Ahead of his appearance at this weekend’s Black Deer Festival at Eridge Park, which also sees the likes of Passenger, Hollywood’s Kiefer Sutherland and Ward Thomas all performing, Times music writer Paul Dunton sits down with Nashville TV star Sam Palladio to discover whether life really does imitate art
Having studied at Sidcup’s Rose Bruford College, how does it feel to be back in the Kent area for the Black Deer Festival?
It feels great. To be performing at Black Deer is very exciting, and I feel a real connection to Tunbridge Wells, as I was born in Pembury.
Are there any favourite acts that you’re looking forward to seeing?
I’ve been a massive fan of Passenger for many years, and I got to know him at a festival in Canada a few years back. We’ve since become good friends, and we’ve been doing a songwriter session with Bob Harris in the build-up to Black Deer, which has been great.
Are your acting and music careers both equal passions?
Yes, I grew up in Cornwall playing in bands and involving myself in youth theatre. This definitely gave me an initial experience of music and acting, which – looking back – really fuelled my desire to make a career doing what I love.
What was the catalyst for your interest in music and acting?
My dad’s been a major influence for my interest in music as he’s played guitar most of his life, and is always listening to the latest music. Growing up, he introduced me to lots of new acts, including the likes of Muse and Biffy Clyro, which I went on to really love.
You play aspiring country singer-songwriter Gunner Scott in the hit TV series Nashville – do you feel a natural synergy between you and your character?
There are a great deal of similarities between us. We both have a passion for Americana music, and in some ways, Gunner feels very much like me, but with a different accent!
If you could collaborate with any musician in the world today, who would it be?
It would have to be James Taylor. He’s definitely a songwriting hero of mine, and it would be an absolute dream to collaborate with him one day.
Can you share with us some of your most memorable live shows to date?
It has to be the O2 earlier this year, as part of the farewell Nashville tour. To perform in front of 11,000 Nashville fans was just out of this world, and the atmosphere was incredible.
As a musician, do you prefer playing in intimate shows or performing on a big stage?
I love both – however, there’s something special about an intimate gig, especially if it’s a solo show.
Is there a song that you enjoy performing the most?
Fade Into You, from the first series of Nashville. It has haunting and lilting aspects to it, and I’ve performed it regularly with Clare Bowen [a Nashville co-star] and on my own.
Finally, what else can fans expect from Sam Palladio in 2018?
I’ll be in the studio soon, and plan to release a new single this summer. I also have several festivals coming up, and I am travelling to Romania for a few days for a new acting project, which is very exciting.
Find out more about Sam’s forthcoming activities by following him Facebook Twitter and Instagram @sampalladio
For Black Deer Festival details and tickets, visit www.blackdeerfestival.com�
