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#16 – Sam Herring – How Future Islands Built a Sound That Cuts Through Time

The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
Episode • Oct 4, 2021 • 51m

Samuel T. Herring, known as Hemlock Ernst, is a talented American singer and rapper hailing from Baltimore, Maryland. As the charismatic frontman of the synth-pop band Future Islands, Herring's powerful and emotive vocals have captivated audiences worldwide. With a diverse range of musical influences, including hip-hop, rock, and R&B, he brings a unique and introspective touch to his songwriting, creating music that resonates deeply with listeners. Join us as we explore the journey and artistry of Samuel T. Herring on "The Truth in This Art" podcast.


As we delve into this episode:

  • Join us as Samuel T. Herring takes us on a journey through his musical roots, sharing how he started writing music at a young age, and the diverse range of genres that influenced his craft, including his older brother's impact.
  • Discover how Future Islands adapted during the pandemic as we explore their latest album's remote mixing process, offering a unique glimpse into their creative connection and collaboration in a changed world.
  • Delve into Herring's creative process as he discusses how he feels the music and transforms it into words, providing insights into both Future Islands and his personal project, Hemlock Ernst.
  • Experience the duality of Samuel T. Herring's artistry, as he explains how Future Islands aims to create music that resonates universally, while Hemlock Ernst serves as an outlet for exploring more intimate and raw themes.
  • Join us for an insightful discussion as Herring reflects on the challenges of baring his soul through music, the profound impact on his relationships and self-discovery, and the vulnerability that lies within his captivating artistry.


Samuel discusses his background in music and how he got started in the industry. He talks about his early influences, including his older brother and his love for hip-hop. Herring also shares his experience of working on Future Islands' latest album during the pandemic and the challenges they faced in the recording and release process. He delves into his writing process and the differences between writing for Future Islands and his solo project, Hemlock Ernst. Herring reflects on the vulnerability of his songwriting and the impact it has had on his audience. He also touches on the evolving nature of his art and the balance between personal expression and protecting oneself.

Mentioned in this episode:

Hemlock Ernst
Future Islands


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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
  • Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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