Skip to content
Instagram Twitter Facebook Youtube Tiktok Linkedin
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Weather
  • Contact
  • Registration
  • Login
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Weather
  • Contact
  • Registration
  • Login
  • WHAT’S ON
    • Across Liverpool
    • M&S Bank Arena
    • Exhibition Centre
    • Everyman & Playhouse
    • FunnyBoyz Liverpool
    • The Bentley Liverpool
    • St George’s Hall
  • THINGS TO DO
    • In Liverpool
    • Liverpool Watersports Centre
    • Strawberry Field
    • Relish Liverpool
    • Best Liverpool Restaurants
  • OFFERS
  • STAY
    • ALL HOTELS
    • Boudoir Hotel Liverpool
    • Malmaison Liverpool
  • JOBS
  • LATEST
    • News
    • Food & Drink
    • Events Latest
    • People
    • Things To Do
    • Music
    • Business
    • Matt Jacobson
    • Sport
    • Interviews
    • Blogs
    • Reviews
    • Competitions
    • A Tale of the Liver Birds
  • TRAVEL
    • Liverpool Airport
  • DIRECTORY
  • LIVE
Menu
  • WHAT’S ON
    • Across Liverpool
    • M&S Bank Arena
    • Exhibition Centre
    • Everyman & Playhouse
    • FunnyBoyz Liverpool
    • The Bentley Liverpool
    • St George’s Hall
  • THINGS TO DO
    • In Liverpool
    • Liverpool Watersports Centre
    • Strawberry Field
    • Relish Liverpool
    • Best Liverpool Restaurants
  • OFFERS
  • STAY
    • ALL HOTELS
    • Boudoir Hotel Liverpool
    • Malmaison Liverpool
  • JOBS
  • LATEST
    • News
    • Food & Drink
    • Events Latest
    • People
    • Things To Do
    • Music
    • Business
    • Matt Jacobson
    • Sport
    • Interviews
    • Blogs
    • Reviews
    • Competitions
    • A Tale of the Liver Birds
  • TRAVEL
    • Liverpool Airport
  • DIRECTORY
  • LIVE
Search
Close this search box.

GET THE EUROVISION LATEST HERE

Interview with Spoken Word artist Sam Batley  

April 28, 2022
|
by Matthew Jacobson
Interview with Spoken Word artist Sam Batley

Ahead of his gig at the The Everyman, Matt Jacobson interviews Spoken Word artist, Sam Batley.

The early Sam Batley,  what element of creativity captured your imagination first?   

My sister was and is a writer, she pretty much aloud the space for me to have a go. I’d gone to stay with her for a week for a bit of head space. I was probably 22/23. She’d been telling me that it helped her. Gave me a pad when she went to work and I wrote my first piece. It flew out of my head. Felt good so I did a few more.

Was the family home an influence to be creative?

No not really, I painted models n’ drew as a kid. When I got to about 13 I’d stopped with the models and started with being a little bastard. 

You have discussed your steps into recovery, was this a time to delve deeper into senses and bring out words from a deeper place within?

Writing definitely helped me, creativity in general helped me. Being able to express and make sense of new feelings and emotions. Recovery allows for honesty and hindsight. It’s a myth that you need ale and drugs to be creative. In my case it’s the very opposite.

You have been successful in poetry, film and photography – do you work on one at a time or is it a case of spinning plates, diving into each periodically?

They all come from the same place, different ideas are sometimes expressed in different ways. I don’t see them as being separate, they feed each other. I might try expressive dance next.

Who are your influences within poetry and spoken word? 

All the heads I’ve met along the way, stories are getting told constantly. All around us, and we all have one ourselves. You just have to tell them. Toria Garbutt told us that once “The stories are already there they just need telling.” She’s been a big influence on us. Roy the scowzer, he’s some boy too. Mentions Deacon Blue abit too much though. 

How do you find the writing experience, can it be tough when revisiting tough times or as you feel you address issues, is it good for wellbeing and mental health to place feelings and thoughts onto paper?   

Buzz off it, I’m a bit slack though. I could defo write more than what I do. I don’t find it tough, more cathartic. Those tough times have been accepted, and times aren’t so tough now. Writing has 100% helped to make sense of that. Three Bullmastiffs In A Corner Kitchen was the ultimate catharsis. Still feels mad now that we made it. All the people that helped us too. Truly beautiful. I love automatic writing, fuck knows were it comes from. It’s coming from somewhere though. 

Did lockdown halt creativity or provide more time to do so?

Creativity was my saving grace. Spending full days cutting up paper and sticking them back together. Made a short film and feature length documentary. A book which is still for sale. Set up the One Day At A Time Boys at Damien John Kelly house. It was productive. An absolute blessing, I was a resident at DJK during the whole thing. 100% would have lost plot without the connection and community I was in.

Performing live, how would you describe the live experience and sharing your words with a live audience?

It’s mint. I’ve been performing most of my adult life in one way or another, only seems right I get on stage and do it too. 

Has Liverpool been an influence, if so, how?

I’ve found myself here. I came to Liverpool with a bag. Everything I have now is a result of being here. Doing the suggested things, often suggested by scousers. Apparently I’m dyed in the wool. I’ll take that. 

And what next for Sam Batley?

Working on a couple of new short films with Paul Chambers which will hopefully begin production later on this year. Our documentary One Day At A Time will be ready for release in the coming months. Currently I’m back and forth working on a group show Lads Not On Tourat the Civic in Barnsley. Which will open on the 9th of July. More gigs would be nice. And just keep on doing the next right thing.  

Thank you and very best wishes for the future.

Matt

Matt Jacobson

Explore Liverpool

READ MORE: Matthew Jacobson interviews Sean Butler from The Pelican Band

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Email
Print

THE LATEST

Liverpool ONE unveils Pysanka Eggs ahead of Eurovision and Easter
Liverpool ONE unveils Pysanka Eggs ahead of Eurovision and Easter
Everton’s winless run continues as champions Manchester City cruise to victory
Another bitterly disappointing away day for Jurgen Klopp’s men
Jack Whitehall is bringing his new live show to Liverpool
Jack Whitehall is bringing his new live show to Liverpool
INNSiDE Liverpool launch stylish dog hampers with local independent
INNSiDE Liverpool launch stylish dog hampers with local independent
St. Joseph’s Hospice Spring Ladies Day is back for 2023
St. Joseph’s Hospice Spring Ladies Day is back for 2023
One Fine Day Easter Sunday Roast Session
One Fine Day Easter Sunday Roast Session
Malmaison Liverpool Unveils New Bar & Grill
Malmaison Liverpool Unveils New Bar & Grill
Comic Con after party at Cains Brewery this weekend
Comic Con after party at Cains Brewery this weekend
Young Evertonian Harry set for mascot experience courtesy of Jordan
Young Evertonian Harry set for mascot experience courtesy of Jordan
Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa partners with Cash for Kids
Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa partners with Cash for Kids

WhatsAppenin LIVERPOOL!

Receive WhatsApp notifications about the latest big news, events, offers, competitions and much more!

SIGN UP NOW

Stay in the loop

Stay up to date with all the latest news, articles, events, and offers from across Liverpool!

We never share your information with anyone.

OTHER LINKS

  • Liverpool Maps
  • FAQs
  • Privacy Policy

SUB LINKS

  • About Us
  • Services
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Services
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Contact

DIRECTORY LINKS

  • Business Login
  • Register
  • View Directory

SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram Twitter Facebook Youtube Tiktok Linkedin

At Explore Liverpool we are all about bringing you everything the Liverpool City Region has to offer and more!

© 2022 Explore Liverpool

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
SettingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Explore Liverpool With Us!

Don't miss a thing. Sign up for our weekly roundup straight to your inbox! 🙌

Change Location
Find awesome listings near you!