In case you haven’t heard, Sam Sparro is back — and better than ever! Sam has come a long way from the days of “Black & Gold”, but after spending time in London, Los Angeles and even the desert, he’s finally returning to the bright lights of pop music. In this exclusive interview, we catch up with Sam about where he’s been, his new single, that unmistakable sense of style, and how he’s forging a new path.
“I just recently performed at an amazing 9,000-capacity show in LA,” he tells us from London, up early doing interviews at 10:30am. “It was crazy.”
It’s so great to catch up, Sam! The big question everyone’s asking is — where have you been? You’ve been away from the music scene for a while. Were you really in the desert?
I’m so glad to be back! It has been a while. I spent some time in the desert, yes — I guess you could say I was figuring out my next steps. I needed to slow down and decide what I wanted to create, and I made sure I took the time to truly make it work.
What can people expect to hear on your new album? We’ve had a sneak peek at your new single ‘Happiness’ and it’s got that classic Sam Sparro vibe — slightly more reflective, which is exciting.
Thank you — I’m so happy you like it! ‘Happiness’ is definitely a taste of what’s to come, but I’m always evolving. It’s been quite a journey since ‘Black & Gold.’ I think people will still feel that it’s me, just with some new layers. There’s pop, there’s dance, there’s a bit of a retro vibe, and there’s a maturity that maybe wasn’t there before — it’s coming from the perspective of someone who has lived a bit more. I hope it resonates with people.
You mentioned that when you wrote ‘Happiness,’ it was about that intangible thing we’re all chasing. It feels more meaningful than a typical pop track — what’s behind it?
It’s twofold. I love that it can have a personal meaning for me but also relate to a universal experience of searching for purpose or joy. I want listeners to feel inspired — or at least know they’re not alone in wanting something more.
You’ve always been hard to label — part pop, part R&B, part funk, part electronic — and you’re never afraid to experiment. What’s new this time around?
This new album is influenced by the decades I love — the ’70s, ’80s and even some ’90s. It’s got those retro touches and nods to the artists I admire — Prince, Bowie, Stevie Wonder — while still feeling fresh and relevant. I’m mixing it all up into something that’s me right now, so to speak.
We’ve got to talk about your fashion sense. You’ve been described as quite the style icon — very striking!
Fashion has always been another form of self-expression for me. I’ve been working with a friend who’s a designer, and together we wanted a look that nodded to a southwestern vibe but also had a futuristic element. It’s like bridging old and new — which is essentially what the album is about.
You were quite young when ‘Black & Gold’ blew up and catapulted you to stardom. Now that you’re stepping back into the limelight, does it feel any different?
I’d say I’m in a better place. I’ve grown up a lot, had time to reflect, learned what matters and figured out how to handle the music industry better. I’m excited, honestly, and grateful for every opportunity.
Everyone’s dying to see you live — is there a tour in the works? Will we get to see you back in Australia soon?
Yes! I’m planning a tour — I’m itching to perform these songs on stage. I’m still based in LA, but I’m coming back to Australia for sure. It’s home. I can’t wait to reconnect with fans and share this new chapter with them.
Any final thoughts for fans before we wrap up?
Just a huge thank you! It’s been a journey, but I’m thrilled people are still here and care about what I’m doing. I cannot wait for everyone to hear the new music. Thank you so much!
Sam Sparro’s new single ‘Happiness’ is out now. Stay tuned for album and tour announcements.
