Sam Feinstein – Hamster Wheel (2023)
Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sam Feinstein has been wrapped in his passionate embrace with music since age 7. Whether it was merely strumming along on the guitar and midnight, performing at a gig, tinkling about on the piano or writing his rock operate Strawman in college; Sam Feinstein has always been in a band, playing solo, doing something with music. He began learning the piano early on but quickly developed skills in guitar, cello, bass, upright bass, percussion, harmonica, synths and much more. This diverse understanding of music contributes to his genre-diverse musicality. From the UK, US, Australia, Europe and South America, Feinstein is reaching audiences far beyond his North American borders.
This is not our introduction to Sam Feinstein, but he does continuously astound us with his moving music. Following his well-received debut single ‘Chasing The Bull’, Feinstein steps from the eclectic blend of rock, blues, and funk to a synth-driven swirl of 80s-inspired new wave meets indie-pop in ‘Hamster Wheel’. Using a blend of bold beats, dynamic guitars and ambient synthy layers, ‘Hamster Wheel’ finds the line between organic and electronic sounds and then blurs it.
One aspect I love about ‘Hamster Wheel’ is how the melody perfectly aligns with the exploration of a monotonous lifestyle and frustrating rat race. High-paced guitars and drums capture the pulsating heartbeat of a person in a “hamster wheel”; however, the slips of scorching guitars and fluttering of synths introduce hopefulness in the desperate swirl of humdrum society.
“’Hamster Wheel’ was written for people who feel stuck in their jobs. Media portrays a luxury, aspirational lifestyle as the norm and most people, especially younger generations, just can’t live up to it, so this song gives voice to their frustrations.” – Sam Feinstein on ‘Hamster Wheel’
A tribute to his band, The Monitors, ‘Hamster Wheel’ is an indie-pop surrender to the dire darkness of life, its pressures, and expectations. If you dread facing the thought of where you will be in five years, then listen to ‘Hamster Wheel’ and breathe out with the rest of us.
Find out more about Sam Feinstein on his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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