me, that keeps the songwriting process as organic as possible and helps me not overthink a song too much.
Are there any themes or concepts that you explored on the album? Can you tell us more about them?
Some themes and concepts that are explored on the album are long-lost friendship, submission, the duality of love vs lust, leaving one’s hometown, self-confidence, and (of course, and old staple of mine) seasonal depression. With the songs I write for “Sam Bekt”, they typically have a magnified literal meaning while I’m first writing them. Then after they’re finished, I listen again with more hindsight and discover it’s deeper, but more real, meaning.
Can you tell us more about the recording process? What came easiest in the process and what took more time?
Recording process is kept ultra simple and minimal. A surprising amount of audio on this album was recorded with my phone. A lot of times I’d be out and away from my bedroom studio so I’d go into a bathroom or something and sing whatever melody/lyrics I had softly into my phone recorder. I would end up liking that original scratch take of the idea so much I would just make that the take in the song haha. That being said, I probably spent the most time just comping and flex stretching (Logic Pro X function) layers of vocals in certain songs.
Do you have a favorite lyrical or musical moment from the album?
Sick question, I could name a bunch haha. There’s the evil laugh towards the end of “STAY”, and the drum fill before the last chorus in “SPY”. Others would be the lyrics in the choruses of “GARDEN STONE” and the guitar solo in “STINKBUG”.
What do you hope fans take away from the album?
Honestly all I hope fans take away from this album is a listen they want to go back to, or jam it again but in their car this time, or have it on in the background of whatever they do. I do a lot of passive listening and literally play music out of my phone all day long, so I’d want fans to feel like they can do that with this album.
You’re out on tour with Remo Drive right now. What else is coming up for you in 2022?
About 2-ish weeks after Remo tour ends I embark on a 5 week, full U.S. tour drumming for the emo punk band Oolong. Then about a month after that I plan to tour from Philly to L.A. with alt-R&B duo Rubber. Going to hopefully station myself permanently in L.A. for at least a year and see what other opportunities and gigs come from that change of scenery!
Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. Is there anything else that you’d like to add?
Not much else to add just thanks so much for interviewing me. I love Sound In The Signals and I hope y’all enjoy BEDHEAD ! :)
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