8 RECORDS WITH WILL SAMSON
For the next edition of ‘8 Records with’ we are joined by musician Will Samson, who, since the early 2010s has been releasing music across ambient, electronic and folk genres.
His early 2025 release ‘Songs of Beginning and Belonging’ on Dauw Records is one of my favourites within my personal collection and offers the listener six incredibly peaceful and reflective tracks. It was recorded in Will’s former studio (which stood in a remote spot on the River Tejo, Almada, Portugal) primarily using a 1970’s ‘Uher 4200’ tape machine - the utilisation of such equipment is a common link throughout all his releases, with Will also citing the regular use of the Roland RE-501 Space Echo.
2026 has already been marked by some notable milestones - on May 22nd, Will will release his latest full length album ‘Sings Again’, a strong return to form which drew inspiration from his recent self-discovery following a psychedelic ayahuasca ceremony(!)
It also showcases his multi-instrumental strength, as well as a keen talent in taking the ordinary (recordings of rocks, paintbrushes and twigs) and incorporating them into his productions, producing lush soundscapes. It also (as the name suggests), marks a return to vocal music, after a period of purely instrumental releases.
Tour dates across the U.K. and Europe are set to follow soon (Lisbon 31.05 has just been confirmed) and Will has also recently announced that he has received funding by the Music Export Growth Scheme - an incredibly important initiative which looks to help foster the development of British artists abroad.
Thank you again to Will for taking the time to provide this list for us - plenty of new artists and labels for us to do further research into!
NIECY BLUES – EXIT SIMULATION
I'm generally terrible at discovering any new music, and it's only on very rare occasions that I will get floored by something. But I heard a short clip of Niecy Blues somewhere randomly online and my ears instantly pricked up. I may have even ordered the record on the same day.
It's a very unique mix of lo-fi R&B, soul, ambient, electronica. I don't know anything quite like it. I love everything about the production and their voice is astounding. Easily one of my favourite albums in recent years!
GOLD PANDA – GOOD LUCK AND DO YOUR BEST
I could have listed any Gold Panda album, but for whatever reason, this is often my go to in the catalogue. Discovering his records many years ago made me realise how human / organic sounding electronic music can be. Before that, I shied away from those genres, believing them to always sound too harsh and clinical – so this album was definitely a game changer for me, in that respect. Derwin is also a very lovely, humble dude.
S. CAREY & TAYLOR DEUPREE – THESIS 1
The visual artist Gregory Euclide briefly ran a series of collaboration records that were only available to hear on vinyl (not available on any streaming platforms). It was such a great concept and I really wish it had gathered the attention and support it deserved.
The first was this 4 track EP by two artists that I love, but who also produce very different music. It's very much the sonic world that I'm drawn to myself, sitting somewhere between folk, organic electronica and ambient.
It may have sold out now, but I think it is available to download on Bandcamp.
GARETH DICKSON – ORWELL COURT
I'll speak about Gareth's music any chance I get. He plays guitar so magically that it sounds almost like a harp, creating these hypnotic and immersive, melancholic “folk” songs. If there is any artist I know that does not have the audience his music deserves, it is undoubtedly him. Please go and listen to his music after reading this list.
I also could have chosen any of his albums, as I love them all equally.
JESSICA PRATT – QUIET SIGNS
This was one of my most listened to albums during the lockdowns of 2021. The production on this album is so good, as if was made in a high end 1960's studio. Her songwriting feels very intelligent in the way she uses chord progressions and melody, but never at the expense of making soulful, beautiful songs. It's one of those albums that is perfect for playing on vinyl at home.
JONSI & ALEX – LOST AND FOUND
Riceboy Sleeps is one of my all time favourite albums (if you've read any interviews I've done over the past 10+ years, you probably can't believe I'm still talking about it) so this follow up, largely comprised of alternate versions, strangely took me years to finally discover. It's equally as gorgeous! One of the best ambient albums ever made in my opinion.
DAUDI MATSIKO – KING OF MISERY
Daudi and I somewhat randomly reconnected a couple of years ago, after both having sung on a mutual friend's electronic record many years prior. I was completely out of the loop as to what he'd been up to and went to see him play in Lisbon, where he performed songs from this record King Of Misery. It's a deeply raw album, both delicate and brave, with seemingly unfiltered lyrics, direct from inside. Melodically, the album reminds me of Sufjan Stevens' Carrie & Lowell, but certainly claims its own deserved space.
His track Hymn has brought me to tears and likely will do again some day.
ANNA B SAVAGE – YOU & I ARE EARTH
I saw Anna play in Bristol a few years ago, having never heard her music before and after being given a free ticket. At that time, all I knew was that she was very much on the music press hype train, which in all honesty, meant I went with some scepticism / cynicism, knowing how the weird inner workings of the industry can be.
But, the second she began to sing, my crossed arms unfolded and any reluctance to listen with truly open ears left me. An incredible, unique voice and a genuine talent.
This album is my favourite of hers so far, focusing slightly more on the organic / acoustic side of things.