Tunes Tuesday: Sam Slick

Musician Sam Slick.

When did you first move to Rhode Island? 

I moved to Westerly last summer, after 8 years in Los Angeles. My wife and I are from the area – I grew up just outside of Boston, she grew up in Scituate – and we wanted to finally live closer to family. We would come back a few times every year, including a near annual trip to attend the Newport Folk Fest, and really enjoyed exploring around the state. I reconsidered the move every time I had to shovel snow this winter, but otherwise have no regrets about moving here. Westerly has so much to offer and we love living here so far!

How has it been adapting to the Rhode Island music scene, are there any first impressions? 

It is difficult to go from being deeply entrenched in a local music scene to being completely new and knowing nobody. However, from my encounters so far, the Rhode Island music scene has been welcoming and community focused with minimal ego. I have played at multiple open mics and started to meet fellow songwriters, who have all been approachable and friendly. There is a different blend of influences among songwriters here than what I’ve been used to in California, which has been so refreshing to hear. One critique I have is more logistic than personal; I have heard that there is a dearth of band rehearsal locations, so when I get a new band started I’m going to have to put a little more work into finding somewhere to practice!

How would you describe your sound? 

My goal is to write songs that will stand the test of time. I’m not going to be able to keep up with constantly changing trends or chase every marker of authenticity within a certain sound of what I’m supposed to make. Usually I write with the aim of being able to play a song with just an acoustic guitar and my voice. The great songs that last are ones that people can learn and play themselves. Stylistically and genre-wise, I typically lean toward Alt-country or folk-rock. I like to take bits and pieces from genres and make something that sounds fresh. There are plenty of talented musicians who stick to a traditional sound, and I applaud their talents, but I never feel artistically satisfied by placing strict requirements on how I write or arrange a song. My new album veers from Southern rock to jangly indie rock to a nearly orchestral sound – I find the value is in the content of the songs more than an ability to check rote genre boxes.

What venue have you heard about in Rhode Island that you’d like to play at? 

Living in Westerly it would be a dream to play the United Theatre someday! I love that this state has so many historic venues that are still running, and I would love to be a small part of their story. I would love to play the Uptown Theater as well for similar reasons, and AS220 for their importance to the DIY ethos. I have played the open mic at Myrtle and love the welcoming and eclectic atmosphere – hopefully I will play a regular show there in the near future.

What should audience members expect of your performance at Perks and Corks?  

I bring a new and exciting perspective to the local scene, with thoughtful lyrics and memorable melodies in every song. A few days prior to this show I will be releasing my third full length album – After the Dream, Before the Memories – so I am thrilled to share many of those songs plus gems from throughout my catalogue. Perks and Corks has always been welcoming to me and many other local songwriters, and they possess a great atmosphere for catching new music on a casual night out.