Sam Uctas is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and guitarist with a passion for blending traditional guitar-driven songwriting with experimental soundscapes. Drawing influence from the greats of rock, funk, and jazz, as well as the great writers of the 20th century, Uctas’ work pushes boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in a love of music and storytelling.
How would you describe The Dark Made Sense in your own words?
If you were to run a reel of tape in through my left ear and out my right, and then play that tape, I hope it would sound like this album.
What inspired the raw, unpolished aesthetic of this album?
I wanted to give the songs a wild energy, like looking into the eyes of an untamed horse. I think there is something quietly beautiful about imperfection.
Why did you choose to work exclusively on analogue equipment rather than digital tools?
They are way more tactile, the whole process becomes a physical thing. Sounds magnetically printed to tape, real electrical energy, vibrations and noise. I think suits my music more.
Can you share any specific literary or artistic influences that shaped this project?
When I listen to the songs, I see Edvard Munch style paintings. Thick brush strokes, colours blocked in, loose forms left for the imagination to fill.
How did you approach layering instruments and vocals on your own?
Most of the time I can hear the song in my head before I start recording. So I’ve got a decent idea of the different layers and parts. Its just guitar solos and vocals that give me anxiety…
Was there a particular track that captured the essence of the album for you?
I think the title track ‘The Dark Made Sense’. Musically, I like the groove, and I think the guitar playing has a good mix of hard and soft. The lyrics are really just about being left alone to play guitar in my room.
How do you view the role of imperfection in music-making?
If art becomes too clean and processed, it doesn’t really interest me. I’m a pretty imperfect person, so my music should be too.
How do you balance experimental sounds with accessible songwriting?
I’m more focused on songwriting atm, it gives me more satisfaction. I just follow whichever direction is pulling me the strongest, I have no idea where I’ll end up next. After all, Lou Reed released Metal Machine Music and Coney Island Baby within one year of each other…
Did recording solo present unexpected challenges, and how did you overcome them?
Yes, I get way too inside my head, its like when you stare at yourself in the mirror too long. But that wasn’t too unexpected tbh, and I’m yet to overcome it.
How has your musical style evolved since your earlier releases?
I’m more focused on songwriting now, and storytelling. I think its cool trying to convey ideas and emotions through characters and short stories.
What emotions or messages were most important for you to convey in this record?
There isn’t really anything I’m trying to convey. I like the idea of people coming up with their own interpretation of my songs, they are just as valid as my own.
How do you hope listeners will experience the “spaces” and dynamics in your songs?
Its not really something that they should be consciously aware of. If you listen to the album start to finish it should just have a gentle flow of intensity and moments to breathe.
Can you describe your approach to blending genres like rock, funk, and avant-pop?
I’m recording music that I would like to listen to really. So it ends up being a mix of all my favourite artists. Funkadelic, Velvet Underground, Gang of Four, John Frusciante, Jimi Hendrix, Suicide, Townes Van Zandt, Tom Waits… guess if you blended them all together it would come out something like my music.
How do you see your role as a multi-instrumentalist shaping your artistic identity?
I don’t really have an identity, or any kind of idea of what I’m trying to achieve. I feel like an imposter most the time. I’m just a guy who likes to play guitar.
If you could collaborate with any artist or producer in the future, who would it be and why?
John Frusciante. He is my idol, I think he is the greatest musician of the 21st century.
