Sam Duckworth, formerly known as Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, is back in Nottingham this weekend to perform songs from his new project Recreations. Last week he released his debut album from this project called Baby Boomers 2 and has set off on a UK tour. We had a chat with him prior to his show here about the new material, his memories of playing in Nottingham and what he’s got planned for the future.
You’ve just released your debut album from your new project. Is it good to have the new material out there?
Very much so. It’s been a very long time coming. It’s been a couple of years since the end of Get Cape… and I’ve been working hard in the studio for much of this time. It’s hard to really sum up how it feels to have it out there, as the work is so personal to me, a mixture of relief and excitement. I’ve been striving towards creating a sound of this ilk for quite a while and to finally be able to have it realised in physical form is, to be honest, something that I wasn’t sure would ever happen. The artwork and illustrations have brought a new dimension to it, as it’s always nice to have a visual accompaniment to the sonic work. Rebecca Hendin has done an incredible job and I’m very proud of how it looks and sounds. It’s been a really positive few days hearing the initial feedback to the album, knowing that the hard work was worth it.
How do you think these songs compare to your previous work, both solo and with Get Cape Wear Cape Fly.
In regards GCWCF, it’s not a million miles away from Chronicles. The process of making records for me has very much been a case of going there and back to see how far it is and settling home. All of the experimentation has lead me to a more confident version of the initial output. My sound as always been about trying to fuse together elements that you don’t hear together that often and I feel that this is my most coherent record to date. The solo records very much exist in their own realm, they are much darker and stripped back and tend to come along at times of strife, where focusing on writing songs is solace more than “fun.” In simple terms, this is as much a rebrand (I had to drop the GCWCF name at some point) as much it is a new beginning. I try to be as honest as possible in every record I make and it’s much easier to except who you are and hone it, than it is to try and run from it.
What’s been your favourite Nottingham show to date?
I loved the Rock City Basement show from 06, Trent Uni in 07, but the final GCWCF show in 14 was very memorable and probably my favourite. I remember the bizarre heckle of “what happened, you used to be a young Billy Bragg” from someone who clearly hadn’t seen me play before or had only ever seen me in an acoustic environment, I also remember the atmosphere being incredibly celebratory. Nottingham crowds have a unique feel to them, intense but in a good way. It can go from pin drop quiet to raucous in the same song and due to the nature of my music, this is very handy indeed.
You’re going to be joined by Rob Lynch and Sean McGowan for these shows, how did you choose these two guys to support you?
One of the joys of working in the studio for the last couple of years has been working with other people, whose music I believe in. Me and Rob have been friends for over a decade and I have produced both his new LP and his debut, yet this is the first tour we have done together. It certainly won’t be the last. Sean is probably my favourite new singer songwriter and we are very similar people. we have been working together both on his singles and eps and currently towards his debut LP which I have no doubt is going to be a game changer. The 3 of us are really good mates and it made sense for us to ride together, room together and explore the map together. The atmosphere it creates is one of both positive constructive criticism, which makes for a continually improving show, but also it is nice to share in the victories with those close to you.
What’s next for you this Summer after the UK tour?
I’m Recreations for the long haul. This very much feels like the start of a new chapter. I’m extremely proud of the record and am very much enjoying touring it. I’ve got some festivals coming up and then its out to Europe and then back home for some more touring. Except to see me on the road for a very long time, this record feels like it has a new life and I’m excited to watch it develop.
Recreations plays The Bodega on Satuday the 7th May with support from Rob Lynch and Sean McGowen. Tickets available here!