SINGAPORE, Oct 30 — It’s only been three years since their debut, but The Sam Willows have racked up millions of views on YouTube, with more on streaming sites such as Spotify.
In addition to major performances on home ground, such as this year’s National Day Parade, the group has also performed overseas in the United States, Canada, South Korea, Australia and Malaysia.
The Sam Willows will be releasing their first full-length album Take Heart today, and their title single has, to date, been watched more than half a million times on their YouTube channel. But, members of the band said that they don’t take their success for granted.
“I was just reminiscing with my friend the other day: When we first released our covers in 2012, there were 3,000 views and already we were super excited,” said bassist Narelle Kheng. “Although we didn’t expect (such success), we were hoping for it, obviously. We are very appreciative of every one who clicks on our videos and shares them.”
Take Heart is also the band’s first release since signing a record deal with Sony Music earlier this year. The Sam Willows joked that they are now busier than ever, as they work with the label to push their music to as many people as possible, in Singapore and beyond. They also have plans to go on a regional tour next year.
“We’ve never had qualms about putting out commercial music, and music intended to relate to as many people as possible,” said guitarist and vocalist Benjamin Kheng. “We started out a bit more indie folk and having a label come in has really been the extension of our music.
“As a commercial act, the opportunity to reach more people is really the goal, and it’s obviously to spread as much as we can, and (Sony has) really, really helped us.” — TODAY
