Renowned LA by-way-of New Jersey singer-songwriter Sam MacPherson is ready to one-up his exciting 2022 this year, and he’s already well on his way there. After kicking off the new year with two new singles, “Play Dumb” and “Safe To Say”, he is back today to finally announce his sophomore EP, Powerlines, out April 14th via Elektra Entertainment. The announcement has arrived alongside his latest single, “Stretch“, a cathartic and introspective new track about finding love.
Following a run of tour dates last year alongside Jake Scott and The Brook and The Bluff last year, Sam is also gearing up embark on his first-ever headline tour across the U.S. this spring in support of the upcoming EP. Titled for the EP’s namesake, the “Powerlines Tour” commences in Washington, D.C. on Monday, April 17th, and hits in major cities including New York, Boston, Nashville, and San Francisco, before wrapping in Los Angeles on Friday, May 19th, with a special show the famed Troubadour. With an exciting year just beginning, we caught up with Sam MacPherson to discuss the new album, his growth over thee years, and plans for the future. Read more below.
Prelude Press: You’re coming off of an incredibly exciting 2022, which found you releasing a ton of new music and touring with Jake Scott. What was the highlight of the last year for you?
Sam MacPherson: Being on the road was definitely the best part. Touring with Jake was a ton of fun. Getting the opportunity to meet people face to face and thank them for coming and for their support was really special to me. Touring with the Brook and The Bluff was also a highlight. They are my favorite band at the moment and just beautiful humans.
You wasted no time kicking off 2023 with new music, starting with “Play Dumb” in January. Do you have any plans or goals you’re hoping to accomplish with your music this year?
I’m simply trying to get deeper into my own artistry, deeper into understanding the relationship between my music and the people who listen to it. On top of all that I’m just trying to play as many shows as possible.
Earlier this month, you also released your new single, “Safe To Say” – can you tell us a little bit about the song? What inspired it?
The song is really about being in your twenties and feeling the need to plant your feet and find something to hold onto. It seems like where I am in my life right now, there are more transient things that come and go than there are things that stick around and get sewn into the fabric of a daily routine. That can be exhausting after a few years and after a long and unsuccessful search for some stability. This song is about looking for that stability in someone you love, and really, asking for it.
Both new songs come from your upcoming EP, Powerlines, out next month! What are you most excited for fans to hear on the EP?
I’m excited for people to hear every song on there because they each have their own corner of the room and world that they talk about and touch on, but I’m looking forward to people hearing a song called “Maggie Will.” It’s really personal to me.
It being your sophomore EP, was there anything you wanted to accomplish on Powerlines that you haven’t done in the past?
I think the sonic texture is the biggest change. This time I went a bit darker and heavier and I think people will see that and feel that when they come to a show.
What has been the most exciting or rewarding part of working on the EP?
I think the most inspiring part has been realizing there is always more to unearth. I would feel like I had said it all, and then another song would reveal itself to me on a quiet ride home or during a loud night out. The second I finish a song my first thought is usually about how excited I am that I found another one, and my second thought, which follows up very quickly, is a worry that slowly consumes me that has me scared I won’t be able to find that type of magic again. I feel songwriting is a mystical, mysterious process and art, and this EP only reinstated those feelings.
Over the years, you’ve also collaborated with artists like Stephen Sanchez, Jonah Kagen and Garrett Nash just to name a few. How do you feel your experience working with other artists has impacted the way you write for yourself?
I think it’s just a different part of my brain. It’s nice to leave my artist ego at home and really try and understand someone else’s vision. Writing for other people is all about being a great listener, and I think by writing for others maybe I’ve worked out that muscle a bit more and am in turn getting better at listening to myself.
You’re also getting ready to head out on a headlining tour this spring! What are you looking forward to the most at these upcoming shows?
Nothing brings me more joy than playing music and playing music live for people. I’m really excited to tour a few cities I’ve never been to and hopefully meet a bunch of people I’ve never met. It’s going to be a memorable month.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thanks so much for having me. Hopefully see everyone at these shows!
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SAM MACPHERSON – THE POWERLINES TOUR
April 17, 2023 – Washington, D.C. @ Songbyrd
April 18, 2023 – Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe (Downstairs)
April 19, 2023 – New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
April 22, 2023 – Boston, MA @ Cafe 939
April 24, 2023 – Charlotte, NC @ Amo’s SouthEnd
April 25, 2023 – Atlanta, GA @ Aisle 5
April 27, 2023 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas
April 29, 2023 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
May 2, 2023 – Nashville, TN @ The Basement
May 4, 2023 – Austin, TX @ The Parish
May 5, 2023 – Dallas, TX @ Cambridge Room (HOB)
May 6, 2023 – Houston, TX @ Bronze Peacock (HOB)
May 8, 2023 – Denver, CO @ Lost Lake
May 9, 2023 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
May 11, 2023 – Seattle, WA @ Barboza
May 13, 2023 – Portland, OR @ Holocene
May 16, 2023 – San Francisco, CA @ Cafe Du Nord
May 18, 2023 – Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar
May 19, 2023 – Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour