Guitarist, Singer/Songwriter, Producer.

“An accomplished guitarist, Sam’s deep but vibrant vocals are reminiscent of Johnny Cash, Nick Cave, and Chris Isaak.”

Futureworks Newsletter

“His hair is a rusty entanglement of barbed wire and his breath casts a lingering shadow. Some believe he can see around corners. He’s released some music but I haven’t listened to it.”

A supportive fan

When We Were Ghosts

When We Were Ghosts is the debut EP by Sam Butterfield. It has the uncompromisingly gloomy atmosphere of doom metal with the minimalist acoustic flavour of folk music. Layers upon layers of 12-string acoustic guitars collide with dramatic vocal deliveries, unfurling into a surreal and menacing sonic landscape, embellished with quiet moments of reflection.

The title track paints a picture of the freedom and childlike whimsy that supposedly comes with becoming a ghost, while “Curse These Metal Hands” follows the internal monologue of a lonely outcast who struggles to repress his innate urges to capture and bring suffering to an innocent passer-by.
After the painful emotional outpourings of love ballad “Blame Me”, the listener is transported to an ugly and sinister “Frown Town” and finally faced with some unsettling imagery in a dreamlike ending track “Moth Memento Mori”.

It’s an EP for those who appreciate the haunting beauty of folk storytelling as well as the shadowy elegance of metal.

Released 21st Feb 2025. Special thanks to Yew Tree Studios, Charlie Lawless and Ian Hall for help with recording and production, and to Ola Modelska for the artwork.

MY MUSIC

Check me out.

UPCOMING GIGS

With Madame Claude, or just me!

30 apr
The Social, London
Madame Claude
1 MAY
The Prince Albert, Brighton
Madame Claude
2 may
Eagle Inn, Salford
Futureworks social;
DJ DYSTOP.IAN, Sam Butterfield,
WHERE THE DEER GO, DERAILED
16 May
Record Junkee Sheffield
Madame Claude Support: Sons of the City
14 jun
The Picturedrome, Holmfirth
Madame Claude Support: The Beat
Contact

For bookings, collaborations, production services or musical commissions!