Hugo Samba’s journey began at an early age, falling in love with blues music and the production process. He would spend days composing new music, venturing to knot Blues and Electronic music, and the plurality of music genres on his new album is a loyal reflection of his emotions. 

“Wah” is out now for your listening pleasure:

Describe your sound for us. What do you want people to feel when they hear your music?

I want my music to unconsciously soothe your stress. When you listen to my music, I want you to think about a wonderful place, drenched by the rays of the sun, and colored by its sunset. I produce music to accompany the beauty of such landscapes. And sometimes, when the guitar hits, I want to carry my listener away by my melodies, and feel that touch of toughness.

Which 3 artists have influenced you the most growing up?

As a guitarist, the first one is Jimi Hendrix. When I was young, I would learn all his songs on the guitar, from ‘Little Wing’ to ‘1983…(A Merman I Should Turn To Be)’, and I know that without him, I would never have this improvisation feeling.

My father has been a great inspiration for me, as he used to teach me music production from an early age. I still produce music with him, and by the way we produced together ‘My Father’s Tacos’ and ‘L’Autre Bout du Monde’ on my album.

The third one is Worakls, for the electronic part. Through his music and his personal help, I learned, and I’m still learning, how to keep a track simple, focusing on melody and not on distracting production trivialities.

How did you discover your particular sound?

My sound is the sound of my fingers on my Stratocaster, coming alive thanks to my Cry Baby wah-wah pedal.. I shaped it for 20 years and I built most of my creations around it.

What are the most important pieces of equipment to you?

As I said, my loyal fender Stratocaster, accompanied by my Cry Baby. And of course, my mixing controller to party all night!!

What outside of music inspires you to create?

On one hand, I get inspiration when I travel, when I see beautiful landscapes. My trip to Mexico inspired me a lot, for example when we went to Laguna Ventanilla, near Mazunte, along the Pacific Coast. It was a sumptuous beach and we were alone…

On the other hand, relationships inspire me a lot, especially my girlfriend, who is really passionate and enthusiast. It’s amazing how relationships affect the art, even instrumental music. 

Do you have a favourite memory of your career so far that you will take with you forever?

When I was young, I had a funk/blues band. I had the best time with them, playing in Marseille pubs, even rehearsing was great. They were, and still are, some of my best friends and I know that’s it’s gonna keep us attached to each other, for life.

If you could work with, or perform alongside any artist living or passed, who would it be?

I have a thousand ideas about artists I would love to collaborate with… I think jamming with Prince should be awesome. I would love to make a song with Tom Misch too, after a long jam with him. Eventually, my dream would be to compose a track with Worakls. 

Most artists say that if they weren’t artists they would be mailmen/women… what would you be?

I am an engineer, so I don’t ask myself these kinds of questions…

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

My album is coming in on 7th of August : “Wah”. It is my first album, and perfectly reflects my universe : delicacy, sensuality, heat and groove. 

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