Meet the Musos: Samichoux - Famously Full of Strange Chords
In Conversation with Madeleine LitchfieldWhy hello there, Verminions, it’s been a while! We’re pulling our Vermilion blog back out of the depths of our gig bag to give you everything you need to know about our artists, as well as Vermilion projects and events.
But first, let’s re-introduce you to the Vermilion musos themselves! In the upcoming weeks we’ll be sitting down with them and learning insights into their music backgrounds and revealing some quirks - some of which may even be a shock to their fans!
First up, Vermilion writer, Madeleine, chats with Samuel Rety, A.K.A Samichoux, whose music is best described as a mixture of funk, jazz and rock elements. His conglomeration of genres gives him a unique clean groove sound, striving for imaginative nostalgic instrumentals with smooth vocals.
Samichoux’s band is made up of other Vermilion gems: Harper Wren on keys and backing vocals, Jack Lestone on bass, and Patrick McClement on drums and percussion. Currently released is his vibrantly soothing single “My New Getaway” - a welcome addition to any study or focus playlist. Or, if you’re up for some study with an aesthetic backdrop, check out his Big Chair Concert where he performs this and an unreleased track, on our YouTube!
Now, let’s hand Samichoux the mic.
Madeleine Litchfield: What is your music background?
Samuel Rety: I think throughout my life, music has always been present. Like many people, as a young kid I took instrumental lessons. I was always a part of ensembles in school. My Father has played music all his life, so it’s always been around in our family. He was never a “pro” with continuous gigs on the go, but I can say for sure that both my parents are avid music fans.
As a young boy I listened to a lot of rock music - stuff of the time. I really liked artists like Jet, Grinspoon, ACDC, and The Police. Sting and The Police have certainly stuck around as influences and I’m sure my friends and bandmates are getting sick of me playing those songs in rehearsal. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve definitely had more of an influence from Funk music, Jazz, Soul, and a strong flavour of J-Pop and jazz fusion.
M: Describe your music style in 5 words?
S: Famously full of strange chords… No, in all seriousness probably, bright, groovy, diverse and strident.
M: What is your creative process like from writing, to drafting, to producing a song?
S: Often, of course, I need some kind of starting point whether that be a melody, a chord sequence, or a riff - just something to hook your ear onto. Something that is consistent for me throughout every song I’ve written is that I need to visualise a scene from a short piece of a story. I need to watch a character and take a lyric from it, or let it provoke a sound that I can show through harmony. I need something like that to catch my imagination. There’s a song I wrote that the band and I affectionately refer to as ‘Noir’. I wrote that after visualising a man walking on a path next to a river having a mental breakdown because he suspects that his wife is cheating on him. How I got there, I don’t know, but it sure was an inspiring scene to imagine.
M: Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music that might surprise your fans?
S: I like to cook and play video games, but those things people might suspect. Maybe not a hobby anymore but it might be surprising to people - before I wanted to be a musician, I had aspirations to become a Blacksmith. Crazy.
M: What are the main tools you use in your music making?
S: Firstly, the normal array of instruments. As I’ve started playing guitar in my own band I bought an old Japanese Fender Telecaster from 1989. I really love that thing, I’d like to make some modifications to get it set up in better playing shape, but I’ve come to appreciate it compared to some others that I’ve played. As a bass player primarily, I’ve got two basses that I regularly use. Both Jazz Bass style instruments, a 4 and a 5 string, which have served all the bass playing purposes I’ve encountered so far. A while ago a friend gifted me a fretless bass which I’ve been wanting to use but haven’t found a place for. In terms of production, I use Ableton Live primarily myself. I like the interface and the intuitiveness of it. I often use Keyscape by Spectrasonics for my piano and keyboard sounds.
M: What are some songs/artists that match your music's vibe?
S: It’s a running joke but there’s some truth in it - Stevie Wonder. I take a lot of inspiration from him and people tell me it shows. I think some of my lyrics recently are a bit Sting-esque. Also, I have one very Laufey-like song called “My Little Baby”. For modern artists, I love ones who are inspired by Japanese ‘City Pop’, like Ginger Root. If you like Olivia Dean and Tom Misch, you might like my music.
M: If you could collaborate with any artist or band, who would it be and what kind of music would you want to create together?
S: If we count artists who aren’t with us anymore, probably someone with a really moving voice, like Chris Cornell, Bobby Caldwell or maybe Ella Fitzgerald or Billie Holiday.
Living artists who come to mind are Rina Sawayama, The Foo Fighters, Victoria Monet, Olivia Dean, Laufey… I’d love to be a PinkPanthress sample… Just being part of any Joe Hisaishi creation. There’s a lot! I’d also love to write with any of these people.
One thing I’ve always thought about is arranging a big fusion style piece with a rapper fronting it. I think that it’d be a really fine line of how much you can do.
M: What is an important life lesson someone gave you regarding your music?
S: I’m still relatively new to the scene but one thing I’ve learnt is that you have to be a decent person, regardless of the style you play or anything, otherwise people will just forgo you for someone else.
M: What gigs or new music do you have coming up?
S: We’re currently in the process of recording single two. It’s called ‘Rainy Feeling’ and if you’ve been to a live show you’ll know roughly what it sounds like. I promise it’ll be quite a bit more adventurous after we’re done with it though.
I’m also experimenting with making alternate versions of my songs. For example, ‘Rainy Feeling’ will have a ‘Sunny version’ that I’d love to record if we have time. I like to fantasise about people conversing over which one is their favourite, in a heated discussion about music like my friends and I do.
M: One thing you always have in a dressing room?
S: If I have the privilege of a dressing room, a space for peace before a gig; I’ll try and have a water for sure, a microfibre cloth for wiping down strings, a notebook and a pen, my satchel, and a couple of spare picks. I know my drummer likes to have a sports drink during and after the performance, so we’d have some stocked up as well.
M: What’s the story behind your stage name?
S: It’s a simple story really. Samichoux is my childhood nickname. My Father is French and calling someone “mon petit choux” is a kind of cute nickname. It means little cabbage and it’s something you’d say to a kid or a sweetheart. It’s something I’ve been called my whole life by family and close friends, so I thought there was nothing better to represent myself. Now most people who know me think my name is Samuel Choux which I’ve always thought was quite funny.
For more of Samichoux’s music, head to his Spotify and Apple Music and Vermilion’s Soundcloud.
Some more from us
Stay tuned for more get-to-know-you’s in the upcoming weeks! In other news, Vermilion’s print magazine issue 2 2024 is currently in the works! We’re so excited to bring you this edition, jam packed with exclusive insight on our Vermilion roster, as well as a special feature for our Vermilion High musicians, merch gift guides and more!
Cover image credit to @kyonosukes_photos.