Plymouth singer/songwriter Sam Ho in the final of Live and Unsigned speaks to the PRSD

By PRSD, on Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Sam Ho, the Plymouth singer/songwriter, is through to the finals of the Live and Unsigned competition. He spoke to the PRSD about what the competition, performing and Prince’s Trust mean to him

To enter the live and unsigned competition I had to audition in front of a panel of judges who listened to about one minute and a half of my own song Crazy Love in February, this was enough to put me through to the regional finals.

On Sunday, April 26 I performed two songs – Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers and again Crazy Love – for the audience and judges vote on and they put through to the area finals which take place in London Sunday, May 3.

This is the biggest competition I have entered so far as it is national!

The biggest thrill about performing live is being able to entertain so many people at once and watching them enjoy it as much as I do is a real buzz.

I think my music would be best described as easy listening as it appeals to all walks of life and they are written about so much that we all can relate to.

My Inspiration comes from wanting to get out there and try to make a difference. I have come a long way since childhood and if I can help just one person realise they have the potential to do anything if they work and want it enough regardless of where or what you come from, I am happy.

I suppose the hardest aspect of songwriting and performing is to keep on producing new material and keeping the following nurtured while growing – to keep the originality of it all.

I think the music scene in the South West is improving but in need of some much needed support as there is a lot of unrecognised talent down here.

I think you should be as versatile as possible, but I am performing for the opera and its audience I won’t be in the opera. That would be a challenge of unknown territory!

The best bit of advice I’ve been given so far is to keep going and not give up.

My dream gig would be to perform for the royals as it would give me the chance to show my gratitude to Prince Charles and the work his charity does – if it wasn’t for the Prince’s Trust and the support they give I wouldn’t be doing what I am today.