Sam Robbins describes himself as an “old soul singer songwriter.” A Nashville based musician whose music evokes classic singer songwriters like James Taylor and Jackson Browne, Sam adds a modern, upbeat edge to the storyteller troubadour persona. An avid performer, he has gained recognition from extensive touring and as the first artist to perform a Jim Croce song on NBC’s The Voice.
Crafted song by song over the course of two years, Robbins’ debut album, Finally Feeling Young (due out May 14th), chronicles the artist’s journey from adolescence into adulthood in real time. The album was recorded at Red Shed Sound in Boston and Nashville with producer and engineer Alex Fansel. “I’ve always loved classic singer-songwriters from the 70’s, and my writing has always reflected that. On Finally Feeling Young we tried to recreate that vintage sound along with modern production elements added here and there that would create a unique sound” said Robbins. “Looking back, I can hear what I was going through in the songs, and how much I was changing in the recordings. I’m so grateful to have a little time capsule from this chapter of immense growth. It almost feels like a concept album, but it came about naturally as it was happening.”
Inspired by a natural interest in music at a young age, Robbins’ connection to the medium was strengthened over the course of summer road trips with a singular box set of 1970’s songwriter hits belonging to his father. Since those humble yet influential beginnings he has gone on to tour full time, performing at venues such as The Bluebird Cafe, Blue Ocean Music Hall and Tupelo Music Hall.
Today Glide is excited to premiere the standout track “38.” Singing with heartfelt vocals that bring to mind the classic 70s folk-pop songwriters that he cites as influences, it’s easy to hear artists like Paul Simon and Taylor Goldsmith in Robbins’ tone and delivery. Just like those artists, he is able to convey sincerity and romance without getting cheesy. The soft acoustic strumming of the song gives it a mellow indie folk sound that is also infectious. Though the song is sad in its own kind of way, there is a sense of hopeful nostalgia with it as well that makes you feel strangely warm inside.
Robbins describes the inspiration and process behind the song:
“38 wasn’t originally going to be on the album. We had most songs recorded, and I listened to the whole record and realized there was one vibe missing – I wanted something that was reminiscent of the more modern singer songwriters that I love, like Phoebe Bridgers and Ruston Kelly. I found 38 tucked away in my song folder, and it absolutely filled that darker, indie void in the album. I hope you enjoy it!”
LISTEN:
Finally Feeling Young is set for release May 14th on all major outlets.
Photo credit: Libby Danforth
