TikTok is responsible for starting and bolstering many young stars’ careers, and Sam Walwym is no different. The 22-year-old musician was born in the UK but grew up in the Caribbean, where music and rhythm were a major influence in his upbringing. Sam has over one hundred thousand followers on TikTok. He first began sharing his music there, and as he started to receive positive feedback from his followers and others who found his videos on their for you page (FYP), Sam’s following grew. Taking off from there, the musician has continued to make and release music and has signed with Mystic Sons. Carving out a spot for himself in the indie-pop scene, Sam Walwyn has no intentions of quitting before he is a household name.
I was lucky enough to interview Sam and get an insight into his life, music making, and what’s in store for him in the future. It was easy to observe Walwyn’s light-hearted and funny character during our time together, and I can easily see why he grew such a following on TikTok. Make sure to listen to his new song “First Place” and keep an eye out for his name, because I can tell Sam’s career is just beginning.
As a creative outlet, how do TikTok and making music differ? Does one give you more freedom than the other?”
Sam told us in response that “I feel TikTok and its users love to see the process of art being made… Because there is such a quick turnaround of content on the platform, nothing feels set in stone because trends come and go every week. TikTok differs from other platforms because if I have a song which I want an opinion on, or if I’m exploring an idea, I can post a clip of it and get some actual, good feedback. Whereas other social platforms feel like your feed is a portfolio of your career/achievements, whereas TikTok gives you a bit more freedom to share [the] process without pressure.”
What got you interested in making music, has music always been a passion of yours?
I’ve always found rhythm super interesting. From growing up in the Caribbean, carnival season was an integral part of my life. Seeing how rhythm can influence people to move is what sparked my interest to see how I could influence people’s emotions and movement through my own creations.
How would you classify your sound as a musician? What makes your music unique?
I’d label my sound as sad boi songs you can dance or vibe to in the shower. Also, if you put me on whilst on a road trip, everyone in the car would feel like they’re in a music video.
I guess from learning flamenco and percussive guitar, I view the acoustic guitar for more than its six strings. All the corners of the guitar have a different percussive character which has helped make my live shows feel bigger, even though I mainly perform solo.”
Do you think already having a large following on TikTok has helped you as you transition to making music?
I mean I was always making music but by having this following means I can interact and share more insight to my creative process
Can we expect more music in the future?
ABSOLUTELY!! “First Place” is the start of a lot of releases this year. All of which I’m very proud of for different reasons. Some of them are subjects which I feel by releasing will give me some closure. For some of the other songs, I’m just proud of seeing and hearing a development in my sound.
What is your ultimate goal as a musician and how does TikTok factor into that, if it does?
To play bigger and better shows and share my music with as many people as possible. That’s the goal. TikTok has given me a lot of support and helped me exponentially grow my following. It’s given me the opportunity to share my music with more people than I could’ve imagined. This has given me soooooo much motivation for all the hard work and late nights that come with being a musician. It’s nice to see the start of a lil community being brought together .. and even crazier that my music is the catalyst for that.
To follow Sam in his process as he makes more music go to his TikTok.
Stream “First Place” HERE
