Seafood Sam - Standing On Giant' Shoulders
Introducing our exclusive interview with musician Seafood Sam - a Long Beach native blending organic hip-hop with a street edge and sophisticated jazz and R&B influences. Join us as we dive into his eclectic sound, inspirations, and the creative journey behind his latest album ‘Standing On Giant Shoulders’.
© Jack McKain
SID: Your music is described as weaving a myriad of influences from hip-hop, jazz, and R&B. How do your Long Beach roots and the diverse musical legacy of the city shape your sound?
SS: Raised around so many different cultures you start to gain inspiration from these different directions, one day it’s Bradley from Sublime the next day it’s Trey Dee from the Eastsidaz.
”Standing On Giant Shoulders" is your new album. How do you approach blending classic and future-facing elements in your music to create a sound that's both nostalgic and forward-thinking?
Mama always said “I had an old soul” so no matter how big I get in this industry I’ll always pay homage to those before me, and that’s why I’m the futurist artifact. it’s a new sound but it feels like a classic at the same time.
© Jack McKain
Your music has been praised for evoking nostalgic feelings without feeling dated. Can you share your creative process in achieving this balance between nostalgia and innovation?
It’s something I can’t really explain, during the process of creating I feel my mind starts to drift into different eras and genres then I just go with the flow.
The track "86 Carolina West" from your EP "Afros In The Wind" has a laid-back feel. What themes and experiences did you explore in this EP, particularly in relation to fatherhood, freedom, and family?
That project was me telling my people to “relax, kick back and let your hair down” that’s why I named it “Afros in the Wind." In all honesty the EP was really made to serve as an appetizer to the elevation of my craft.
The EP features song titles that invoke ancestors. Could you elaborate on the significance of this theme and how it manifests in your music?
Yeah, I do that with all my projects in some kind of way. I love connecting my family with the art, like for example on the “Afros in the Wind” EP, the song “86’ Carolina West,” Carolina West is a club my parents met at in 86’, the song Ethel’s cafe, Ethel is my great aunt on my father’s side, and for the song “Annie-Merl” that’s my grandmother(r.i.p)’s name.
© Jack McKain
Your music video for "86 Carolina West" adds a visual dimension to the storytelling. How important is visual storytelling in conveying the narrative of your music?
I grew up in the era of music videos, so watching shows like BET’s 106 & Park, MTV’s World Premiere video, Channel4’s The Box etc, it made me want to give that recreate energy and effort to capture the eyes/minds and be able to cause that same effect it had on me back in the day.
Long Beach has a rich musical history. How do you connect with and contribute to the local music community, and what impact has your environment had on your artistic journey?
I still pop out at local shows to give my support and as far as my contribution, it’s just continuing to make music that’s all the city ask from me. And as for my environment, it has made a huge impact in my artistic journey, I’m so confident in what I do because I know I have the love and support from home team.
Finally, what do you think SID stands for?
(S)eafood Sam’s (I)mpeccable (D)elivery!!! SS
‘Saylo’ Out Now & Pre-order 'Standing On Giant Shoulders' available on vinyl, CD and cassette 19th April.
