Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Burchfield.
Sam, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m an independent songwriter, musician and artist. I grew up writing songs and playing music. After studying Music Business and Public Relations in Athens for four years, I decided to pursue music full time. Ever since I have been based in Atlanta and have toured up and down the east coast, opening for Ben Rector, St Paul & The Broken Bones, David Shaw (of The Revivalists) and many others. I’ve independently released two EPs and have played most venues in Atlanta from Eddie’s Attic to Variety Playhouse, to Fox Theatre.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an independent artist is definitely not a smooth road. You are self-employed and have to rely on your art to generate income. No time off, no paycheck, no insurance/benefits. There has definitely been a lot of ups and downs, but also a lot of growth. I’ve struggled with funding my EPs, trying to stay out of debt with my business, broadening my reach and finding the right team to promote my music.
Learning to run the administrative side of the business was (and still is) very tough, but I’ve built my own network of fans, booking agents, graphic designers, etc. and I’m very lucky to be working with my manager Andy Kahn as well.
Please tell us about Sam Burchfield.
I am a full-time musician, but my focus is definitely as an independent artist and songwriter. As a musician I do all sorts of things from performing with other artists, being hired as just a singer or guitar player, performing at weddings, or playing at churches. As an artist and songwriter, I am constantly writing and recording original material.
Sometimes I do co-write with other artists, or collaborate by putting together a tour with another artist. I’m definitely proud of the songs I’ve written. It’s a really neat thing to be performing in a city thousands of miles from home and to have strangers singing the lyrics to a song I’ve written. Songs are powerful tools of inspiration.
They can transport people to another place in time, and I think right now a lot of people need that to help cope with their own lives or just relate to another human being in an authentic way.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Gosh, that is pretty tough to narrow down… I was definitely blessed with two wonderful and loving parents and two equally supportive sisters. We had a lot of great memories growing up. One I remember is going to my Granny’s house up in the mountains and having a full day of playing in the creek.
We picked blueberries that she grew and ate delicious meals made from her garden. Days like that are simple and pure, and it’s definitely easy to daydream of them when you are stuck in Atlanta traffic!
Pricing:
- Unarmored EP by Sam Burchfield – $6.99 on iTunes Store
Contact Info:
- Website: www.samurchfield.com
- Email: samburchfieldmusic@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Claire Diana Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
