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Facts are that whilst we are still friends, circumstances have meant that we parted company nearly a year ago. In that time Sammy has definitely gone on to greater things and higher heights … (I have to big him up as a youth who as well as having great gifting also possess a fantastic warm personality) for example he recently was featured on a GL Live bill alongside popular US Gospel rapper Lecrae and other UK names such as the New Direction Crew, Triple O and Jayess. Gospel music fans throughout the land are holding their breath in anticipation of his forthcoming album, which I am told is dropping sometime real soon. With all this in mind I just new I had to catch up Sammy and get a coveted interview, all exclusive like for UKGospelMusic.com
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DJP – Hi Sammy G, have you got 10 minutes to speak with your old (not that old though) friend DJ Proclaima?
SG – Of course mate, always got time for DJ P!!
DJP – So much has happened for you in the last 12 months. You’ve been real busy … give us an overview of what you have been up to?
SG – Well, starting off on a personal level I have taken on more work. While I have been working as a teaching assistant in the daytime for a little while now, I also took on evening work based in a youth centre where I run a studio for the local kids. When I haven’t been at work I’ve been working closely with my good friend Jimmy James on our joint album ‘Plain an Simple’. Things get really REALLY hectic sometimes but its been a massive achievement to see it through!
DJP – Now we need to show some severe love to your friend and BIG producer Mr Jimmy James. Tell us about him, how you guys hooked up etc?
SG – Me and Jimmy first met in 2000 at Birmingham Christian Centre and have been great friends ever since. It’s a great blessing because we became mates before either himself or I were really doing anything to do with music, so when he started producing, working together was just a natural thing and that’s why I think what we do works so well.
DJP – Random question – pudding or main course?
SG – Main course mate, every time!
DJP – Tracks like ‘Any Man Can Chat’ and the ‘Good Book’ really made and impact and started things moving for you. What is interesting is that you don’t always approach subjects in the same way as other people. Do you deliberately go for a unique perspective or is just a matter of how you are wired?
SG – I think it’s a bit of both you know Proclaima! I don’t always like to hear those ‘samey samey’ gospel type of tunes, which follow the same formula, and at the same time I’ve always tried to be creative and different in most things. A lot of what I do as well is just me and that’s my honest perspective of how I see things. In the most respectful way, I think that sometimes as Christians we have textbook opinions based on how others we look up to feel or what the pastor says. I’m not saying that’s wrong, just that sometimes is nice to be different! (just not so different that you’re confused!)
DJP – Talk to us about the new album, first of all how excited are you and what can we expect?
SG – I’m very excited!! Its been a long time coming but nothing before its due though init! You can expect the usual blend of humour and light heartedness mixed with catchy hooks with a good message, but also (and what I hope will make more of an impact) tracks with a deeper meaning, which get you to think. All of which are based on my personal experiences and things that I still deal with and face now.
DJP – Random question – Myspace or Facebook?
SG – Myspace man! On Facebook people throw sheep at me and all typa madness… I don’t really get what’s going on!
DJP – Loaded question because I have seen the positive response to you music from non-Christian youths but who is the album aimed at and how would you describe the overall theme?
SG – The album is aimed at YOU! It has a strong Christian message but because so much of it is inspired by everyday things that we all go through as humans then I’m hoping that it can be felt by everyone. The title of the album is ‘Plain an Simple’ and that is the overall theme. Simply that the message of the Gospel is simple (as humans we make it complicated and/ or we lead complicated lives) and this album talks about it in a plain and simple manor in each track.
DJP – Okay I noticed that there are launch events planned in both Birmingham and London … so people can come along and support … what, why and when?
SG – yeah got a launch happening firstly in Birmingham on June 7th at The Drum in Aston. The London launch will take place on June the 20th at Westbourne Park Baptist (or what many know as ‘The God Corner Church’) more info and tickets can be found at www.myspace.com/dublit or http://dublit.bigcartel.com/
DJP – Now for those people who can’t reach that event or who live in other regions are you planning a tour in order to celebrate the tour?
SG – Not anything specifically, although I will be ministering at Soul Survivor and New Wine this year. Talking about a tour in the autumn after all the business of summer is over so look out for that!
DJP - What about other projects are you recording with anyone else, are there other treats we can look forward to?
SG – Not gonna make any big promises because nothing has been confirmed as yet, but all I will say is that having talks about possible overseas collabos at the moment…
DJP – Thank you Sammy, as always it is a pleasure to be with you. Any last comments or shout outs for the readers?
SG – Likewise mate, always appreciate your support Proclaima, big shout out to my partner in crime Jimmy James, look out for him after the album is released cause you’ll see him everywhere!!
DJ Proclaima spoke with Sammy G in May 2008
