Sam Millne is a 23-year-old singer-songwriter who plays regularly with his band, Sam Millne & the Virants. He is originally from Cumbria and Liverpool. He writes a range of songs, from upbeat tunes to more melancholy pieces that reflect on society and the world around us. ‘Living in Limbo’, ‘Maybe’, ‘Don’t Be Lonely’, and ‘Italy’, his first four hits, are songs that have catchy hooks and will have you tapping your foot and nodding in rhythm. ‘Aeroplanes’ and ‘Rockstar’ lean further towards the rock end of the pop-rock spectrum and are more overdriven. In addition, Millne is a sports and music journalist with ties throughout the Northwest, he is at the helm of Merseymusic.co.uk. Rachel caught up with him to chat about their new single, an exclusive gig announcement and future plans…
Introduce yourselves…
Hi, I’m Sam Millne of ‘Sam Millne & the Virants’ and I’m a singer songwriter who wants to share his music with a wide audience and hear them sing the songs back.
How would you describe your music?
Mainly indie pop rock that is anthemic and catchy.
Do you have any new music coming out? Tell me all about it…
Aeroplanes is out Friday May 31! It is an indie rock song with powerful chords, evolving mood changes and thought-provoking lyrics. With overdriven guitars and a catchy but simple riff remaining a theme throughout the song, the track seeks to put you in the position of those affected by war and acts of imperialist governments on civilians. While the song doesn’t make any direct references to specific conflicts, it was written against the backdrop of Israel’s constant attacks on Gaza. This is definitely the most rock-heavy song we’ve released.
If you had the opportunity to write an album other than your own, which would it have be and why?
It would have to be a Beatles album, so I’ll say Abbey Road. The opportunity to work with three of the Fab Four would be incredible, though I’m not sure who I’d want to replace! Probably Ringo in all honesty.
Could you tell me which of your own songs is your favourite?
My own personal favourite song changes but at the moment it is an unreleased track called ‘Call Me If You Can’.
What’s your current favourite song from someone else?
I’ve had Chancer by The K’s on repeat.
What venue is your dream to play?
The Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury or Anfield.
What would be your most controversial opinion on anything?
Hmm, difficult one. Maybe that Jaffa Cakes are definitely biscuits.
Where is the best pint or pub for that matter in the world?
I’m not a beer drinker but I would have to say the best pub is the Ty Coch in Morfa Nefyn on the Llyn Peninsula.
Beatles or Stones?
The Beatles by a long, long, long, long way.
Best UK festival and are you playing any festivals?
We aren’t playing any festivals this year, unless we get an offer, but the whole mood of Glastonbury just looks amazing.
Are you playing any gigs? Where and when?
We are headlining 120-cap theatre in Cockermouth where I grew up on June 22. Our next Liverpool gig will be July 20 at the Zanzibar, though this isn’t officially announced yet so you’ve got the news first!.
Future plans?
In the short term, we will be releasing another single, hopefully towards the end of the summer or autumn. Long term, we really believe there is something for everyone in our music and it could have a very wide reach with enough backing and support.
We would like to support bigger bands and play festivals in 2025.
