Exclusive Interview with Sam Welch

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Paper Planes: What inspired you to become a musician?

Sam Welch: I come from a musical family and started studying piano at age 8.  I started singing in high school and thereafter received formal vocal training.
 
Paper Planes: Can you tell us a bit about your background and upbringing?

Sam Welch: As a young adult I faced emotional issues and had to leave school due to a “nervous breakdown”.  I spent years in recovery.

Paper Planes: What's your creative process like when writing songs?

Sam Welch: I arrive at lyrics spontaneously.  I start instrumentals with basic chord progressions and work my way up from there.  Much of what I write about relates to my experience with emotional dysregulation
 
Paper Planes: Do you have a favorite album or artist that influences your work?

Sam Welch: I admire the works of Robbie Robertson and The Band.
 
Paper Planes: How would you describe your musical style?

Sam Welch: A lot of my genre can be labelled “transcendental techno vox”, vocally resonant techno/pop/pop alternative.
 
Paper Planes: How do you balance your own unique sound with influences from others?

Sam Welch: I have a unique approach to vocal harmonization, using advanced doubling software
 
Paper Planes: What's the biggest challenge you've faced in your career so far?

Sam Welch: I recently have been dealing with audiological issues, due to loud noise exposure.  I’ve been prescribed hearing aids to help with this condition.
 
Paper Planes: How do you handle criticism or negative feedback on your music?

Sam Welch: I welcome any feedback, whether positive or negative, it makes my creative drive even stronger!
 
Paper Planes: What inspires your songwriting? Do you draw from personal experiences or fictional stories?

Sam Welch: A lot of my songs stem from the struggles I faced in college, they relate to psychiatric disfunction.  I also write about spiritual transcendence as it relates to recovery from emotional dysregulation
 
Paper Planes: What's the most important thing to consider when writing lyrics that tell a story?

Sam Welch: Give the audience something to think about!

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TIMEDWIN Merges AI, Music, and Politics in New Single "Break the Dawn”

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Emerging artist TIMEDWIN is making waves in the music industry with his latest single, "Break the Dawn." More than just a catchy tune, the song is a rallying cry for change—and it was made possible through the use of AI technology. The track combines AI-generated music with original lyrics and is intended as an anthem for a new era in American politics, supporting the presidential campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris.

A Virginia native with deep Southern roots, TIMEDWIN draws inspiration from the potential of seeing the first woman elected as president of the United States. “Break the Dawn” reflects his country roots, but was inspired by a dance hit; he hopes his song also inspires a merger of urban and rural, liberal and conservative. He says, “The title of my song was inspired by Michelle Williams’ 2008 hit, ‘We Break the Dawn.’ Her dance track felt like the perfect vibe for the Harris campaign, and I hope to introduce the same energetic optimism to new audiences through an evolution in lyrics and genre.”

"Break the Dawn" is intentionally brief, making it ideal for social media sharing on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. But beyond its viral potential, the track is a unique fusion of traditional country music with modern influences. In this way, TIMEDWIN hopes to speak directly to conservative Southern audiences. TIMEDWIN, who identifies as queer, sees this as an opportunity to bridge cultural divides, using music to connect with listeners who might not typically engage with progressive politics. “I wanted to create something that spoke to people in a familiar language, a familiar type of music that makes sense to them,” he says.

Indeed, the tune features the hallmarks of the country-pop genre. It begins with a familiar-sounding male vocal in an auto-tuned southern drawl, while an acoustic-tinged rhythm track provides a laid-back country feel. The lyrics evoke a rural morning, the sun peeking through the pine trees while coffee and bacon warm you. The scene appropriately set, the political message is revealed in support of Kamala Harris, whom TIMEDWIN refers to as “Mamala,” envisioning the would-be president as a mother figure for America.

Let’s go, America
The day’s ahead
Dreaming big with every step we tread
Mamala’s here to get you ready for the day
Love wrapped in every word she’ll say

It is these lyrics that TIMEDWIN believes can make a difference in the 2024 presidential race. "Break the Dawn" is part of an album titled Mamala, a labor of love and belief, with TIMEDWIN personally funding the production, AI tools, and PR efforts. His goal isn’t just to create music for entertainment but to support a political movement he deeply believes in. “I could have just donated some money to her campaign, but I thought that creating an album that went viral and supported her would be a better contribution,” TIMEDWIN says.

The single’s release comes at a crucial time, as the U.S. presidential election approaches this November. TIMEDWIN hopes that "Break the Dawn" will resonate with listeners and perhaps even reach Vice President Harris herself. “If she actually heard it, that would be the end goal,” he says.

While TIMEDWIN’s music is made possible by the advent of AI tools, the artist’s musical journey is rooted in a family tradition. His grandfather was a naval musician in World War II and later a band teacher, while his father composed music for theme parks. However, TIMEDWIN’s path took a modern twist. For the past decade, he worked as a copywriter, honing his skills in crafting engaging, catchy content. He has now brought those skills to the music industry, writing lyrics and using AI to generate melodies. “Without AI, I wouldn’t be publishing this at all,” TIMEDWIN explains. “I’m not out there singing at clubs, but now I can create music that has the potential to make an impact.”

With a unique blend of AI music technology, political lyrics, and activism, TIMEDWIN is not just breaking the dawn—he’s breaking new ground, offering a fresh, innovative approach to how music can be used to influence and inspire.

Listen to “Break the Dawn” on Spotify now

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