Sam Fischer’s latest number ‘The Usual’ is a sombre melody that doesn’t hold back from the damning matters of the heart.

Fischer has crafted a vivid, touching work of art; the lived-in lyrics, paired with the low-key instrumentation of the tune, will strike a chord, regardless of whether or not it feels relatable. What’s truly remarkable about this piece is that it never gets into second gear, and though that might feel fairly disappointing or forgettable for any other tune, it feels appropriate for this one. Fischer deploys his vocals and nothing but his vocals to get the message across. And his deep, impassioned, and sensible voice is all that it is required for the listener to truly connect with the melody. 

The song refers to Fischer telling someone in his life that his behaviour shouldn’t be taken as personal, because it’s in fact ‘the usual’ for him. There’s some genuine acknowledgement on his part, which at times borders on nonchalant self-loathing, but what’s even more emotionally resonant about this visceral self-awareness is how he fills the verses with a sense of realness. The listeners are transported to the setting and the atmosphere; it just about shows what a fantastic, robust voice can do with expressive songwriting. There are strokes of the soul genre in how the singer draws out certain notes, but he never bothers with belting out high notes. His emotions are conveyed through subtle notes and a sense of doom and gloom shadowing the hook. 

The Australian singer-songwriter has made a name for himself in recent years by working with artists such as Ciara, Elle King, Keith Urban, amongst others. Though he already has two studio albums under his belt, the artist goes again with his third album ‘Homework’. The first single ‘This City’ has already achieved significant chart positions in Australia and New Zealand charts. 

Speaking on whether he likes being a singer or a songwriter for other artists, Fischer said, “. I think being an artist and being a writer go hand-in-hand. It’s just a different way of looking at some of the writing when you’re in a session. I’m still writing for others, obviously not as much anymore, but being an artist and having success as an artist has opened up my world in being able to collaborate with other artists. .”

 singer-songwriter 

Author: Shaoni Das

Shaoni Das is a writer/editor currently based in Edmonton, Canada. She remains eager to inspect how the changing culture of music impacts upon the greater world.