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A Grounded Artist: Sam Burchfield in the Spotlight

 

    Originally from Seneca, South Carolina, Sam Burchfield has turned his joyful childhood hobby into a career that is continuing to grow. 

    Burchfield grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where his blue grass, gospel and folk roots were born. He went to University of Georgia and currently lives in Athens when not traveling as an artist.

    He began as an independent artist, which posed many challenges as he was putting his foot in the door.

    "I initially had to do everything - from taxes to booking and everything in between. My brain was constantly between thinking logically and creatively," said Burchfield.

    Now with "Eat Music Management" and "Atlas Touring," Burchfield has been able to delegate the overwhelming roles to other people and focus in on songwriting.

    For Burchfield, songwriting is the best part of being a music artist. Here he gets to dig into his creativity and tell stories.

    "I strive for truth and honesty in all of my songs for both my amazing fans and myself. If I am not honest with myself first, then the music I sing is pointless."

    His songwriting process is never the same. Sometimes the song needs no edits, but other times songs will have to be discarded to only possibly be brought out of the trashcan.

    "I will just start playing an instrument and freestyle singing, at some point it will just all click and feel right."

    Burchfield's ultimate goal when writing any song is to transform listeners thinking and open their minds for the better.

    "My favorite song is personally 'Cradle You.' This song changed my thinking as well and listening to it allows me to relive the feelings I felt when writing."

    Burchfield's wife is his biggest source of inspiration for songwriting. 

    "She is a crazy and creative artist herself; she helps me find my own creative identity every day." 

    Musically, The Wood Brothers are a band he strives to embody.

    "Their music is just positive in all aspects; it makes me happy listening and the writing is just incredible." 

    Burchfield's GRAVEYARD FLOWER Extended Play was his attempt to reconnect with his Appalachian beginnings. In a world with so many distractions - phones, social media and the internet - Burchfield invited listeners to plant their feet where they are at. He hoped the works he produced humbled fans and brought a new appreciation of the beauty of the earth we live on.

    His first non-independent album was SCROUNDEL, released in March of 2022. The album is a tale of "greed, betrayal, heartbreak, revenge, and redemption." 

    "SCOUNDREL is all about outlaw motif: the line between good and bad, plus where that line goes and ends."

    Since SCOUNDREL, Burchfield has been recording the album's tracks acoustically in an abandoned jail in his hometown. He released "Profit" last week on March 24, with more to come soon.

    Over the years Burchfield's music has changed a lot, but he believes his music has stayed something people can resonate with. 

    Aside from Burchfield's acoustic tracks, he is excited to go on tour with "The Scoundrels" in the upcoming months. 

    "It is awesome that our band has finally cemented, 'The Scoundrels' are my best friends and brothers." 

    As things are continuing to grow, the band is ecstatic to have people hear them perform and travel the country while doing so. The tour spans from April 7 to August 13, 2023. You can buy tickets or sign up for Burchfield's newsletter at http://www.samburchfield.com.


Sam Burchfield (@samburchfield) • Instagram photos and videos


Sally Ozmore

sally.ozmore@gmail.com 


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