Three Albums That Changed My Life: Samm Henshaw

The first time I heard Samm Henshaw was back in late 2014. It was the first single from his debut EP The Sound Experiment, titled Only Wanna Be With You, and it blew me away. I immediately knew that this was an artist who was going to mean something. Fast forward to 2016, the 22-year-old is releasing his sophomore EP next week under Columbia Records, he’s supported Tori Kelly and James Bay as well as his own headline dates and festival sets, been featured by Spotify and Beats 1 Radio, endorsed by Elton John, and has just been announced as the support for Chance the Rapper on his upcoming European and UK tour dates.

Ahead of new EP The Sound Experiment 2, Henshaw just released a spine-tingling new single, These Hands. Time and time again I’ve marvelled at how Henshaw’s voice and music epitomises soul, with elements of rich, deeply beautiful blues and uplifting gospel throughout. It’s truly exciting to have followed his path and watched as the rest of the world notices too. Ahead of his new EP, we decided it was time to get to know the music behind the man, so we asked him to share three albums that changed his life.

Michael Jackson, Off the Wall

I know Thriller is, for most, Michael’s defining artwork but for me Off the Wall was my favourite Michael album. Banger after banger, plus I think it transcended anything musically possible at the time. He is one of the most important musicians to ever live, even if this was just based on the amount of musicians he has influenced throughout the years.

Israel Houghton, Alive In South Africa

Having been raised in the church I’ve always loved gospel music, however this album has to be one of my favourite albums ever made! This was the album that truly opened my mind to how great live music could be, it mixed culture, instruments and genres. It’s such an uplifting body of work and it formed the basis for my live show today! The energy that can be felt on the album I try to recreate every time you come to one of our shows.

Chris Stapleton, Traveller

I’m a massive country fan but this guy here just tops it all. This is my favourite album released over the last 12 months, just amazing songs, stories and his live performances are second to none. I’m continually inspired by this album it just opens my mind up to concepts, ideas the overall ideas of stories to write on, such influential music!