Introducing Sam Cotton: Emerging Artist Releases Debut EP 'Afters At 109'
- by Adam Bailey
- in Latest
Sam Cotton, a 19-year-old rapper, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, is making strides in the music scene with the release of his debut EP titled 'Afters At 109'. The EP, now available on AWAL, features six previously unreleased tracks, with the focus on the opener 'Comment Tu T’appelles?'. You can listen to the EP below.
'Afters At 109' serves as a musical reflection of Sam's experiences in his university halls' room, which also doubled as his makeshift bedroom studio during the recording process. After the parties and late-night outings, the room would transform into an after-party hub, where friends and acquaintances gathered to keep the festivities going until the early hours. Sam skillfully captures these moments and emotions throughout the EP.
The EP's opening track, 'Comment Tu T’appelles?', offers a glimpse into student life, touching on themes of youthful love, lust, and late-night revelry. Sam's smooth flow includes references to figures like Kano, Ned Flanders, and Bob Marley, while the music seamlessly blends jazzy after-hours piano with laidback hip-hop-meets-house beats. Interestingly, the track's foundation originated from a guitar loop Sam wrote right after attending a lecture on harmonics.
According to Sam, "I haven't heard much jazz piano on house songs, so I thought this would be quite intuitive and a good idea - and boy it was! The piano adds to the sexy/chill mood, somewhere in-between jazz bar and dance club. Someone said it was like walking down the beach at sunset and then entering a beachside bar halfway through."
Throughout the EP, Sam intertwines stream-of-consciousness rhymes with richly textured live instrumentation, creating an alluring soundscape. 'Lights Off', featuring guest vocals from Ani Deeble and trumpet by Seb Foxwell, adds to the sultry atmosphere. 'Complicated' highlights Sam's jazz influences with conversational vocals reminiscent of artists like Tom Misch and Loyle Carner's 'Water Baby'. Meanwhile, 'That's Alright' presents smooth R&B vibes with a direct and immediate appeal.
The final two tracks on 'Afters At 109' showcase Sam's versatility as an artist. 'I'm WasTd' leisurely drifts on a day-drunk rhythm, while Ani's husky voice contrasts Sam's laid-back drawl. On the other hand, 'Slow Down' demonstrates the duo's melodic vocals and rap skills, taking unexpected turns with a diverse array of instruments. The track delves into deeper themes, exploring the uncertainty of the future beyond the carefree student life.
Sam's creative journey has been enriched through collaborations, including co-writer/co-producer Ben Roberts and jazz pianist Lucas Walters.
Hailing from south-west London, Sam's early musical influences revolved around jazz, soul, and hip-hop, introduced to him by his mother at home. His passion for music led him to join his first band, where they explored classics from icons like Stevie Wonder and Chic before diving into their original compositions. During the lockdown, Sam dedicated himself to refining his creative skills in isolation, focusing on improving his production techniques and leveraging TikTok to promote his independently released debut track 'Rules'. The song struck a chord with a vast online audience and led to collaborations with various remote artists, resulting in three more DIY single releases between 'Rules' and 'Find My Way'.
'Afters At 109' Tracklist:
- 'Comment Tu T’appelles?'
- 'Lights Off'
- 'Complicated'
- 'That’s Alright'
- 'I’m WasTd'
- 'Slow Down'
