Samuel Jack shares the new video for ‘Feels Like Summer’ after track went viral via Instagram Reels

: by Andrew Braithwaite; in Latest; on 11 August 2021

Sometimes a song captures a moment so perfectly it takes on a life of its own. UK singer-songwriter Samuel Jack’s ‘Feels Like Summer’ has done just that this summer, with over 10 million worldwide streams, it’s become one of the first ever tracks to break out of Instagram Reels in America before taking off at TikTok, then firing into the top 40 of Spotify’s Global Viral Chart and into a further 12 of Spotify’s national viral charts. Such was its success that Samuel now elevates the viral sensation to a mainstream hit, assisted by the launch of its official video and a new deal with Arista / Columbia Records.

It’s easy to see the appeal of ‘Feels Like Summer’. Samuel’s evocative lyricism takes us back to that summer: a time that seemed to stand still as the sun never faded, love was in the air, and the future offered endless possibilities. And it’s delivered in a song that has broad pop appeal, his tender yet rugged voice echoing a childhood spent immersed in blues, Motown, soul and roots music.

“There’s definitely a sense of nostalgia about the song,” he says. “I wrote it at a time when I looked to those good times to see me through. Music can totally transcend time and space and carry your mind to all sorts of places, even when you’re not exactly where you want to be. That’s what this song is for me. It takes me back, it takes me forward, it takes me through.”

The new ‘Feels Like Summer’ video depicts snapshots of summer in the city that are just as evocative as the song. Captured with a vibrant sun-blessed cinematography, it focuses on those small but special moments that make the summer what it is, whatever your age: from kids playing with water pistols, to a young woman lost in music as she rollerskates, to Samuel performing at a joyous street party. It was directed by the award-winning Lee Jones.

Inspired by reminiscing with a friend over a pint, ‘Feels Like Summer’ was written at a time when Samuel wasn’t prospering. He had a small but loyal fanbase, and while he might be found playing Glastonbury or touring with Passenger or Jack Savoretti, more commonly he remembers driving home from a gig in London to his antiquated caravan home in the south-west, having barely made enough money to cover the cost of petrol.

In contrast, now every day brings fresh surprises, whether it’s the track climbing charts across Europe and North America, suddenly impacting in the Seychelles, featuring in ‘Love Island’, or being used in videos by famous names as varied as Sergios Ramos and Jamie Oliver.

But Samuel Jack is no overnight success story. He spent his late teens travelling the world and it was around this time when he first started writing poetry and playing music. He first released music in 2016, including three volumes of his ‘Empty Pockets, Crowded Heart’ EP trilogy. Now things are really looking up, as he looks set to embark upon a whole new adventure. “This year’s been an absolute trip,” he beams. “And as the success of the song continues to grow, I know I’m getting closer and closer to being able to tell the whole story to a whole lot of new people.”

Samuel’s next chance to share those stories in person comes when he headlines London’s Omeara on September 14th. Tickets are available here.

For more information, please contact kat@dedikatedpr.com