Lover, traveller, teller of truths, Sam Buckingham has created a remarkable collection of sweet pop musings and troubadour tales in her latest independent offering, I’m A Bird.
Feeling right at home on Australia’s big festival stages, and touring with heavy hitters including Washington, Matt Corby, Katie Noonan, Lior and Angus & Julia Stone, Buckingham is equally at home in the lounge rooms of fans, having already embarked on three national House Concert Tours in the past two years. These unique and intimate tours have seen her play in close to 100 homes of fans, and become one of the first Australian artists to pioneer the House Concert touring model – already a growing phenomenon in the USA and Europe.
2012 saw the release of her acclaimed EP, Fragile Heart, which debuted at #3 on the iTunes singer / songwriter charts. A co-production effort with Multiple ARIA-winner Paul McKercher, recording Fragile Heart lead to a publishing deal with the prestigious Alberts Music and put her on the road to Nashville and New York, honing her songwriting talents and working in the world’s biggest music market earlier this year.
Fragile Heart served as a delicious teaser to Buckingham’s new album I’m A Bird which hits stores July 19. From the lead single ‘Follow You’ to ‘Leave this Town’ and the raw and honest delivery of the album’s title track, ‘I’m A Bird’ carries the continuing theme of travel and discovery, the constant trademark of a restless soul, and the hallmarks of one constantly searching for extra meaning and seeking out life’s experiences – but Buckingham searches with strength and assuredness, adept at finding joy and meaning in the every day. Adventure and warmth flow throughout this remarkable set, breaking the expected female singer/songwriter mould with unparalleled ease.
The release of I’m A Bird will see another extensive run of house concerts around Australia, with public gigs dotted around the country as Buckingham clocks up miles gracing stages in solo mode, performing the new album from start to finish. Funded in part by a successful crowd funding campaign, the grassroots and fan-focused approach continues to drive and deliver for Buckingham, who continues to build a large and loyal audience, standing alongside as she takes flight.
SAM BUCKINGHAM TOUR DATES
SUNDAY JULY 21
The Bird, Northbridge WA with Steve Parkin + Eloise Ashton ($5 at the door)
SUNDAY JULY 28
The Workers Club, Fitzroy VIC with Whitaker + Tom Kline ($10 at the door)
THURSDAY AUGUST 1
The Front, Lyneham ACT with Evan Buckley (Entry by donation at the door)
SATURDAY AUGUST 3
Hibernian House, Surry Hills NSW with Jessica Cerro http://www.trybooking.com/CZUC
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 7
Lizottes, Kincumber NSW with Cave Dwellers & Maia Jelavic www.lizottes.com.au
SATURDAY AUGUST 10
Royal Exchange Theatre, Newcastle NSW with Amy Vee & Daniel March http://www.trybooking.com/CZUL
SUNDAY AUGUST 11
The Powerhouse, Brisbane QLD with Luke Moller (Free Entry)
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 28
Lizotte’s Dee Why, NSW with Jonathan Devoy + Jake Edgley www.lizottes.com.au
FRIDAY AUGUST 30
The Wheatsheaf, Thebarton SA with Emily Davis (Free Entry)