Music
Press
"We are soon greeted by our headline act, Sam Airey. The night also marks a return to live performance for the Leeds music scenes resident go-to man, Whiskas, on guitar. A far cry from Whiskas’ former band iForward, Russia!’s ferocious live performances, Airey’s set continues the nights theme of emotive delivery and lyrics that feel life affirming in their setting. Often compared to John Martyn and Nick Drake, Airey opens with the ‘Martynesque’ finger-picking of Endless Sea, and sings with soft, understated style that retains a quiet strength, rather like Drake did so beautifully on Five Leaves Left.
Airey plays all four tracks from the new EP, amongst other previous works such as The Blackout, a song written during a power cut inLeeds. There’s a real sense of place about some of his work, notably on The Window, probably Airey’s ‘folkiest’ moment thus far as he appears to recount opportunities and moments missed. A lot of his work is rooted in location and a love of the places he inhabits and Airey could almost be gazing over an untouched landscape as he serenades the room.
Airey finishes his set with possibly the highlight of the evening, an acoustic rendition of The Stars as he steps away from the PA and the mics and lets the raw beauty of the song run free without restriction. It’s understated and feels like the perfect way to end the evening.
I find the pews in church quite uncomfortable and most of the time I’ll be shuffling around like an infant in the aftermath of a Haribo Star Mix. Tonight is something of a first. I’m captivated and immersed until the last note and it’s hard not to rant with giddy excitement about the artists I’ve seen here. I won’t…but here’s an idea….SAM AIREY & FRIENDS: SUNDAY SERVICE." - The Met Online
"We are soon greeted by our headline act, Sam Airey. The night also marks a return to live performance for the Leeds music scenes resident go-to man, Whiskas, on guitar. A far cry from Whiskas’ former band iForward, Russia!’s ferocious live performances, Airey’s set continues the nights theme of emotive delivery and lyrics that feel life affirming in their setting. Often compared to John Martyn and Nick Drake, Airey opens with the ‘Martynesque’ finger-picking of Endless Sea, and sings with soft, understated style that retains a quiet strength, rather like Drake did so beautifully on Five Leaves Left.
Airey plays all four tracks from the new EP, amongst other previous works such as The Blackout, a song written during a power cut inLeeds. There’s a real sense of place about some of his work, notably on The Window, probably Airey’s ‘folkiest’ moment thus far as he appears to recount opportunities and moments missed. A lot of his work is rooted in location and a love of the places he inhabits and Airey could almost be gazing over an untouched landscape as he serenades the room.
Airey finishes his set with possibly the highlight of the evening, an acoustic rendition of The Stars as he steps away from the PA and the mics and lets the raw beauty of the song run free without restriction. It’s understated and feels like the perfect way to end the evening.
I find the pews in church quite uncomfortable and most of the time I’ll be shuffling around like an infant in the aftermath of a Haribo Star Mix. Tonight is something of a first. I’m captivated and immersed until the last note and it’s hard not to rant with giddy excitement about the artists I’ve seen here. I won’t…but here’s an idea….SAM AIREY & FRIENDS: SUNDAY SERVICE." - The Met Online
"Sam kicked off the evening with a beautiful collection of tracks from his recently -released EP A Marker And A Map, along with previous single The Blackout and a fantastic new track The Heaviest Crown. It’s always interesting to see a support artist take to the stage with a couple of curious and inquisitive viewers knocking around, but by by the time the first song is over, everybody else in the room has headed over to see who the great voice is coming from. This was certainly the case with Sam and comes as no surprise having seen him play on numerous occasions, and blow the crowd, including one Anaïs Mitchell, away." - Thank Folk For That
“A Marker And A Map will undoubtedly lull you into its beautiful cradle of lore, naivety, growth and love. If this is what Airey is producing so early into his career, who knows what he is yet to muster.” - For Folk's Sake
“A Marker And A Map will undoubtedly lull you into its beautiful cradle of lore, naivety, growth and love. If this is what Airey is producing so early into his career, who knows what he is yet to muster.” - For Folk's Sake
“With a beautiful, effortless voice containing just a hint of huskiness, Sam Airey’s music soothes and calms”
- Clash
“Airey showcases his effortless instrumental versatility and gift for textured composition….‘A Marker And A Map’ has irrevocably won us over.” - This Is Fake DIY
“A voice that brings the world to a standstill…Bon Iver more when Justin was making music in a shack or Ryan Adams before he got sober and happy” - Sean Adams, DrownedInSound
“A voice that brings the world to a standstill…Bon Iver more when Justin was making music in a shack or Ryan Adams before he got sober and happy” - Sean Adams, DrownedInSound
Discography
March 2010 - Season's Change (5 track EP)
Radio plays include:
Steve Lamacq - Radio 2
July 2011 - The Blackout/Endless Sea (Single + Bside)
Radio plays include:
Huw Stephens, Jen Long - Radio 1
Steve Lamacq - Radio 2
Bethan Elfyn, Adam Walton - BBC Radio Wales
Lauren Laverne, Tom Robinson - BBC 6Music
BBC Maida Vale session for Huw Stephens/Radio 1
March 2012 - A Marker and a Map (4 track EP)
Radio plays include:
Huw Stephens, Jen Long, Zane Lowe - Radio 1
Lauren Laverne, Tom Robinson - BBC 6Music
BBC Maida Vale session for Huw Stephens/Radio 1
Photos
Bio
Sam Airey originates from the Isle of Anglesey, but now resides in the city of Leeds, West Yorkshire. Raised in rural North Wales on various types of folk and country music, Sam blends these influences with the sounds and experiences he has encountered along the way. He plays a variety of instruments, but is sometimes joined by friends, both in studios and on stages.
In recent times, Sam has received great national radio support, including Maida Vale sessions for Huw Stephens and Radio 1, interviews with Steve Lamacq for Radio 2, and airplay from Lauren Laverne on 6 Music. He has also seen considerable support from his homeland, leading to single ‘The Blackout’ being named as BBC Radio Wales’ ‘Song of the Year’, beating names such as Los Campesinos! and Manic Street Preachers to the title. Sam has played to audiences across the UK, whilst touring and sharing stages with the likes of Midlake, Villagers, First Aid Kit, Willy Mason, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Anais Mitchell, Frank Turner and Lucy Rose.
In the past year alone, Sam has made his debut national television appearance on Channel 4, achieved his first daytime Radio 1 plays, and played his largest headline shows to date. Following triumphant appearances at festivals such as Latitude, Kendal Calling, SWN, and Live at Leeds, Sam was asked to collaborate with a brewery in Yorkshire in order to create his very own beer, which was released in November 2012. Gaining an ever-increasing amount of plaudits, his records and live shows have garnered comparisons to artists such as Bon Iver, Nick Drake, Bright Eyes, and Leonard Cohen. Sam is currently working on his debut album, due for release in 2014.
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