This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Nottingham chapter.

Sam Winston, a quirky London-based singer-songwriter, has recently premiered his debut solo album, The Fire and The Icicle, and it’s to die for. Boasting ten individual tracks which include gorgeous harmonies and a vast range of instruments, Sam’s album is not to be missed.

We caught up with Sam for a chat; here’s how it went:

When did you know that music was for you?

As a hobby, I probably realised that music was my thing about ten years ago, when I was 16 and in a band with my school-friends. It was fun and an incredible experience but I always knew that I wanted to do something bigger so after university, aged about 21, I decided that a solo career was for me, and I started to pursue music more seriously.

So probably the age of our readership then, you could give them some pearls of wisdom!Is there a particular artist that has inspired you?

Hmmm *thinking pause*. I like artists like Paolo Nutini because he does his own thing and I admire that. His albums are all so different and I love the way he can change it up and not just focus on one sound. I love weird, alternative music. The music I tend to listen to is pop/punk – so not really like my album at all.

My album is more, I would say, ‘Independent Folk Pop’ so it’s more acoustic and there’s a certain realness to the sound. But that doesn’t mean I’m opposed to electronic sounds, I like those too. Who knows? Maybe I’ll do a Skrillex-type of album next… (chuckles)… I probably won’t.

So ‘Independent Folk Pop’ means that you don’t have a label or record deal, right? What does that mean, does it make it more difficult to promote your work?

Well I was represented by Boy George for a while, who I got to know through a friend of mine. I supported him at a concert in Amsterdam about five years ago. It was really cool, but it was more dance-style/electronic music so it wasn’t my genre of music and I didn’t really see it in my future music career. But the experience was amazing and he’s a great guy!

I’m independent now, and it’s definitely harder but it’s also more rewarding when I achieve something because I’ve done it on my own. Saying that, if an indie record label comes along and is respectful of my work and of me as an artist then that would be fantastic! But at the moment it’s just me doing all the promoting, marketing, gigging – trying to get myself out there. So yes, it’s difficult, but because I see music as an art; there’s always something good to take away from it.

Your debut album is called The Fire and The Icicle. What does the ‘fire’ and the ‘icicle’ symbolise for you?

Well! What do you think it means?

I understood it as dark and light, the positive and negative aspects of life.

Definitely, that’s one half of it. It’s about the ups and downs of life – I’m going to use a big word here – vicissitudes.

Well at least we know an English degree is beneficial for something!

But more importantly, it’s about a significant time in my life. I quit my job as a cover teacher in a secondary school because I wasn’t happy with how the album was progressing. I did go through an anxious patch but looking back, it makes me appreciate the positive times a lot more. Now I’ve finished the album and I teach children at a local primary school and disabled people how to play musical instruments for enjoyment. As such, the lantern image on the album art really took on more significance for me – like it was in a way meant to be. You’ve got to be brave and trust that everything will work out. I want to break the taboo of mental health. That’s why I donated a large amount of the album launch proceeds to ‘Mind’ and ‘Young Minds’.

What song did you most enjoy writing/producing?

To be honest, quite a lot of it was pretty gruelling because I was doing everything myself as well as working a full-time job and I’m quite the perfectionist, so it took a while. I really loved creating the harmonies for ‘Defenceless’ – they were inspired by the harmonies used by Muse and Queen. And I loved playing the drums on the tracks because I could just have fun and change the sound of the track however I wanted. I also really liked the harmonies for These Golden Hearts. It’s an anthemic song and I had to pinch my arm in order to reach the higher notes!

What is the most meaningful song on the album?

This is deep now! I would say ‘Silhouette’ and ‘Reach You’ combined, because they’re both about a significant person in my life. Now you can ask as many questions as you like but my lips are sealed, for one! I can’t really put it into words; a lot of the songs are inspired by a girl, she was my muse I would say.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

To be yourself, even though sometimes you might not know what that is. I think it’s really important to take some time away from what others are telling you and really think about what you want to do. I think it’s also important to live in the present – the ‘now’ – because things happen more easily when you do. It’s great to have a plan but don’t live too far into the future and don’t see life as a competition. Your life is about you and what you want to do – it’s not about comparing yourself to other people.

Music wise, I’d say; treat every performance like it’s your last, live for the moment and be yourself. It may take a while to get to that stage but once you do, it’s definitely worth it.

What’s next for you?

I’m playing for a couple of indie festivals this year. There’s one in Liverpool called Folk on the Dock. So at the minute, I’m preparing all of my live sets for a string of gigs that I’ve got set up. I’m learning the Kalimba (African Thumb Piano) and I’m trying to incorporate a few different instruments into my sets. I’m working towards playing the piano live. I’ve played since I was six, but I’m still working on it for live sets! The album was my baby so it feels strange to have it ‘out there’ finally. I’m planning on creating some videos for four of the songs; ‘Silhouette’, ‘Reach You’, ‘Defenceless’ and ‘These Golden Hearts’. Watch this space…

Quickfire round!

Guilty Pleasure Song? Definitely Maroon 5’s first album, Songs About Jane. I have a playlist called ‘The Best Songs Ever’ – it makes the cut.

Favourite Colour? Red (we were sitting in a completely red-decorated room – so this was an easy answer)

Movie Marathon or Night Out? Movie Marathon 100%

Top three films? The Matrix, Minority Report, Hercules/The Incredibles (whichever one makes me look cooler)

Smell or taste? Taste, I love food!

Favourite Food? I have a few; Prawn Cocktail, Chinese, Apple Crumble!

Worst Food? I hate custard! Worst texture ever!

Embarrassing Moment? I was in Spain on holiday with some friends at a tapas bar and I walked straight into the glass doors. It hurt so much I was seeing stars, and I turned around and everyone in the restaurant was laughing at me!

Feel free to get in touch with Sam via any of his social media links.Have a listen to his music and download if you wish!

Sam Winston, Reach You.