MUSIC
Originally published on Monday, 14 January 2008
One to Watch: Sam Sparro
Not many white boys can boast a decent soul voice and a nice line in electro pop. But Sam Sparro isn't like most boys.
Not only can he turn out synth-pop that is so funky it recalls bygone Prince or Chaka Khan, he's also 21st century enough to know a good pulsating electro hook when he makes one and has the voice to match.
Having moved from Sydney to LA as a young 10 year old, Sam's golden tonsils were first tested by singing in church. Hopping across the Atlantic, he went on to discover London's music and club culture whilst working at a record label by day and making electronic music by night.
Now back in the City of Angels and signed to Modus Vivendi, he's just done a deal with Universal in the UK. If the tracks on his MySpace page are anything to go by, his future looks as shiny as a disco ball.
He has the credibility and soul of Plantlife or Amp Fiddler, matched with the pop sensibility of Calvin Harris. Let's hope this engaging talent is allowed to bloom before the music industry gets its claws in. This is one hipster who deserves to be heard.
