In May 2016, Sam Jordan & The Dead Buoys released their debut When Golden Morning Comes E.P. The melancholy soundscapes and dark folk-tinged romanticism heralded the arrival of a very distinctive voice and a talented songwriter. However, it’s the forthcoming Thoughts of Paradise E.P. that sets Sam Jordan & The Dead Buoys apart as the creative, experimental force they are.
Sam Jordan & The Dead Buoys is the work of Brighton-based ex-builder and ballet dancer Sam Jordan and a collective of musicians friends (‘The Dead Buoys’). Given Jordan’s literary poesy and sound – grounded as it is in traditional folk music, but played with rock n roll instruments – it is no surprise he includes the likes Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, The Doors, Leadbelly, John Jacob Niles, Alan Lomax, Charles Bukowski and George Orwell as influences.
Can you tell us about yourself? Where you’re from and what you’ve been up to over the past few years?
I’m from Brighton and over the past few years I have been doing a bit of building work, making music with the band and busking about.
How would you describe your music?
Dark Seaside Folk/Rock n Roll
Can you tell us a little bit about your influences?
Well… The Sea, manual labour, stars, dogs, The masters-Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Leadbelly…
What are you currently promoting?
We Have an E.P called ‘Thoughts Of Paradise’ out this month on the 16th December. Available from all good streaming services and some of the dodgy ones.
Have you got a particular song you’ve done that you’re particularly proud of, one that might define you?
I don’t think so, Its early days for that.
What are you currently listening to?
Medicine Head ‘His Guiding Hand’, Fat White Family ‘Duce’ and The 5th Dimension ‘Aquarius’ .
And your favourite album of all time, the one you couldn’t do without?
Bob Dylan ‘Bringing It All Back Home’ That was the toughest question here. I had to weigh up where my most important Dylan songs were at, but ‘Gates of Eden’ into ‘It’s Alright Ma’ into ‘It’s All Over Now Baby Blue’ makes me wanna cry.
What are your hopes for your future career?
To get on the big black stage as much as possible and to stay there. Maybe get some gold teeth with my winnings.
If money were no object what would be your dream project?
A time machine so I could go back and sing a song with Leadbelly and go about recording as many old songs as I could, like a back to the future thing with Alan Lomax as my sidekick.
What’s the best thing about being a musician?
Sometimes you play a show and they give you free sandwiches.
And the worst?
Sometimes you go and play a show and the sandwiches aren’t there.
Finally, have you anything you’d like to say to the readers of Americana UK?
Beware of Krampus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NI86l5T4sE
