Little Bird's Sam Cain and Roddy Johnson QnAs

Roddy Johnson Sam Cain and two young and talented artists from the area on the bill - bothNetsounds are staging their first gig at the Little Bird Coffee House in Inverness on Sunday, November 4, with questions... Margaret Chrystall's from Inverness. Below both answer

1 Tell us your path into music so far?

SAM: I started out learning the guitar in first year of high school, just teaching myself and learning from my ever patient dad. From there I’ve more or less played every day since. I’d started writing songs before I could sing meaning I kind of forced myself into learning so that I actually had a way to get my songs heard. All in all I’m very glad for all the practice I put in and very grateful to be in the position I’m in now.

RODDY: My path so far has been very exciting. I’ve always had a passion for music but have only recently began creating and sharing it. I have had some really amazing opportunities this year such as playing The Folk Stage at Belladrum, playing my first gig at Macgregor’s bar along with studio time and gigs around the highlands. My music has really taken a new pace this year and it’s been amazing fun so far.

2 What gigs and musicians/bands have you seen in your life so far who have inspired you?

SAM: By far my biggest inspiration has been Frank Turner. Seeing his solo show in Ironworks was a pivotal point for me and was what made me decide to have a crack at writing my own songs. He writes songs in a very ‘story-teller’ type way which really grabbed my attention.

A big inspiration for me is Amy Winehouse. I wasn’t old or lucky enough to see her in person but I really admire her music and style. Will Varley is another inspiration mostly because of his song writing and how intimate his live shows are. And for energy at a gig The Lafontaines are glorious. RODDY:

3 When did you start to gig and what do you remember about the first one?

SAM: I started out playing to people at the Ardersier Folk Club. It’s a wonderful weekly meeting of a lot of experienced musicians who were, and still are, incredibly supportive and invaluable to everything I’ve done since.

My first gig was at MacGregors Bar in May this year. I remember sweating more than normal and how the nerves left once I’d started. The atmosphere was nicely upbeat and friendly, which made for a fun first gig RODDY:

4 Have you had a chance to record yet and if you have, how can people get a chance to hear your work?

SAM:Yes! Recorded two tunes about a year ago and they’re both on Spotify, Apple Music etc. Just search for Sam Cain, Platform 1 or Sneakers.

I have been lucky enough to record in Inverness and down in Glasgow over the past couple of years. I currently have three tunes on Soundcloud but have plans to post more soon. You can find the link to my music on my new website www.rjmusic.scot RODDY:

5 What would be your dream gig?

SAM: For me there's nothing better than playing to a home crowd. For example - playing at Belladrum this year was just an enormous amount of fun and probably the most relaxed I’ve ever been before a gig. By that token, I’m unbelievably excited for this gig at home with Roddy!

RODDY: My dream gig was Belladrum and thanks to Stephen Bull, Bob Bull and Music Plus (the lovely people who run The Folk Stage) I played it. So my new dream gig would be either The Barrowlands or TRNSMT Festival.

6 What are your plans for the next year for your music?

SAM: In the next year I’m hoping to record and release an EP across all platforms of the new tunes I’ve been writing. Very excited to share new music with everyone so hopefully that’ll come to fruition soon!

My plans for next year are to continue developing and enjoying my music. I would like to play at a few more festivals next year as well after Bella being such a successRODDY:

7 What would you like people coming to the Little Bird session to know about you/ song to listen out for and why?

SAM: Firstly huge thank you to anyone coming/thinking about coming - means a huge amount. If you get a chance I’d love for you to listen out for my new song Dancing Shoes. It’ll be on the new EP and I’m super proud of it!

I love making music and the reaction mine has had so far, any support is majorly appreciated. All of my songs mean a lot to me but a new tune I’m enjoying playing is The Experiment. I like this song mostly because it’s different and it explains how I was feeling at the time quite well. I am very excited to be playing at the Little Bird House. My last visit was for Lewis Capaldi and the atmosphere was so intimate and unique. It’ll be an amazing experience to play alongside Sam Cain on the 4th and I would be delighted by anyone coming along for it! RODDY:

Sam Cain and Roddy Johnson are the guest artists at the Netsounds Little Bird Sessions on Sunday (Nov 2), doors 7pm.