"Into the Heartland with Singer-Songwriter Sam Ryder"

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Into the Heartland with Singer-Songwriter Sam Ryder"

Episode Title: Into the Heartland with Singer-Songwriter Sam Ryder
Hosted by: Buzz Knight, iHeartPodcasts
Release Date: August 5, 2025

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of the "takin' a walk" MUSIC HISTORY ON FOOT podcast, host Buzz Knight engages in an in-depth conversation with the rising star Sam Ryder. The discussion delves into Sam's musical journey, inspirations, creative processes, and his approach to handling personal and professional challenges. This episode offers listeners a profound look into the life and artistry of one of today's most promising singer-songwriters.

Sam Ryder’s Musical Journey

Early Memories and Inspirations

Sam Ryder opens up about his earliest memories with music, highlighting the profound influence of Freddie Mercury. Reflecting on his childhood, Sam shares:

Buzz Knight ([07:07]): "I remember sitting in the backseat of my mum and dad's car... singing 'Living on My Own' by Freddie Mercury... that was my first memory of singing and also annoying someone."

This nostalgic recollection underscores the foundational role that music, particularly the vibrant energy of Queen, played in shaping Sam's passion for singing.

From Covers to Stardom

Sam discusses his transition from creating viral cover songs to performing on the world's biggest stages. He recounts a pivotal moment in his career:

Sam Ryder ([15:45]): "I can only hope that people come and see us play on November 6th and leave feeling the same way, because that was kind of like a compass heading from the universe."

This emphasizes how Sam's genuine connection with his audience propels his career forward, transforming personal expression into widespread acclaim.

Creative Process: Frontier Soul and "Feeling Never Went Away"

Defining Frontier Soul

Sam introduces his unique musical genre, "Frontier Soul," blending elements of old Hollywood scores with heartfelt soul music. He explains:

Sam Ryder ([24:40]): "Frontier Soul is mixing a little bit of the desert, a little bit of that dust, little bit of those twangy Tarantino guitars in with passion, with feeling and with truth."

This fusion creates a rich, immersive soundscape that reflects both his artistic versatility and deep emotional resonance.

Behind "Feeling Never Went Away"

The conversation shifts to Sam's latest single, "Feeling Never Went Away," a song born from introspection and collaboration:

Sam Ryder ([26:41]): "It's about understanding and making peace with the fact that you might not have exorcised all your demons yet they're still there... but that doesn't define you."

He elaborates on the song's creation with collaborators John Green and Mickey Ekko, highlighting how the lyrics encapsulate his journey through self-doubt and resilience.

Handling Struggles and Practicing Gratitude

Dealing with Pressure and Panic Attacks

Sam candidly shares his experiences with panic attacks and the immense pressure of the music industry. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude in overcoming these challenges:

Sam Ryder ([37:05]): "Gratitude is just the answer to everything because to put yourself in a space of gratitude is a space of trust... knowing that you'll live out the rest of your life, fulfilling that purpose—that's what keeps me grounded."

This heartfelt admission provides valuable insight into the mental and emotional strategies Sam employs to maintain his well-being amidst the demands of his career.

The Role of Community and Support

Sam underscores the significance of surrounding himself with positive influences:

Sam Ryder ([23:13]): "Trying to surround myself with people that bring out the best qualities in me and hopefully I can help do the same."

This approach not only fosters personal growth but also strengthens his connection with fans and collaborators.

Upcoming Projects and Performances

New Album and Wembley Headline

Sam provides an exciting preview of his forthcoming album and a landmark performance at Wembley Arena:

Sam Ryder ([30:16]): "The album comes out later in the year and we've got a massive show at Wembley Arena... it's going to be monumental for me in my life."

He shares his aspirations for the album, aiming to create music that resonates deeply with listeners by confronting and articulating his personal struggles.

Experience at Glastonbury

Reflecting on his recent performance at Glastonbury, Sam describes the electrifying atmosphere:

Sam Ryder ([32:43]): "It's like the city of Bristol in a field for four days. Think of... it's a massive, almost church of rock and roll."

His enthusiasm for the festival experience highlights his dedication to immersing himself fully in the live music scene, further solidifying his reputation as a compelling live performer.

Conclusion

This episode of "takin' a walk" offers a comprehensive and intimate portrait of Sam Ryder, showcasing his artistic evolution, personal resilience, and unwavering passion for music. Through his candid discussions and heartfelt reflections, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Sam's contributions to the music industry and his commitment to authentic self-expression.

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Notable Quotes:

• Buzz Knight ([07:07]): "That was my first memory of singing and also annoying someone."
• Sam Ryder ([15:45]): "I can only hope that people come and see us play... because that was kind of like a compass heading from the universe."
• Sam Ryder ([24:40]): "Frontier Soul is mixing a little bit of the desert... with passion, with feeling and with truth."
• Sam Ryder ([26:41]): "It's about understanding and making peace with the fact that you might not have exorcised all your demons yet they're still there."
• Sam Ryder ([37:05]): "Gratitude is just the answer to everything because to put yourself in a space of gratitude is a space of trust."
• Sam Ryder ([32:43]): "It's like the city of Bristol in a field for four days... it's a massive, almost church of rock and roll."

Listeners are invited to experience the full depth of Sam Ryder's insights and musical philosophy by tuning into the episode on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or their preferred podcast platform.

Transcript

[Sam Ryder]

Taking a walk.

[Buzz Knight]

I think you'd be a fool to think that you know everything about what's actually going on, like the magic happening beneath the hood. Essentially.

[Buzz Aldrin]

There's a magnetic energy in the air when music transcends the stage and pours into the streets, connecting people in the most unexpected moments. I'm Buzz Knight and today I'm taking a walk. We're not just walking, we're soaring. Thanks to the unmistakable voice and spirit of Sam R. From humble beginnings and viral covers to commanding the world's biggest stages, Sam's journey is a testament to the power of passion, grit and gratitude. Join us as we step into Sam's world, discovering the stories behind the music and the moments that have truly defined his extraordinary rise. We'll be back in a bit after these messages.

[Buzz Knight]

This is an I Heart Podcast.

[John Lithgow]

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Hello, I'm John Lithgow.

[Buzz Knight]

We choose to go to the moon.

[John Lithgow]

I want to tell you about my new fiction podcast.

[Sam Ryder]

It's One Small Step for Man About.

[John Lithgow]

Buzz Aldrin, one of the true pioneers of space.

[Buzz Aldrin]

You're a great pilot, Buzz.

[John Lithgow]

That's the story you think you know. This is the story you don't. Buzz Starring me, John Lithgow, on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Everyone thinks they'd never join a cult. But it happens all the time to people just like you and people just like us. I'm Lola Blanc. And I'm Megan Elizabeth. We're the hosts of Trust Me a podcast about cults, manipulation and the psychology of belief. Each week we talk to fellow survivors, former believers and experts to understand why people get pulled in and how they get out. Trust me. New episodes every Wednesday on Exactly right. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

[Sam Ryder]

It's Black Business Month and Money and wealth podcast with John Hope Bryant is tapping in. I'm breaking down how to build wealth, create opportunities, and move from surviving to thriving. It's time to talk about ownership, equity and everything in between. Black and brown communities have historically been lasting.

[Buzz Knight]

Line.

[Sam Ryder]

Let me just say this AI is moving faster than civil rights legislation ever did. Listen to Money and Wealth from the Black Effect podcast network on iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Buzz Knight]

So what happened to Chappaquiddick? Well, it really depends on who you talk to.

[Buzz Aldrin]

There are many versions of what happened in 1969 when a young Ted Kennedy drove a car into a pond and.

[John Lithgow]

Left a woman to drown.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Chappaquiddick is a story of a tragic death and how the Kennedy machine took control. Every week we go behind the headlines and beyond the drama of America's royal family.

[John Lithgow]

Listen to United States of Kennedy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever.

[Buzz Knight]

You get your podcasts.

[Sam Ryder]

Taking a Walk.

[Buzz Aldrin]

We are in rarefied air on Taking a Walk. We've got Sam Ryder on. Hello, Sam.

[Buzz Knight]

What's up, mate? How you doing? You okay?

[Buzz Aldrin]

I'm doing terrific. I'm talking to you. So how. How bad could I be doing if I'm talking to you?

[Buzz Knight]

We're not doing so bad, man. We're above ground. That's the. That's what counts.

[Buzz Aldrin]

That's right. We're doing great. So thanks for being on Taking a Walk. I want to let you kind of twist your imagination around a little bit. I want to ask you if you could take a walk with somebody, living or deceased, preference being a musical wish, but it doesn't have to be.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Who would you pick to take that walk with and where would you take that walk?

[Buzz Knight]

That's a great question. I think so many names are rushing to me right now. And then if I've got to keep it in the musical sphere, I would love to take a walk with Freddie Mercury. You know, I bet you've had that answer a lot. Have you had that before?

[Buzz Aldrin]

I have had. Freddie has. Has come up for sure.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Well, let's see if we can. Let's see if we can find someone else, then.

[Buzz Aldrin]

That's all right.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah, we want to, like. Yeah, I don't want to. Don't want to steal someone else's answer. So I'm just trying to think Some of my absolute favorite bands. Pavarotti would be amazing, right?

[Buzz Aldrin]

That would be amazing. And I must tell you, Sam, that one is a first.

[Buzz Knight]

Okay, good. Yeah, let's. Let's. Yeah, that'd be sick.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Where do you think you would take that walk with him?

[Buzz Knight]

Oh, you know what? It'd be in some vineyard in Tuscany somewhere. It'd be just late in the afternoon, kind of the air's cooled off and there's maybe, I don't know, we're seeing little cars in the distance pass by, but they're little Fiats, do you know what I mean? Very like of the area, people just speeding about in those. Sitting down, having some lunch, having something nice to drink. He's probably got a show or something like that. I'm just stoked to be there, about to watch him sing. Yeah, it sounds like a lovely day to me.

[Buzz Aldrin]

I. I would like to be a fly on the wall if I could.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah, yeah, that's perfect.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Perfect. Well, congratulations on the new single. We're going to talk about that feeling Never Went Away and, you know, the album coming later on towards the fall, certainly, and big stuff going on always with you headlining Wembley, which we'll talk about in November. And you just played Glastonbury as well. But I do want to ask you, what's the earliest musical memory that you have and who or what first inspired you to. To pick up a guitar or start singing?

[Buzz Knight]

All right, so we're going to go back to Freddie Mercury here. See, like, he's like a magnet, right, to all of us. But I remember sitting in the backseat of my mum and dad's car. Would have been like an old red Volvo at the time. I can't remember how old I was, but I was very young, like, first memory sort of age, you know, And I remember along to Living on My Own by Freddie Mercury when it was on the radio specifically. I ain't got no time for his market, you know that bit. But apparently I used to drive my mum up the wall singing that section and, yeah, that. That was my first memory of singing and also annoying someone and they kind of go hand in hand, which is.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Well, I have to confess something, though. I've confessed this previously on the podcast. One of my favorite things that happens on the podcast is when someone of international stardom such as yourself actually sings a bit on the podcast. It's. It. It. It puts so much joy into my. My body. I. I can't even describe it.

[Buzz Knight]

So what's one of your favorite songs?

[Buzz Aldrin]

One of my favorite Songs. Well, let me think. Okay, for. Let's go back to Queen and Freddie Mercury for a second. You're. You're my best friend. I mean.

[Buzz Knight]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah oh, you make me live now.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Yeah. It's amazing. My God.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Buzz Aldrin]

But there's so many. My God. What. What is it about music? Can you define? If someone was just planted on planet Earth and knew nothing about what music is, what would you describe it as to them? Because it's something we can't live without.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah, well, it's mad, isn't it? You start with the facts, right? And it's just. It's vibrating atoms in the air that are eardrums make sense of. Or certainly they. They register. And then our brains make sense of the chaos and bring order to it and we turn it into music. It's crazy. That's mental, isn't it? When. When you, like, boil it down to what it actually is, just this movement in the air. And who knows, man? Who knows why we cannot live without it?

[Buzz Aldrin]

Well, it's true, right?

[Buzz Knight]

Because anyone books, if anyone's making any sort of event, it doesn't matter if you're selling shamp somewhere or you're kind of. You're hosting this massive, like, yacht party. The first thing. Which I've never done, by the way. I don't know if you have buzz, but.

[Buzz Aldrin]

No, I haven't.

[Buzz Knight]

Not yet, man. Not yet. But the first thing people are going to do, or like any charity organization or anything like that, first thing people do, they get a venue, they get a date, and they're like, right, who are we going to get to play every single time? So it's this universal truth that music is something that we all want. You know, first thing you do, if you're at a wedding, you'll be, like, stoked to dance later.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Well, and the fact is, it's been proven over and over again. I have this other podcast I produce that's called Music Saved Me, and it talks about the fact that music has therapeutic healing power as well. Do you subscribe to that thinking?

[Buzz Knight]

Certainly. I wouldn't rule it out. I think you'd be a fool to think that you know everything about what's actually going on, like the magic happening beneath the hood, essentially, of all this stuff. Like, I've done a fair bit, you know, of, like, the singing bowls and Mantra as well in the past, which is all just music, essentially, it's just sound. And I found that to be fascinating, actually. I don't know if you know much about, like, mantra workshops and things like that. But my, like, an old friend of mine, he ran one, and I just thought, you know, why the hell not? You know, life's too short. Go, Go see this thing. And spent a few days in Portugal, sat in this room with maybe 30 people in total. And you're just singing Sanskrit and everyone's sort of moving as one being. So you take a breath in and you sing and then you breathe out and then you move forward. And it's kind of like. You know that bit in Avatar when they're around the massive tree?

[Buzz Aldrin]

Yes.

[Buzz Knight]

It ends up looking like that. But you're sat on laminate flooring and, yeah, you're just sort of. You're one organism and one breath and one being, like, with everyone in the room and you're singing. And it's funny because it's not about singing well, because you've got to sing through your nose. It's like. Like this, like, through. Kind of really pushing everything nasally. But yeah, it's really fascinating. And it's kind of like this free substance less high that you get because you kind of. I call it fizzing up. You. You finish it and then you hold your breath at the very end of them, like, of one of the. What would I call it, I guess, like, sessions when you're. You're singing like a mantra and you finish it and then you hold your breath at the end and you literally feel like a rocket launching into the atmosphere. It's crazy.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Oh, I love it. I just. I just feel like I went through the atmosphere just now. Just you took. You took me there.

[Buzz Knight]

I. I certainly recommend it to anyone that has sort of heard of it and be like, yeah, I might give that a go. And, yeah, it's. It's. It. The cool thing for me was like, to. To understand this. You. You're kind of part of this spiritual choir when you do that, do you know? I mean, it's not about, like, having the lead singer or anything like that or even being good at singing in any way. In fact, it actually takes your voice into a place where you're more like sounding vowels and not trying to sing with vibrato or, like, any technique. It's just you're part of the. The collective being in the room and Fascinating, like, very spiritual experience, actually.

[Buzz Aldrin]

What was it like suddenly having your. Your covers noticed by, you know, these. These folks like Elton John and Justin Bieber and I'm sure others. What. What feeling was that like?

[Buzz Knight]

Oh, man, hard to express because, you know, what, dude? Like, before that happened, I just turned 31 years old and I was living. It was locked down at the time, so I was. Me and my partner Lois had actually just bought our first house, but it was in such a state, it needed to be totally renovated and thank God my. Myself and my dad are carpenters. That's where I sort of learn a trade growing up was with my dad. So we'd be renovating this house, but it wasn't fit to live in at the time. Like we had. It's an old Victorian property that actually used to belong to an old ship captain and like that in America. That sounds fancy, right? Like, wow, that building's so old, but that's kind of like par for the course over here in the uk, everything used to belong to someone like that and. But yeah, it took us a while to do it. So in that time, I was living at home, just turned 30, and I was getting to a place in my mind and, like, making peace with the fact that I might not make it, you know, like, certainly in music is what I mean. Like, I've been following this dream and trying everything, leaving no stone unturned. Since I was 14 years old, I'd been on the road, been writing, been hoping, praying and scheming for, like, any sort of crumbs of success. And I was getting some every now and then, but never like the big one, never the big loaf, just the crumbs. And then I just started singing for fun, just into my phone being and kind of like free from the shackles of the. That burdened you with the weight of mad and immense pressure. Does that make sense?

[Buzz Aldrin]

Yeah, completely.

[Buzz Knight]

I finally sort of, like, been like, you know what? I don't need that anymore because this is just me now. Just. I'm a singer that's going to be singing in his mum and dad's shed before I moved to my house. And maybe that's where the magic was like. And all I know is I thank God it happened, man, and it truly changed my life. I know that that is a phrase that gets banded and thrown around incredibly liberally now. And maybe it's just because a lot of people's lives are changing, but I can say from my experience that it truly did change my life.

[Buzz Aldrin]

It's wonderful and it's. I would almost bet I know the answer to this question. So as you were forging ahead back, you know, when you were 14, 15, were you thinking, well, maybe I need a plan B, or were you just so steadfast in your Dream that there was no plan B.

[Buzz Knight]

Plan B was singing at weddings. Well, I'd never not sing in this life. Like, I feel like if God's put me here to do anything, he's put all of us here to do something. And if, like, I believe that for me it's singing. Like, I've known that since I was a kid, since singing in my mum and dad's car, you know, like that, that was what I was following. And I'm so lucky, man, that I found my purpose. Young. Some people go through their whole life not finding what it is that is is their life's work and their sort of their pursuit and their spark that kind of ignites whatever's in the spirit. But I found that very early on. And I think maybe the price everything has, every action has a reaction right in this universe. And maybe the price I paid was that finding it so early just set me on a long path, I think. You know, you're never given anything you can't handle, but for it to take as long as it did. I've got the thickest skin, I think, in the game. I've been through every sort of failure, could imagine, every setback, every knockback, every. Like, I've been through it now. So to again stand in that shed singing into my phone, at peace with the fact that that might not happen and it's okay because I won't stop singing. And really, who cares other than that if I can sing? It just so happens to be right, that we all live in. In a time of the earth where there's a music industry. Rewind the clock or fast forward it. Who knows when it's gonna be fast forwarded? But if we rewind like a hundred years and you were singing, there's no music industry back then at all. It's just singing. Rewind it even further. Singing is a behavior. Dancing is a behavior. Creating art is a behavior. Not a pursuit, not a craft, not a job. They're just behaviors. So, yeah, I count myself incredibly fortunate that I knew what it is I wanted to do. And also I found the magic in it, man. Like, that can't be defined by any metric. Any sort of follow account number or chart, cart placing or streaming amount, you.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Know, we'll be right back with more.

[Buzz Knight]

Of the Taking a Walk podcast.

[John Lithgow]

There's nothing like sinking into luxury. @washablesofas.com you'll find the Annabe sofa, which combines ultimate comfort and design at an affordable price. And get this, it's the only sofa that's fully machine washable from top to bottom starting at only $699. The stain resistant performance fabric slipcovers and cloud like frame duvet can go straight into your wash. Perfect for anyone with kids, pets or anyone who loves an easy to clean spotless sofa. With a modular design and changeable slipcovers, you can customize your sofa to fit any space and style. Whether you need a single chair, loveseat or a luxuriously large sectional, Annabe has you covered. Visit washablesofas.com to upgrade your home. Right now you can shop up to 60% off store wide with a 30 day money back guarantee. Shop [e-mail] Add a little to your life. Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply. What do you think makes the perfect snack?

[Buzz Knight]

Hmm, it's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient. Could you be more specific when it's cravenient? Okay, like a freshly baked cookie made with roll available right down the street at a.m. p.m. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a second at a.m. pM. I'm seeing a pattern here. Well yeah, we're talking about what I.

[John Lithgow]

Crave, which is anything from AM pm.

[Buzz Knight]

What more could you want?

[Buzz Aldrin]

Stop by AMPM where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient.

[Buzz Knight]

That's cravenience ampm.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Too much good stuff.

[John Lithgow]

Hello, I'm John Lithgow.

[Buzz Knight]

We choose to go to the moon.

[John Lithgow]

I want to tell you about my new fiction podcast.

[Buzz Knight]

It's one small.

[John Lithgow]

It'S about Buzz Aldrin, one of the true pioneers of space.

[Buzz Aldrin]

You're a great pilot, Buzz. As far as I'm concerned, the best I've seen.

[John Lithgow]

That's the story you think you know. This is the story you don't predisposition.

To depression, alcohol abuse and suicide.

We'll see Buzz try to overcome demons.

[Buzz Knight]

What do you say? Buzz?

[John Lithgow]

Another beer and triumph over addiction.

[Buzz Knight]

Here's to you, Buzz Aldrin.

[John Lithgow]

Good luck to you and become a true hero.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Buzz and I will proceed into the.

[John Lithgow]

Lunar module not because he conquers space, but because he conquers himself.

[Buzz Knight]

Buzz we intercepted a Soviet radio transmission.

[John Lithgow]

Starring me, John Lithgow.

Can you put it through?

Can you Translate on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts?

[Buzz Knight]

Columbia what's up guys?

[Lola Blanc]

Welcome to Agusto Papa. The go to spot for everything. Musica Mexicana. We're proud Mexican Americans who live and breathe this music. We started this podcast to share and discuss our views on Musica Mexicana. Whether you like Peso Pluma, Los Al Barranco, Arielela or Ivan Cornejo, when you get in your fields, then this podcast is for you. We deep dive into music reviews. Pes Bluma show last year, everything was.

[Buzz Knight]

A 10 out of 10.

[Lola Blanc]

Fashion and lifestyle inspired by the roots of musica mexicana, the craziest controversies and cheesemas.

[Buzz Aldrin]

I don't have nothing against f, you know, and I don't think Joe should.

[Buzz Knight]

Be mad at me.

[Lola Blanc]

Song and artist comparisons competition in the scene. There is competition, there is sides to this. There's special Pluma, Double P and there's jp. I think at the end of the day, it's business, it's all competition and of course, our personal stories and opinions along the way. This isn't just a podcast, it's a movement for fans who live Musica Mexicana every single day. Listen to Augusto Papa as part of the Michael Tura Podcast Network on the.

[Buzz Knight]

Iheartradio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. There's stuff they don't want you to know.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Is there a conspiracy afoot to create.

[Buzz Knight]

A rationalization or the rollout of martial law? Every Monday we break down the news, make connections, and reveal the stuff they don't want you to know.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Crypto investor allegedly tortured captive Italian businessmen with a chainsaw.

[Buzz Knight]

New chat GPT model refuses to shut down when instructed.

[Buzz Aldrin]

A secret deal between members of Mexican cartels and the United States government. Residents are reporting sightings of exploding birds.

[Buzz Knight]

There is a video of this sphere zigzagging through the sky. Listen to to stuff they don't want.

[Buzz Aldrin]

You to know on the iHeartRadio app.

[Buzz Knight]

Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find your favorite shows.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Welcome back to the Taking a Walk podcast. Well, your gratitude is an important piece that comes through for sure, and it. It certainly indicates how grounded you are in the midst of a very difficult business. How do you practice gratitude?

[Buzz Knight]

Daily prayer, Empathy, Kindness? Trying to surround myself with people that bring out the best qualities in me and hopefully I can help do the same. I mean, that's what life's about. And it's like no one wants to be surrounded by people that dim their spirit or take away from you like you again. Also, I kind of haven't got any interest in being around things that are overly cool as well, or living my life in constant fear of what my perceived identity is again, because it took me so long to get here. Buzz, I. I know who I am. I know my identity. I know what it is that lights me up. I know what it is I value. I know that any failure I've been through can't define me. And I'm incredibly lucky to be here. So optimism and hope and faith, knowing that I've got a purpose and knowing that I'll live out the rest of my life, hopefully it's a long one, like aiming to fulfill that purpose, you know, that's what keeps me grounded.

[Buzz Aldrin]

That's amazing. So if someone does not understand the term that you've created in the genre that you've created called frontier soul, describe it.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah, man, frontier soul. So my granddad and I used to watch and still do a lot old westerns. It's kind of our like favorite thing, you know. And I've always been really enamored and fascinated with the old scores in those films. And not just westerns, actually. If you go back to like those, that golden era of Hollywood, like Cleopatra and Jason and the Argonauts, like, stuff like that, the scores in those movies I really enjoyed and even like the way they were shot and filmed and the colors in them, like super saturated blue skies and everyone's got the mad amount of fake tan on and stuff like that. Just those movies I really enjoy, like where the kind of credits are obviously hand painted on a projector or something like that. And when they come up, they. The orchestra kicks in and then, you know, if you're chatting about Lawrence of Arabia, there's like a big intermission in the middle of it where it literally comes up and says intermission and the orchestra come in and play the theme. Like that for me is the frontier aspect, like these very lush, soundscapey strings that you can almost see the vista in front of your eyes. And soul, it goes without saying, it's soul music. It's just from the heart, it's from the spirit itself. You know, it's anything sung with passion, with meaning and with truth. So for me, that's what singing is all about. So soul music doesn't just have to be. Whether it's like genre defined as soul music. It's about the feeling. Anyone can have soul. And in fact, we all have soul. We just, we choose to express it or by avoiding it through being inauthentic, we fail to express it. So that's what frontier soul is, is mixing a little bit of the desert, a little bit of that dust, little bit of those twangy Tarantino guitars in with passion, with feeling and with truth.

[Buzz Aldrin]

That's awesome. Take us inside. The creation of feeling never went away, which is absolutely tremendous.

[Buzz Knight]

Man, thank you so much, dude. So Feeling Never Went Away was a song I wrote with my friends John Green and Mickey Ekko. And it was very like I had this idea of this phrase was in my head for a while, just the feeling never went away. And I find that's quite an interesting concept to me. Like, what does that mean? Is that good things a bad thing? Is it a longing? Is it sort of like a resentment? And then I sort of attribute it to what was going on in my life at the time. So I was just sat there with a bass guitar and then we're just mumbling around. I think John was on the piano. Mickey's just humming these melodies and he's amazing at it. And I was. Something came to me and I was. The feeling never went with you. And we were just like, that's the light bulb moment, right? That's our song. And now just don't mess it up, just nurse it home, land the plane at that point, let's see what we can get. And it's about, well, for me, when you write with other people, there's a bunch of stories going in. A lot of people's baggage gets thrown in on the same trolley. And you know, when you're writing a song with other people, so the cocktail becomes this heady mix. But for me, it's about understanding and making peace with the fact that you might not have exorcised all your demons yet they're still there. They still kind of bubble up and show their faces every now and then. But that doesn't define you as someone that hasn't managed to relinquish yourself of their grip. Because I think all of us have angst in us just the same as all of us have kindness in it doesn't mean we show it all the time, you know, because these are choices and they're based on so many factors, whether it's the environment around us, the people that we're in contact with, the day we're having, you know, all those things. So. And for a long time over the last year, I felt a lot of doubt and. And a lot of, I guess, beating myself up. And I've really been, I guess, given myself a hard time. So I'm like hitting myself twice because one, I've got the feeling. So that's your first punch. And then two is I'm annoyed at myself for letting myself have the feeling. You know, I feel like I've let myself down by letting this sort of self doubt and self criticism make its way through the Force field of my gratitude, you know, and my peace and my presence, because I was raised to have those things. And I think it was just the understanding of just because you're something a lot of the time, which in my heart, I hope to be kind most of the time. I hope to be present, I hope to be patient. I'm definitely not. You know, patience is a hard thing, actually for me. But you're also gonna always come into contact with the full spectrum of emotions. And when you do, the important thing, Buzz, I think, is to say that I'm feeling angry, I'm feeling upset, rather than saying, I am angry, I am upset, I am doubting myself, because I am is more of like you're identifying you are that person. But rather you should just say, I am currently. It's not the weather. Currently I am feeling foggy with a chance of rain. But I'm not going to be like that forever, you know.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Yeah, well put.

[Buzz Knight]

No feelings ever go away.

[Buzz Aldrin]

There you go. Well, it's brilliant. What can we expect from the album later on down the road? I know it's a little early to be talking about it, but what can you share about what's going to be happening, album wise?

[Buzz Knight]

So the album comes out later in the year and we've got a massive show at Wembley arena around just after it gets released. So it's kind of like there's a big road to Wembley happening at the moment, which I'm sure we'll talk about later. But I think it's, you know what part of me is like, I want to set goals and have ambitions and stuff like that. For the record, of course I do. That's a normal thing. But at the same time, I don't want to pin. I don't want to fence things in because I want to try and go into that space. I was. When I was singing into my phone, I didn't have any. Any, like boundary lines set for that. That was just for fun. And I let life do its thing with those videos and prisons. Way more magic than I could ever think up. So I hope the same for this. I know the album is the best work I could have made. I went through, I guess, mental hell and back to make it. I. There were times I didn't think I was ever going to finish it, that I wouldn't be sat here chatting about music so openly with yourself or anyone else for that matter. But I think that that's what making stuff takes out of you. It shouldn't ever be easy because it should be you know, holding a mirror up to the darkest parts of yourself and confronting it and trying to put it into words in the hope that you connect with someone out there that's listening to it, that's going through the same.

[Buzz Aldrin]

You just played Glastonbury. And then, of course, the road to Wembley that you mentioned in November, which is unbelievable, Explain to somebody who's never experienced the massive community that you'll be in front of at those shows and what that feels like, that you're making so many people connected and so happy.

[Buzz Knight]

Well, first of all, I just want to say this is my first podcast in the us by the way.

[Buzz Aldrin]

High five.

[Buzz Knight]

High five. And. And I guess a bunch of your listeners, some of them, might have been to Glastonbury once or twice.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Oh, yeah.

[Buzz Knight]

But there's probably a lot of people listening that have never been, because I live in the uk, I'm not far from Glastonbury really, in the big scheme of things. But this year was the first year I'd ever been to play or just to be there in general. I'd never been. And it is hard to explain how big that place is. They say 250,000 people are in that area. So essentially, it's like the city of Bristol in a field for four days. How crazy is that, man? So it's crazy. Think of. And it never stops. It's just going and going and going. There's always someone to see someone playing. I mean, obviously, like, in the early hours, it's dance tents that are just absolutely popping off. But, yeah, it's crazy. We did. And also, no one just goes there to play their show. Like, I did, like, five secret sets throughout the time. And, yeah, just really wrung out the Glastonbury flannel for everything it had in it, and I wanted to experience as much of it as I could, you know, it was so sick.

[Buzz Aldrin]

How do you prepare yourself for Wembley?

[Buzz Knight]

Well, we're going through that right now, actually. You know, when you play a venue like Wembley as an independent artist or someone on a major label, it doesn't matter. You turn up there and that place is empty. You got to bring the stage, you got to bring the pa, you got to bring the crew that are going to rig up the pa, and obviously all the normal things, like your team, your sound, your monitors, the band, like, all that stuff. But I bet that some people didn't know that, you know, like, those venues are shells. They're just warehouses. Until a band comes in and fits all the speakers round. Like, it's a massive undertaking and makes you realize why, you know, those tours are grueling in the best way. You know, it's a legendary spot. Like that patch of land in London has played host to some of the most amazing artists and creatives the world's ever seen. And to be there, I don't know, on November 6th is going to be not just a dream come true. That's way too simple to print it like that, but it's. It's going to be monumental for me in my life. I'm so excited. And, you know, it was the first place I ever saw a band play.

[Buzz Aldrin]

As well, and who might have that.

[Buzz Knight]

First gig I ever been to, it was some 41. Let me show you something right now, actually, I've got it here.

[Buzz Aldrin]

All right.

[Buzz Knight]

This is the ticket.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Oh, wow.

[Buzz Knight]

From playing Wembley. See that?

[Buzz Aldrin]

Yes.

[Buzz Knight]

Some 41. And the reason I'm awkwardly covering up some of the numbers in it. In fact, let me do that one. If you share anything online, use that. Is because the seat number that I was in, I'm gonna leave some in fun under that seat for whoever gets it this time. Because that night was so special and so, like, life changing for me. I was just a kid, probably 15 years old, maybe. Me and my friend Dan. Funnily enough, Dan is the guy that gave me the scar on my head because he had one, too. We ran into each other when we were kids, so me and him went to go and see some 41 together. First time seeing a gig, had no idea what to expect. I literally thought it'd be kind of just like a small hall and everyone would sit on the floor and watch a band as they came in. That was it when I got there. And it's this massive, like, just almost church of rock and roll, you know?

[Buzz Aldrin]

Yeah.

[Buzz Knight]

And this band, like, miles away. Yeah. It changed my life. I left that room knowing what I wanted to do. And I can only hope that people come and see us play on November 6th and leave feeling the same way, because that was kind of like a. For me, getting a compass heading from the universe. I left, you know, those doors, headed home, and I was like, ah, cool. I know what I want to do with my time on this earth.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Oh, man, it's wonderful. I want to close with this. Sam, you've spoken very candidly about panic attacks and dealing with pressure. What helps you get through tough moments? And what advice would you give to others who might be struggling with, you know, similar challenges?

[Buzz Knight]

Oh, man. I think for me, I say it all the time. Sorry for the deja vu, but it's, it has to be gratitude. It's just like the. I feel like it's the answer to everything because to, to put yourself in a space of gratitude, for me is a space of trust. And more importantly than that, like the relinquishment of control. Because you don't have control of what's coming, you know, whether it's in your health or just in your environment around you. Seldom do any of us have the control that we think we do, you know, we only are kind of able to change something within our small orbit and. But that doesn't make it insufficient, you know, that is incredibly substantial because I think you realize that with the right people around you, you can do amazing things. And for me, that's just what I always try to come back to. If I ever. Like I'm in a dark place and I'm feeling, I don't know, like, to be candid, man, like over the last year, I say about gratitude, I needed to take my own advice so many times because I was off the rails. I was falling and spiraling into a darkness I'd never experienced in my life before. And I had no idea where it came from because I'd always been this person that was like, I'll find the optimistic way of looking at it, you know, I will see the silver lining in the clouds. I'll find my resilience and my, the center of myself and my self worth to move through anything that life throws me. I was always that guy. And then all of a sudden I am just like bedrock, you know, and to claw out of that I can't express, like how when you're in that space, life feels meaningless. Everything around you feels meaningless. It is the epitome of an existential crisis. And you're like, where did this come from? What did I let in to make me feel like this? And sometimes you don't know the answer. And that's hard because I'm terrified that could happen again, you know, in my life, I've never had it as bad as that before. The part of me that wants to control something wants to understand why so I can almost, I can figure out how to build defenses so it can never get in again. But I can't. And nor can you and nor can anyone else listening, you know that. And that is making peace with that. And knowing that you don't have the control, I think is. It brings out the necessity for hope and faith and gratitude because it's accepting that if I ever go down in those depths again, in those fathoms. I know someone's going to be looking out for me. I know that I can turn to prayer. I can turn to my loved ones. I can turn to my gratitude and sense of, of purpose. Does that make any sense? I just tried to. I don't know.

[Buzz Aldrin]

It makes a thousand percent sense. And you know, I have tremendous gratitude for this moment, speaking with you, connecting with you. And I know if, if you did go down that path you just described, you'd have a lot of people that you've made happy and continue to make happy. That would be sending the energy your way to lift you out of that.

[Buzz Knight]

Appreciate it, man.

[Buzz Aldrin]

I truly believe that and I'm so grateful to have this opportunity to speak with you. It's been wonderful. And I'm so grateful that you came on the Taking a Walk podcast, Sam Riding. I'm grateful you gave me a seat on the spaceship known as the Sam Ryder spaceship, which which is on its way to places unknown but big places. So thank you so much.

[Buzz Knight]

God bless Buzz. You take care of yourself man. Thanks for having me on your podcast and hopefully I'll see you when I come to the US Next because I live in Nashville now. I'm like half time in UK and Nashville so maybe bump into each other at a show.

[Buzz Aldrin]

And I love Nashville too, so.

[Buzz Knight]

Oh, it's a good time.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Okay. Thank you Sam.

[Buzz Knight]

God bless man. Thanks for listening to this episode of.

[Buzz Aldrin]

The Taking a Walk podcast. Share this and other episodes with your.

[Buzz Knight]

Friends and follow us so you never miss an episode. Taking a Walk is available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts and wherever you.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Get your podcasts.

[John Lithgow]

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Hello, I'm John Lithgow.

[Buzz Knight]

We choose to go to the moon.

[John Lithgow]

I want to tell you about my new fiction podcast.

[Sam Ryder]

That's One Small Step for Man about.

[John Lithgow]

Buzz Aldrin, one of the true pioneers of space.

[Buzz Aldrin]

You're a great pilot, Buzz.

[John Lithgow]

That's the story you think you know. This is the story you don't. Buzz, starring me, John Lithgow, on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Buzz Knight]

So what happened to Chappaquiddick? Well, it really depends on who you talk to.

[Buzz Aldrin]

There are many versions of what happened in 1969 when a young Ted Kennedy drove a car into a pond and.

[John Lithgow]

Left a woman behind to drown.

[Buzz Aldrin]

Chappaquiddick is a story of a tragic death and how the Kennedy machine took control. Every week we go behind the headlines and beyond the drama of America's royal family.

[John Lithgow]

Listen to United States of Kennedy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever.

[Buzz Knight]

You get your podcast.

[John Lithgow]

Everyone thinks they'd never join a cult, but it happens all the time to people just like you and people just like us. I'm Lola Blanc. And I'm Megan Elizabeth. We're the hosts of Trust Me, a podcast about cults, manipulation and the psychology of belief. Each week we talk to fellow survivors, former believers and experts to understand why people get pulled in and how they get out. Trust me. New episodes every Wednesday on. Exactly right. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

[Sam Ryder]

It's Black Business Month, and Money and wealth podcast with John Hope Bryant is tapping in. I'm breaking down how to build wealth, create opportunities, and move from surviving to thriving. It's time to talk about ownership, equity, and everything in between. Black and brown communities have historically been last in line. Let me just say this AI is moving faster than civil rights legislation ever did. Listen to Money and Wealth from the Black Effect podcast network on iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Buzz Knight]

This is an iHeart podcast.