20 May 2022 - 0 Comments

Ōtautahi based Sam Heselwood returns with the stirring new single Don’t Speak. Following the success of his previous single 18, which Charted at No.4 on The Official Top 20 Hot NZ Singles and 29 on the Top 40 Singles, Heselwood once again strikes gold with Don’t Speak.

Listen to single here

Embodying the idea of ‘you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone’, Don’t Speak was written after the passing of Heselwood’s grandad. Speaking on the track, the artist explains, “after my grandad passed away early last year, I started to reflect on the fact that I never had a lot to do with him. My dad and his dad didn’t get along that well and never really spoke. I started to think about how grateful I am to have the relationship I do with my dad. That’s what sparked the idea to write Don’t Speak”.

Fluttering synths and warm guitar lines set the perfect platform for Heselwood. Throughout Don’t Speak, Heselwood puts forth a mesmerising vocal performance. Heselwood's emotional vocal inflections are mirrored by the heartwarming songwriting that appears on Don’t Speak. The singer/songwriter once again proves he can deliver an authentic and relatable track.

This release comes at a critical life juncture for Heselwood as he prepares for life-changing surgery. After suffering a debilitating neck injury, the Rugby player turned singer will never be able to play the sport he loves again. Leading up to the surgery, Heselwood had a chance to reflect upon his musical journey so far stating that “if he didn't have the music he wouldn't know what he would do”. Don’t Speak arrives at a crossroads for Heselwood, as his dreams of professional rugby are brought to an end. Although tragic, Heselwood is able to find a silver lining through his blossoming music career.

Influenced by the likes of Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi, Sam Heselwood’s single and upcoming project is nothing short of breathtaking. The definition of a humble kiwi lad, Heselwood is trying to break down boundaries through his music. Fighting the stigma that ‘men don’t cry’, Sam Heselwood isn’t afraid to expose his inner feelings to help others.

Don’t Speak is another emotionally charged single for Heselwood as he rapidly ascends towards stardom. The 24-year-old recorded the single with producers Will McGillivray (nomad and now GoodWill) and Josh Logan at LOHO Studios. “It was pretty eye-opening. Being in a room with such talented people collaborating and watching them work, especially when they would get excited over little ideas and the song itself was pretty humbling,” says Heselwood.

With the support from SOLE Music Academy, Don’t Speak continues the lead-up towards Heselwood’s forthcoming EP Bloodline set to be released in August. The EP explores themes around family and the often complicated relationships that emerge.

“Support acts are important, just as the main act is. This was proved when Sam Heselwood took to the stage and blew the unsuspecting audience away with his vocals, presence and calming demeanour.” ASHLEA HARRIS Welcome to the GIG Review

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