Formula Indie Sessions – Interview with Samuel Carrancho

Introduction of the project

Samuel Carrancho (aka Sam) is a South African-born, UK-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and sonic alchemist. Blending pop-funk, indie rock, pop-rock, folk, and country vibes, his music delivers emotional depth, infectious grooves, and raw storytelling that connects across continents.

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

Reply: Coming home from school and racing my brother to the piano so I could play and create my own tunes. My dad used to record music on his MIDI recorder, and my brothers and I would sing along and harmonize. Music has been in my blood from a very young age in a very musical family.How did your passion for creating music begin?

Reply: It started early with our family band experiments — even trying the boyband thing at age 14, which was hilarious in hindsight but got us some local following! As I grew older, I learned more instruments, wrote songs, and eventually built my own recording studio in South Africa. I produced full albums for local artists and wrote a ton for others, but it wasn’t until recently — after someone in the industry asked me “What are you waiting for?” — that I decided to release my own music. That was the spark that turned my private passion into a public journey.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

Reply: My current releases, including the Sands of Time EP and the Human EP (along with singles like “Ghosts In A Glass,” “After the Storm,” “Let Me Be,” and others), represent me finally stepping into my own spotlight after years behind the scenes. Tracks explore heartbreak, inner demons, love, resilience, and personal growth — all wrapped in energetic, genre-blending sounds that pull from my South African roots and UK life. It’s about putting my full catalog out there and building momentum toward a full album and live shows.902aca

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

Reply: I have a solid, powerful indie rock vibe full of emotion and energy. It’s explosive yet intimate — grooves that grip your soul and shake your hips, with heartfelt folk and country undertones. Think pop-funk anthems and pop-rock storytelling that transport you from sun-soaked savannas to rainy British streets. It creates an emotional connection and lets your imagination drift free.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

Reply: Everything I’ve been through had to happen in that exact sequence to create the person — and artist — I am today. People are people; it’s okay to be who you are, feel deeply, and have opinions. Embracing that authenticity and forgiving myself has freed me to write more openly and connect more genuinely with listeners.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

Reply: I start with lyrics and the keyboard/piano for melody and chords. Then it moves into the studio for recording, layering vocals, and production tweaks until it feels perfect. I use a full recording setup (built over years), MIDI tools (inspired by my dad), and modern software for mastering. Collaboration and real-life observation also fuel the process.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

Reply: I’m drawing inspiration from artists like Chris Daughtry, Muse, Maroon 5, Owl City, and Queen — their emotional power and sonic ambition always push me. Currently, I’m loving the raw energy in fresh indie releases that blend genres fearlessly, much like what I aim for.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

Growing up in Johannesburg in a musical family, relocating to Warwickshire in the UK about 7 years ago, and years of producing for others all shape my work. My music bridges continents and eras — blending South African warmth with British introspection. Life’s ups, downs, relationships, and inner battles fuel the relatable storytelling.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

Reply: Forgive yourself. Love yourself enough to find peace. My songs tackle inner demons, heartbreak, resilience, and joy — encouraging listeners to confront their “ghosts,” embrace vulnerability, and feel seen and connected.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

Reply: Music has taught me the power of timing and authenticity. Everything happens when it’s meant to — like finally releasing my own work after years of supporting others. It’s also shown me that being genuine resonates deeply and builds real connections.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

Reply: I’d love to perform at a major UK festival or iconic venue that captures that raw, energetic connection — something like Glastonbury or a sold-out show in London where the crowd feels the full emotional range of the music. Building a live show around a full album is a big dream right now.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

Reply: Someone like Chris Daughtry or a member of Muse or Queen — their emotional vocal power and epic soundscapes align perfectly with my style. Collaborating would push my genre-blending further and create something truly explosive.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website, Spotify, IG, links)

Reply: You can find me on:

Spotify: Samuel Carrancho

Instagram: @samuelcarrancho

YouTube: Samuel Carrancho

Apple Music / other platforms: Search “Samuel Carrancho” (music is on 23+ platforms via DistroKid).

Facebook and more links via my socials. Support by streaming, sharing, and coming to future shows!

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

Reply: Releasing a full album, building a live show around it, and getting the right team on board to take it further. I want to connect with a global audience, collaborate more, and keep evolving my sound while staying true to the emotional core.

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

Reply: That I’m a real person with real stories — someone who’s bridged two worlds, overcome doubts, and pours everything into connecting through music. I hope they see themselves in the songs and feel inspired to embrace their own journey.