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Singer Songwriter Sam Bergquist delivers glimpse into his musical psyche and personal philosophy with new “Wiser Then” EP

By Kath Galasso on June 16, 2023

Singer Songwriter Sam Bergquist delivers a compelling glimpse into his musical psyche and personal philosophy with new “Wiser Then” EP, out now on streaming platforms. Musically, he leans into his loves of Americana, Acoustic and Folk music as a means to speak his truth throughout this authentic roots-infused release. On this 4-track collection, Bergquist expounds on his belief that our relationships with others are the most important thing in life.

“When it comes down to it, what’s most important is our relationships with others. That’s what the songs on “Wiser Then” explore.”

Ultimately, “Wiser Then” showcases an artist opening up to the process of growth in all directions, both in life and in craft.

“These songs reflect my desire as a person and songwriter to keep growing and changing, to keep things new and fresh. I want to convey this in my music.”

On the decision to pursue another solo album as opposed to playing in collaborative projects, Sam says “After a lot of years playing in a band I decided it was time for a new direction. So I stopped playing in the group and dove more deeply into songwriting as a way to express and understand myself a little better, and maybe develop a clearer idea of my role in this world.”

About his unique songwriting style: “I’ve always loved the sounds of particular words and how they go together with other words. Writing a song sometimes feels like putting together a puzzle.”

“Wiser Then” was released February 3rd on streaming platforms. This release was produced by Sam Bergquist and Jason Altshuler. It was mastered by Jeff Lipton (Wilco, Andrew Bird) at Peerless Mastering.

Stream “Wiser Then” on Spotify.
Listen or purchase on Bandcamp.

Musician Names, instruments: Sam Bergquist: vocals and acoustic guitar, Finn Bergquist, electric guitar: Jason Altshuler, bass
Producer’s Names: Sam Bergquist, Jason Altshuler – Mastered by Jeff Lipton (Wilco, Andrew Bird) at Peerless Mastering

Tracklist: Do Things Different, Am I Wiser?, Darlin’, You Give Me a Reason

Online:
Official Website: https://bergquistmusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088541532918
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bergquistmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SamBergquist2023/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7aJYx0AfzMlXq8X7AzRgHX
Bandcamp: https://sambergquist.bandcamp.com/music
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKFahbH4W8TeoeZuQDPN0lg

Artist Biography:

Boston-based Singer Songwriter Sam Bergquist combines Acoustic, Folk and Americana influences to create his unique signature sound. Bergquist grew up listening to the great singer songwriters of the day, Tom Waits, Jackson Browne, Van Morrison, Neil Young, and Joni Mitchell to name a few. Throw in contemporary voices Andrew Bird and Anais Mitchell, and you have a feel for his inspirations. Lyrically, Bergquist’s music delves into matters of the heart, head, and social conscience.

“I like to fill in the cracks, find life’s unexplored details.”

After recently retiring from thirty two years as a public school teacher, where he and his students frequently made music, Bergquist is spending more time writing and performing as a solo artist.

He cut his musical teeth playing in a college band, “Sammy B and the Bigshots,” in western Massachusetts in the 1980’s, followed by a regular gig playing music at a club in Chania on the island of Crete in Greece, Fall, 1987.

Sam recorded his debut solo LP (Apache Studios), “Songs From the Red Line” in 1989, inspired by many hours of playing music underground in Cambridge’s MBTA subway stops on The Red Line.

His next solo LP, “The Hum Drum,” followed in 1996. Over the past fifteen years, Bergquist was frontman for Loose Change, a gritty country/blues band that played frequent gigs at some of the area’s most iconic clubs, including Johnny D’s Uptown Lounge, and the original House of Blues.

Sam Bergquist’s new EP “Wiser Then” finds him further evolving his solo work and song craftsmanship. “After a lot of years playing in a band I decided it was time for a new direction. So I stopped playing in the group and dove more deeply into songwriting as a way to express and understand myself a little better, and maybe develop a clearer idea of my role in this world.”

On this 4-track collection, Bergquist expounds on his belief that our relationships with others are the most important thing in life.

“When it comes down to it, what’s most important is our relationships with others. That’s what the songs on “Wiser Then” explore.”