“Us”: A Journey with Samm Henshaw
“Us” is a short film documentary that explores the life of rising singer and songwriter Samm Henshaw. The film provides an in-depth look at Samm’s creative process and his journey to creating his debut album, “Untidy Soul.” With a unique blend of r&b, soul, hip-hop, and pop influences, Samm’s music has captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
The film follows Samm as he embarks on a tour that takes him to audiences in the UK, the US, and Asia. Through performance footage and intimate behind-the-scenes moments, “Us” offers a window into the life of a musician on the rise and the challenges and triumphs that come with creating and sharing music on a global stage.
Samm’s music is a reflection of his passion, hard work, and dedication to his craft. He strives to connect with audiences and deliver a message of hope and unity through his music. “Us” is a must-see for fans of Samm Henshaw and anyone interested in the music-making process. With its dynamic blend of music, story, and emotion, the film is a celebration of the art of songwriting and the power of music to bring people together.
Who is Samm Henshaw?
Samm Henshaw is a British singer-songwriter and producer best known for his soulful blend of r&b, hip-hop, and pop music. Born and raised in London, Samm began writing and performing his own music at a young age, honing his unique sound and style over the years.
Samm’s first full-length album, “Untidy Soul,” was released on January 28, 2022, and was a true testament to his musical prowess, combining soulful melodies with thought-provoking lyrics that spoke to the complexities of the human experience. The album was well-received by audiences and critics alike, solidifying Samm’s place as one of the UK’s most talented young musicians.
With his unique style and undeniable musical talent, Samm Henshaw has become a true force in the music world, captivating audiences with his powerful voice and thought-provoking lyrics. Whether on stage, in the studio, or on record, Samm’s music continues to captivate and inspire, solidifying his place as one of his generation’s most talented and influential musicians.
Early Beginnings
Iniabasi Samuel Henshaw, better known as Samm Henshaw. But who is Samm Henshaw, and where did it all begin? Samm was born in London, England, and raised by Nigerian parents in South London. He spent his secondary school years at Cleeve Park School before pursuing a degree in popular music performance at Southampton Solent.
His musical journey began in childhood, surrounded by gospel artists such as Helen Baylor, Fred Hammond, Israel Houghton, and Alvin Slaughter. Still, he also had a passion for mainstream pop music and r&b. He was heavily influenced by the likes of Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, Michael Jackson, Usher, and N*Sync.
However, it’s not just pop music that inspires Samm. He cites D’Angelo, Paolo Nutini, and Lauryn Hill as his biggest vocal influences and finds songwriting inspiration in Grammy award winner Frank Ocean (neo-soul). These diverse musical influences have significantly shaped Samm’s unique sound and style, making him one of the music industry’s most exciting and innovative artists today.
Unique Musical / Video Style
Samm’s songwriting is particularly impressive for his age. He writes about real life through direct lyrics that are honest and sincere. On tracks such as ‘Church’ and ‘The World Is Mine’, Samm questions faith and our place in the world; on songs like ‘Piece Of Me’ and ‘Better’ he reflects on relationships in an authentic way that resonates with listeners.
Samm Henshaw’s father made a significant shift in his career from being a renowned actor to a pastor of a church, which the singer considers a remarkable transition. Growing up in the church environment, Henshaw learned about music and developed his faith, which now plays a significant role in his life and musical career. The singer mentions that his faith is a big part of his work and is always at the forefront of all his creative endeavors. The unique blend of Henshaw’s musical style, with its roots in gospel and soul, reflects the influence of his upbringing and faith.
When touring (concerts), Samm delivers powerful live performance videos (loved by you). His bandmates bring funk grooves to the mix while Samm adds soaring vocal melodies, creating a rich musical landscape that appeals to fans of all ages. Samm often uses these shows to reveal details about upcoming projects through short video snippets of new music – more evidence of his unique approach to connecting with people through music. He’s got a knack for creative live streams/videos.
“With this album I thought, I can do almost anything.”
— Samm Henshaw
Recognition from Other Musicians
Samm Henshaw has garnered a lot of recognition from fellow musicians for his unique music style. From Grammy-winning artists to up-and-coming acts, many have praised Samm and been inspired by his sound.
Ed Sheeran – Ed Sheeran has greatly supported Samm Henshaw and praised him for his unique voice and writing style. In an interview, Ed said, “Samm has got such a unique voice and a unique style. I love the music he makes, and I think he’s gonna be a big deal.”
Jorja Smith – Jorja Smith has collaborated with Samm Henshaw on several occasions and has spoken highly of him in interviews. She said, “Samm’s music is so soulful, and his voice is just amazing. He’s got a real gift for writing too, which makes him a really special artist.”
Stormzy – Stormzy has also been a fan of Samm Henshaw and has praised him for his musical abilities. He said, “Samm Henshaw is one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever seen. His voice is just incredible, and the way he writes is just amazing.”
Anderson .Paak – Anderson .Paak has praised Samm Henshaw for his unique sound and style. He said, “Samm Henshaw is a true original. His sound is unlike anything else out there, and he’s got a real gift for creating music that connects with people.”
These are just a few examples of the recognition Samm Henshaw has received from other musicians. He continues to impress and inspire those in the industry with his music and artistry.
As Samm continues to evolve as a musician, one thing is certain: we can expect more great things from him in the future as he continues to develop his signature sound, which blends classic styles with modern production techniques. His unique blend of soul, gospel, and r&b has captured the attention of both fans and peers alike. With a growing fanbase and recognition from other musicians, it’s clear that Samm Henshaw is on the rise. As he continues to stay true to his artistry and musical vision, there’s no doubt that we can expect even more great music from him in the future. With his talent, creativity, and musicality, Samm Henshaw has the potential to become one of the biggest stars in the music world.
Us. Short Film
Dan Robinson is a talented creative based in New York City. He possesses a unique skill set that allows him to bring the stories of brands, artists, musicians, chefs, and creators to life through photography, video, and design. With a polished commercial style and a raw, documentary-style appeal, Dan has a refined photojournalistic approach that helps him capture timeless moments.
Dan’s passion for photography and storytelling is evident in his work, and it is this drive to connect and tell meaningful stories that sets him apart from other creatives. Whether working on a commercial project or a personal project, Dan’s dedication to capturing the essence of his subjects is evident in every image he creates.
If you are looking for a talented photographer and creative to help you share your story, look no further than Dan Robinson. With his unique eye for detail and ability to create beautiful and thought-provoking images, Dan is the perfect choice for anyone looking to bring their vision to life.
All property imagery/video from Dan Robinson.
Credits.
Director: DAN ROBINSON
Cinematography: JIM PILLING + DAN ROBINSON
Mix & Mastering: MICHAEL SPENCER
Colorist: MATT KANZLER
Quoted Sources:
- Ed Sheeran quote from: https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/ed-sheeran-predicts-big-things-for-samm-henshaw-as-they-collaborate-on-new-music__17896/
- Jorja Smith quote from: https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/samm-henshaw-jorja-smith-interview
- Stormzy quote from: https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/samm-henshaw-jorja-smith-interview
- Anderson .Paak quote from: https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/samm-henshaw-anderson-paak-interview
