Sam Grassie's Background

Sam Grassie grew up in Glasgow with traditional folk music influences from British guitarists like Bert Jansch and John Renbourn.

Solo Debut Album

Grassie released his solo debut Where Two Hawks Fly with 11 tracks blending traditional folk and original compositions.

Collaboration Experience

Grassie collaborated with electric guitarist Alfie Jones, who added lap steel to the track Abhail's.

Recording Process

Grassie recorded the album in Berlin using a Yamaha FG-110 guitar that was difficult to play but produced a metallic sound.

Bert Jansch Influence

Grassie considers Bert Jansch's music a constant influence, praising its raw, rugged and free sound.

Malian Blues Fusion

Grassie fused Scottish trad with Malian blues, inspired by kora player Mansa Sissoko and banjo player Jayme Stone.

Guitar Preferences

Grassie prefers vintage guitars for recording but uses modern guitars for live performances, especially in unamplified settings.

Bert Jansch Guitar Experience

Grassie had moments with Bert Jansch's guitar, thinking, 'This is Bert Jansch's guitar and I'm lucky to hold it,' but found it not super-inspiring.

“I've had moments with it, thinking, 'This is Bert Jansch's guitar and I'm lucky to hold it,' but, playing-wise, it's not super-inspiring”

Social Media Impact

Grassie says social media has decreased his flow state but the guitar remains a torch to follow for self-improvement.

Next Steps

Grassie plans to get a dreadnought Martin and record a live album with collaborators.

Album Release

Where Two Hawks Fly is out now via Broadside Hacks Recordings.

Guitar Experience

Grassie played Jackson C Frank's 1948 Brazilian rosewood D-28, which he calls the best guitar he's ever played.

Chronic Fatigue

Grassie struggled with chronic fatigue, which made it hard to practice guitar but led to his solo debut.

Future Plans

Grassie aims to record a live album with collaborators to capture the moment over days or weeks.