In this interview, musician and journalist Sam Millne shares insights into his songwriting process, his mission to connect with listeners through diverse sounds, and his role in supporting local talent through MerseyMusic.co.uk.
Liverpool Noise: Sam, for our readers who don’t know you, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into music from your early beginnings to where you are now with your live backing band, the Virants?
Sam Millne: As most kids do in school, I dabbled in the recorder and the piano, but never actually learned to play an instrument properly until I was about 17 or 18 when I picked up the guitar at home.
From then on, I just never looked back and it’s been a slow but steady progression of songwriting, improving technically and finding the people willing to play my songs in a band.
LN: Your singles, such as Living in Limbo and Maybe, are known for their catchy hooks. Can you share insights into your songwriting process and how you craft such memorable melodies?
SM: My songwriting varies massively from song to song, but on these occasions the melody came first. I always think the best songs are when the lyrics come naturally and I think that was why I picked these two to release first.
Maybe has more serious lyrics about climate change, while Living in Limbo is about made-up tale from the perspective of a girl who can’t make her mind up.
As you begin to analyse your own songs, you realise that patterns are a big part of music, but it is important to not become repetitive in the art you are creating. In my opinion, there needs to be something in every song that the listener can remember it for.
LN: What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
SM: When people come to watch us live or listen to the music, I want there to be a bit of something for everybody. Whether that be meaningful, political songs or carefree, catchy tunes that make you forget about problems.
Some songs will be slower, some quicker, some rockier, but the idea is you’re either tapping your feet or connecting to the words for the full set!
LN: Running MerseyMusic.co.uk gives you a platform to showcase local talent. How does supporting other artists feed into your own musical journey?
SM: Mersey Music has certainly helped give me an insight into how the music industry works at a grassroots level and the realities of being a rising artist.
It often isn’t as positive and glamorous as people think, but there are feel-good stories out there about young, local musicians breaking through.
Running the site has helped build connections but has also given an idea of what it takes to stand out from the crowd.
LN: As someone deeply connected to Merseyside through your journalism and music, how has the local scene influenced your sound and identity as an artist?
SM: Your environment is always affecting you, even if you don’t realise it. I have a couple of songs in which the lyrics are quite clearly about the city and some of the struggles it has been through.
Indirectly, I think that without the culture of sharing music and performing live on Merseyside, I probably would never have got up to play at an open mic that first time circa. 2019.
You may not realise it, but this area has a far stronger culture of embracing new music than many other places.
LN: Could you tell us about any upcoming projects or releases you’re excited about?
SM: A new single is in its final stages and will be with you soon. Sam Millne & the Virants will also be freshening up the set with a June headliner at the Kirkgate Centre in Cockermouth.
On Merseyside, we’re looking to work with promoters to grow our audience and connect with other artists’ fanbases.
LN: Lastly, how do you measure success as a musician, and what milestones are you aiming for in the near future?
SM: Enjoyment is always the biggest thing to look at. You can’t get obsessed by a streams or ticket numbers.
However, we are ambitious. We want to grow and believe there is something in the music that is slightly unique, while taking inspiration from popular music. It isn’t a niche style.
Even with the smaller scale success we’ve had early on, as crowds have sung our songs back to us, it has felt great. The next step is to take the show to other bands’ audiences, keep writing new songs and spreading the music we feel can really engage people.
Follow Sam Millne on Instagram for updates. Stream Sam’s music here.
