For the look of joy and awe: a few words with Sam Lee

Acclaimed folk singer Sam has trodden a unique path in his career, from a Mercury Music Prize nomination and activism on the streets of London with Extinction Rebellion to many nights spent in the woodlands of Sussex bringing musicians to play alongside Nightingales. 

Ahead of his sold-out show in the Discovery Centre at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve tonight, we asked Sam about his connections to nature and Sussex.

You've spent a lot of time in nature in Sussex. Nightingales aside, what do you feel most connected to here?

I may come across as a bit of a singular nature appreciator but actually for me, I’m quite a generalist. 

I adore wild plants. Foraging for mushrooms is one of my oldest passions, and tree climbing, wild swimming, long walks under full moons. That sort of thing. 

Have you spent much time at Rye Harbour before? What do you make of the place?

I have actually. I’m friends with the artist Fiona Banner. She has an amazing studio and seaside cottage here. Also other friends so I’ve spent lovely summer days on the pebble beach in Rye before.

As a performer, what do you look for in a venue?

Always, I’m seeking out connection to the audience. 

Sometimes this can happen in really big rooms like the Albert Hall which is extra extraordinary for feeling intimacy in such a sizable space. But of course acoustics are really important and part of that.

Given the challenges facing us and the rest of nature in 2025, what keeps you going?

For me, the look of joy and awe in people's eyes when out in nature is something that gives me extra extraordinary pleasure.

The stories I received back from people when they come out to the woods to hear Nightingales, sometimes weeks months or years after - is always so inspiring.

Visit: Sam Lee’s website. 

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