Sam Osbourne Bryant Talks New Single, Favourite Instruments And More

New Zealand-born, Gold Coast-based, Sam Osbourne Bryant is a 21-year-old multi-instrumentalist bringing a raw, emotional edge to the world of alternative rock. His new single ‘Cry’ is out and he waxed lyrical with us here: 

When did you begin singing/songwriting?

I began writing short guitar parts about a few months after beginning to learn how to play guitar at age thirteen. I decided to begin to learn how to sing after one thing became apparent; If I wanted to make something of myself in the music industry, I needed to do it myself. It felt as if no one around me wanted anything to do with music, so I took it upon myself not only to learn how to sing, but also to write drum and bass parts alongside the initial guitar parts I had written.

What is your earliest musical memory?

I don’t have many early music memories. I’m not from a musical family, and I knew no one who played any instruments. As morbid as it sounds, the earliest music related memory might be Michael Jackson’s passing. I would’ve been five years old when he died. That’s one of those moments in time where everyone who was around knows exactly what they were doing when they heard the news.

You have your new single ‘Cry’ is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

The inspiration behind ‘Cry’ is the feeling of getting nowhere, getting sick of the monotony of life. At the age of 21, I feel like I’m wasting away. I know I’m not the only one at my age. I just needed to get that feeling out of my head, that’s why I wrote it.

Will the single be accompanied by a visualiser?

I haven’t planned on accompanying the single with a visualiser, but I would love to do so with future tracks. With my first ‘proper’ single, I just wanted to get it out there.

Where did you record the single and who produced it?

‘Cry’ was recorded at Serotonin Productions, in Gilston, on the Gold Coast, here in Australia. I worked with studio manager and producer Jake Morton.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

Jake, the producer who worked on ‘Cry’, absolutely hates using Pro Tools as his primary DAW, yet refuses to change. Both times that we worked together included many expletive-filled rants at the software, which gave me a source of amusement through long days at the studio.

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

I used my favoured Gibson Les Paul and Marshall Silver Jubilee cabinet on ‘Cry’. All my guitar heroes used Gibson guitars and Marshall amps, so why break the winning formula?

Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

As ‘Cry’ is my first official single, it would have to be my selected track for all three by default. The track is certainly reflective, with a hint of anger. Definitely the opposite of happy though.

Do you have any further music releases planned for 2025?

No plans set in stone just yet. I’d love to get a few more singles out there before the end of the year, and of course, I’d love to start work on a debut album.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

My two goals with music is to make my audience happy, and to inspire everyone to want to create something themselves. If both targets are met, that would make me the happiest person in the world.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

Possibly my favourite question; I am a massive gearhead. My main guitar is a 2017 Gibson Les Paul Standard, in a blueberry burst finish. I absolutely fell in love with this guitar the moment I laid my eyes on it. I use a Marshall Silver Jubilee tube amp stack as well. In terms of pedals, I primarily use a BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver and a Cry Baby 535Q Multi Wah. The Les Paul, Marshall amp and Blues Driver pedal all feature on ‘Cry’.

How do you look after your voice?

If I have plans to record vocals, I would only drink water for the day preceding the studio date. In addition, I’d plan to eat less than normal, to ensure my voice is in the absolute best condition it could be.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

I’m not much of a reader, but I’ve always had a soft spot for ‘The Outsiders’ by S.E. Hinton. I feel like I resonate with the life lessons displayed in the book – despite a rough upbringing and environment, the main character Ponyboy always wants to do the right thing.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

My hometown is Palmerston North, located about 2 hours north of Wellington, in New Zealand. Five words? Boring. Boring. Boring. Boring. And Boring. I’m sure if you speak with any other New Zealanders, they’d probably say the same thing.

Do you have any live dates in the UK/Europe planned for 2025/2026?

Not presently, but I’d love to tour across both the UK and Europe. For now, I’d like to focus on working on a potential upcoming album, maybe touring Australia and gaining attention from both audiences and the industry.

What makes Sam Osbourne Bryant happy and what makes you unhappy?

Just being around the world of music makes me happy. I love songwriting and performing. I know it’s basic, but it’s the honest truth. What makes me unhappy? Oppression of any form. I’m of the belief that as long as you’re not causing pain or mistreatment to others, you can – and should be able to do whatever you want. Unfortunately, not everyone thinks that way.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Sam Stent

Sam Osbourne Bryant’s new single ‘Cry’ is out now.

Listen Here: https://open.spotify.com/track/5u86YaXBDft180jQR2zFhy?si=230008a86ab440ba&nd=1&dlsi=a2d565b66c6e4a34

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samozbryant/