Sam Girling

Picture a young Sam Girling in the summer of 2016, eagerly trying his hand at various creative pursuits. Yet, it was the allure of music that captured his heart and sparked a fire within him. With each beat, each rhythm, Girling found himself drawn deeper into the sonic tapestry of possibility, unaware of the extraordinary journey that lay ahead.

Fast forward to 2019, where Girling's world was rocked by a thrilling surprise: BBC Radio 1's Annie Mac had discovered his talent and unleashed his music onto the airwaves. Suddenly, Girling found himself thrust into the spotlight, his tunes resonating with listeners worldwide. But just as his star was on the rise, the unforeseen arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced Girling to confront a new reality—one filled with uncertainty and challenges. Yet, amidst the chaos, Girling persevered, using the downtime to reflect, refine, and emerge stronger than ever.

Now, as Girling prepares to take center stage at Radio 1's Big Weekend and beyond, he stands as a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in the face of adversity. From performing alongside industry titans like Fatboy Slim to forging dynamic collaborations with fellow artists, Girling's journey is a whirlwind of excitement and innovation. As he continues to push the boundaries of electronic music, Girling remains committed to sharing his infectious energy and unbridled creativity with audiences worldwide. So, strap in and get ready to embark on a sonic adventure unlike any other—because with Sam Girling at the helm, the possibilities are endless, and the beats are boundless.

Girling's musical odyssey began in the summer of 2016, a time of experimentation and exploration. Among various creative pursuits, it was music that resonated most deeply with him. Little did he know that this newfound passion would lead to a whirlwind of opportunities in the years to come.

“I tried my hand at just about everything creative. Music was the one that stuck. I had a pretty mad surprise in 2019 with BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac playing me all over the radio that year. It was a mad time and I didn’t really have any long-term vision”.

The turning point came in 2019 when BBC Radio 1's Annie Mac discovered Girling's talent and propelled him into the spotlight. At just 19 years old, Girling found himself thrust into a world of radio play and recognition, an experience he describes as "mad" yet exhilarating. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought about a period of uncertainty, forcing Girling to pause and reassess his musical direction.

“COVID abruptly halted a lot of plans for 2020 - I didn’t really release anything with any conviction until the start of 2022. During that time, my taste and ambitions just completely shifted. But 2 and a half years on from relaunching, I feel in total control of where I’m heading”.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Girling emerged stronger and more determined than ever. It wasn't until the start of 2022 that he fully recommitted himself to his craft, releasing music with newfound conviction and purpose. Two and a half years later, Girling finds himself in control of his artistic destiny, poised for even greater success.

One of the highlights of Girling's journey is his upcoming performance at Radio 1's Big Weekend. With unwavering confidence, Girling plans to showcase his own music, a testament to his growth as an artist. Reflecting on his recent tour with Porij, Girling acknowledges the profound impact it had on his live show, laying the groundwork for future performances.

“I recently toured with Porij. They’re an incredible live band inspired by dance music. I figured bands only play their own music at shows, so I might as well do the same if I’m opening for them. To my surprise, it was unbelievable. The foundations for my own live show have definitely been laid”.

Another milestone in Girling's career was his performance alongside Fatboy Slim at IMS in Ibiza. It was a surreal experience for Girling, who found himself playing amidst the scenic beauty of Las Dalias. For Girling, it was a moment of realization, a confirmation that he was on the right path.

“I got to play a lot of (slower) records I wouldn’t usually play. It was at a beautiful place called ‘Las Dalias’. It honestly felt like a paradise. I just kept looking up to the sky and pinching myself that I was actually in Ibiza playing music”.

As an artist on Southern Fried Records, Girling takes pride in being part of such a prestigious label. The recent release of 'Role Model' as the label's 500th release was a particularly significant moment for Girling, further solidifying his place in the electronic music landscape.

“It’s pretty cool to have a whole 4 releases on a label with such a legacy. And to then top it all off with a gig in one of the most iconic landscapes for dance music, Ibiza”.

Central to Girling's journey is Club Attacca, a creative sanctuary that has played a pivotal role in his artistic development. From intimate gatherings in his hometown of Bedford to expanding the party to London and Liverpool, Club Attacca embodies Girling's vision of community and inclusivity.

“It gave me all the creative freedom to start releasing the music I wanted to put out. That naturally led to throwing parties in my hometown, Bedford. It started as a small gathering in a mate’s garage one evening - which eventually took us to a venue called ‘Herd’, where the public Club Attacca parties have all been held (in Bedford). We’re a town north of London and it was always the case of having to get on the train to London for a ‘proper’ party with underground dance music. But I’ve thrown 3 parties in the hometown so far - it’s a real community DIY feel - lots of familiar faces! I’ve since expanded the party to London and Liverpool”.

The support Girling has received from BBC Radio hosts like Lauren Laverne, Danny Howard, and Jaguar has been instrumental in his journey. Their endorsement has provided Girling with a platform to share his music with the world, propelling him to new heights of success.

“It’s been the first mark of real credibility for my journey. BBC Radio support was one of the first major supporters of all in 2019 with Annie Mac. Ever since, it’s been consistent love and support that has given me a platform throughout”.

Collaborations with artists like DJ HEARTSTRING, Job Jobse, and Young Marco have further enriched Girling's musical journey. These collaborations have not only expanded his sonic horizons but also deepened his connections within the music community.

“I saw Young Marco’s Instagram story asking for unreleased music for his BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix last summer. He included my track ‘I Still Got U’ and then ended up playing it for the rest of the year. It wasn’t even a track I was too fond of at the time. Fast forward to the end of 2023 and I get a message from Marco saying that it’s his track of the year. Just before the track was released at the end of October, I flew to Amsterdam with nothing but hope that I would catch him playing it… Long story short; he played it, I was on the stage to witness it, we hung out, talked music and I went along to his party at Skatecafe the next day to see him drop it again. Quite easily the most formative weekend of my music career. I handed him a USB of new music that night which included my upcoming release, ‘Post Cause Anthem’ - Marco was the first supporter, again!”

“DJ HEARTSTRING sent me a message after hearing Sam Alfred playing ‘Post Cause Anthem’ at Lost Paradise. Sam’s set was recorded so there’s a pretty cool video of one of the boys heading up to the decks to see what the track ID is. Just like Marco, they’ve been one of my biggest supporters over the last 5 months”.

Looking ahead, Girling's upcoming release 'Post Cause Anthem' on Disorder promises to captivate audiences with its emotive melodies and infectious rhythms. Inspired by his experiences at music festivals and parties, the track reflects Girling's signature style of euphoria and energy.

“The piano and vocal came about right after attending GALA festival in May 2023. It felt super special but I was stumped on where to take the track next. I usually always finish a track, but this was the rare occasion I let the project sit on my laptop for a few months. It wasn’t until after Palms Trax’s party in August at The Cause, I revisited the project. I had so much creative energy built up from that party. I just knew exactly where the track had to go and finished it in those few days “post-Cause”... Hence the track title”.

As Girling prepares for performances at The Cause in London and Happy Feelings in the Netherlands, he remains focused on delivering electrifying sets that resonate with audiences worldwide. With each performance, Girling seeks to forge genuine connections and create lasting memories, solidifying his status as a rising star in the electronic music scene.

In closing, Sam Girling's musical odyssey is not just a story of artistic growth and professional achievement—it's a deeply personal journey that resonates with anyone who has dared to chase their dreams. From the highs of unexpected success to the lows of navigating a global pandemic, Girling's resilience and unwavering passion shine through, reminding us all of the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. As we journey alongside Girling through the electrifying world of electronic music, we are reminded that our greatest triumphs often arise from the most challenging moments. So let us take inspiration from Girling's story, and dare to embark on our own sonic adventures, fueled by passion, creativity, and an unyielding belief in the power of music to transform lives.

Next tour dates

Radio 1 Big Weekend - Luton, UK - 24/05

HNP Presents: The Big After Party - Luton, UK - 24/05

Porij Support - Bedford, UK - 31/05

London, UK - 7/06

London, UK - 8/06

Utrecht, Netherlands - 11/07

The Hague, Netherlands - 13/07

The Hague, Netherlands - 13/09

Manchester, UK - 05/10

Amsterdam, Netherlands - 19/10