It’s a rare occasion when an artist such as Sam Duckworth (formerly Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly) decides he just wants to play in places he hasn’t had the chance to yet.
Well that’s exactly what the former ‘cape artist’ has decided to do, and is making his way round the country to perform his brand of wholesome acoustic-driven indie music to some select venues in towns and cities he has never visited or much missed by the acclaimed songsmith, including Banbury (Nov 29) and Swindon (Dec 7)
We had a chat with Mr Duckworth about his upcoming shows and tried to get some insight into what makes him tick:
Almost 10 years on from signing to Atlantic Records, how have things progressed in the world of Sam Duckworth?
Things have progressed a lot and also in many ways things have stayed the same. It’s hard to put my finger on it but it certainly feels like I’ve had a few years of a musical and emotional walkabout. I’m still incredibly happy to be making music and playing shows and feel very focused creatively with my output. I’ve tried on enough hats to work out that my original choice might have suited me best, but I don’t regret the journey!
 Heading out on your latest tour, what are your expectations and goals for how it will go?
I think Peranporth is the furthest we go… I’m looking forward to playing in places I either haven’t played before or haven’t been to in ages, playing some new songs and get reacquainted with old songs. It’s nice to be active on the road again and equally feel like I’m stepping out into the unknown!¬†
Anywhere you’re looking forward to playing most?
Everywhere is pretty much new to me, so it’s all exciting! Banbury is a place I’ve always thought would be nice to play but haven’t had the chance before. My friend Belinda (who drums with me live when I play with a band) is from there and raves about the acoustic scene and has informed me the attic is great. Cornwall in winter is a new experience too!
How do you approach an audience as a solo performer? What is the key to the Duckworth experience?
I think when you’re outnumbered its always best to just be honest. It’s going to be a very open show. I really like the idea of my acoustic shows tearing down the 4th wall and being unique each night.
How much is a duck worth?
Current whole sale is £6 for a duckling which does sound cheap, but I guess the associated costs involved escalate with age.
Having worked with so many illustrious and talented artists, who do you still desperately want to work with?
Mike Skinner. He’s the one who has probably influenced me more than all the others (with the possible exception of Damon Albarn.) However it’s also, subsequently, the scariest prospect.
Is there a difference to how you approach Sam Duckworth music to Get Cape music?
When I play solo, no. Most of my songs were written on acoustic so end up being transported back to their original form, however when making albums my solo work tends to be a bit bleaker. The Get cape music always came with a caviat of hope, that’s why the solo albums tend to get made in the bleaker times of my life.
Do you still have/wear your cape?
Sadly, there was never a cape. Probably missed a trick there…
What inspires you to keep making your music?
The knowledge that I’m not even a third of the way through my journey. I’ve always known I would make music my whole life, so I used my 20s as a time to do things I wouldn’t get to as my responsibilities increase. It’s a long game.
Is the current state of politics influencing you now more than ever?
In some ways yes. The college font mixtape I’ve put out recently is very political. I’ve decided to segregate my politics a little. My belief is that in Jeremy Corbyn, social activists have an opportunity to voice opinion in the place where change can fully take place. Social media is a very noisy place and it’s often very hard to get anything out into the world, so a free mixtape seems more worthwhile than trying to push the agenda via twitter. The newest LP is much more emotional and personal, subsequently it is political but it’s much further from a protest album than previous lps. I believe that we are on the verge of entering a new age of thinking. Capitalism has failed us and international relations are at an all time low. Compassion and hope have become much more central to my work as a result.