Samuel George Lewis aka. SG Lewis’ name might not (but hopefully does) ring a bell as he blooms rather as a producer/DJ/songwriter. The 29 years old hitmaker got some insane collaborations on his hands: he has previously worked with Dua Lipa (Hallucinate), Ruel (Flames), Tove Lo (Call On Me, Pineapple Slice), Mabel (Let Them Know, Let Love Go), Elton John (Orbit), MØ (Live to Survive) and the list is probably endless. Did we mention all besides that he has released two full lenght LPs (Times and AudioLust & HigherLove) under his name, which is impressive to say the least. His records are described as a dreamy, dance/house journey of finding and establishing himself as an artist on the palette.
Arrived to the interview as a funky, loveable and cool person just right before his set at the 2023 Sziget Festival, Budapest. The chat was mostly about his journey and feelings reflecting on his latest record, but still had the time to fangirl over the legendary Charli XCX and also share which tequila, silver or gold he prefers.
We’re so happy that you’re here in Budapest. Did you get the chance to take a look
around and explore the city a bit?
Yes. I went to a Hungarian thermal bath I was getting in the hot and cold. And so when I got here, I was feeling very tired. And then I went to the spa and now I feel refreshed.
You released your latest album, “AudioLust & HigherLove” earlier this year. What did
you enjoy the most about the creation process of this record?
It was a time in the world where everything was shut. So I spent a lot of time in clubs, but it was the only time maybe where I will ever make an album where there is no club direct influence because everything was shut. So rather than drawing on night life in the clubs for inspiration, it was more a case of just diving into like older tapes and maybe exploring some music that isn’t necessarily centered around club, which was… I felt very free and creative.
What’s the most important thing that you learned while making the album?
I think the most important thing I learned was not to be afraid of anything. Just because you are a producer, it doesn’t mean that you can’t sing. Or if you’re a singer, you can’t produce. Try everything that your creativity allows you to explore.
Which song of yours would you show to a person that doesn’t know you yet?
I think it’s changed over time. It used to be more Chemicals. But more recently, I really like Fever Dream that feels very like in line with my tastes by now.
If you had to pick a theme song for your life, what would it be?
You’ve worked with so many amazing artists, from Dua Lipa, to Tove Lo, Mabel and
Clairo. If you could choose anyone, who would you like to collaborate with the most?
The list is never ending. But I would say right now, I’d love to work with Charli XCX. Love her. I’m such a fan.
Since we’re at a festival right now, let’s talk about touring and performances a bit. Do
you have any pre-show rituals that you always do before every performance of yours?
So it depends. When we are playing live with a band, we would all kind of chant and then we would all take one tequila shot. Yes. But also, sometimes it’s good not to…
Gold or silver?
I like the gold.
What’s one thing that you just can’t leave at home when you’re travelling on tour?
Um, airpods. I have lost… I’m on number. Five. Number five?
In how many days?
A couple of years, but like. Like, oh, getting them everywhere.
You’ve been in the music industry for quite some time now. If you had a time machine
and you could go back in time to when you were starting out to give your younger self
just one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t listen to anyone. Just do exactly what feels good because everyone will try and decide what is popular, what is the right thing to do. But the only thing that is right is something that you’re excited about.
What does success mean to you personally? How would you define it?
Success is just seeing people happy with the music, you know, seeing that it resonates in some kind of way. The people, you know, whether it’s one person, five people, 10,000 people… to fix someone in some kind of way. So as that happens.
Is there a message that you would like to share with your Hungarian fans?
I would say thank you for allowing me to play this amazing festival. And, you know, the opportunity. To get to travel here and to play music is one that I don’t take for granted. So just thank you for having me and thank you for letting me go to this lovely bus ride.
So that’s all we’ve done for you today. But before we let you go, we would like to teach you something so you can take away something from this interview. So, do you know any Hungarian words?
I can’t say, no. We’ve been traveling around, so I’ve been trying to learn thank you in different languages!
