Sam Bradley Enjoys Success in the “Twilight” Zone

What makes Sam Bradley different from any other musician living in the Vancouver area? Not only the fact that he can sing, play guitar and write his own songs, but also the fact that he grew up with everyone’s favourite vampire, Edward Cullen, a.k.a., British actor Robert Pattinson.

Sam co-wrote the song Never Think alongside Pattinson, which landed a spot on the super successful Twilight soundtrack. So how has life changed for this London native who now resides in Vancouver? To provide an inside glimpse at his life in the Twilight zone, Bradley took the time to visit Youthink for an interview.

YT: Before getting involved in the world of Twilight, did you have any idea of the popularity of this phenomenon?
SB: No, not really. I only discovered that once it became official that I was gonna be part of the soundtrack and then I just sort of saw my numbers rise and rise and rise. I did a little bit of research because Rob [Pattinson] who is in the movie, he really had no idea, so I kind of explained that it was going to be larger than he thought. So yeah, I had a little bit of an idea.

YT: Have you read the Twilight book series?
SB: No, it’s on my to-do list. I have to because I really should, seeing as I am asked that a lot. Maybe I’ll do it on some travels.

YT: So can you tell me exactly how you found out that your song would be included on the soundtrack?
SB: I just got a phone call. The phone call said that a lawyer is going to call you as soon as I hang up and the song is in. And congratulations. I was pretty happy, jumping up and down, peed myself a little.

YT: So, growing up with Robert Pattinson, did you ever think that you two would be where you are today?
SB: Yes, this is all intentional. Since we were 12, there’s a group of us guys who are all chasing a dream to be able to do what we love and for the world to appreciate what we’re trying to do. What the idea was is that if one of us sort of pushed ahead in their career, then it would help bring some others. And then this would happen, like some of us will go further and bring up the others. And it’ll be like a sort of a hand up, kind of a stepladder.

YT: What was your reaction when you found out that the Twilight soundtrack had hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts?
SB: My honest reaction was, “I told you so.” I thought it would. Once I realized sort of the power of the fan base, I just knew it.

YT: What was it like to hear your song in the movie for the first time?
SB: Well, I was in L.A. and I went to the premiere and I was sitting with a couple friends and it was good. I had my hands cupped with my friends on either side and they were squeezing very hard and I was just like, “Gasp! Yeah! That’s it! That’s the one!” Then the song was over… then I went back to watching the rest of it...

YT: So how did you like the Twilight movie?
SB: I liked the movie. I liked everyone’s performances. I’m proud of my friend. I’ve seen it three times, so it doesn’t get old.

YT: Since Twilight, how has your career changed as an artist? What have been the benefits?
SB: People are listening! I’ve been able to record an album, which I have made myself and I went to Paris to do so. My shows are sold out usually. I’m going to be able to go on tour. I have a lot of people within the music industry watching me and looking to see where I go and if they can get involved… and kind of lurking around… People are sniffin’ at my door! (laughs) But yeah I don’t know, lots has changed. But everything you could imagine. I’ve now got a foundation for a music career.

YT: Have you been working on any more songs with Robert?
SB: Yeah, we’ve been writing almost every other night! Not that that means a song every other night, but yeah, we’ve been writing lots! We’ve got a really good one actually that I’m really happy with and I’m probably going to play.

YT: What are your hopes for your upcoming album?
SB: Well, my hopes are that it sells as many as the Twilight soundtrack – and that it touches people and people pass it on and want to see the live shows, and want to be a part of what I hope is good music and good spirit. In a very non-hippie way, I’m about positivity and I’m about being in touch with yourself and your emotions and the people around you.

YT: What are your dreams for your music career?
SB: I’d like to see myself having recorded a few different albums. I’d like to be able to say in five to 10 years, I’ve played a stadium or two. I’d like to say that I’m respected and I’ve got my own thing going on. I’d like to say that I could be able to do what I want, when I want – to have that freedom – to not have to worry. And for that to come from just being musical would be quite spectacular.