In Conversation: SMO

When you meet SMO, or Sam O’Neill, the first thing that stands out isn’t his rising success – it’s how humble and genuine he is. Throughout our conversation, he speaks with quiet confidence and humour, sharing about his journey so far and the emotions that have shaped his music. Honestly, it was like talking to an old friend. 

We started the conversation by talking about his brand new release – “Celebrate You,” released on the same day that I interviewed him in Manchester (26 September). “I just released a song called “Celebrate You,” today,” he explained. “It’s a bit of fun, we’ve been playing it live as well. It’s also kinda depressing in some ways, but y’know, all my songs are.”

Even in that short sentence, you get a sense of SMO’s style. The song at first glance is pretty joyful, it is lighthearted but grounded with real emotion. It is  a combination of cheerful synths and melancholic lyrics that makes his music relatable and easy to connect to. 

When asking SMO what made his decision on wanting to make music his full time career, he reflected on his childhood and early beginnings. 

He says: “I’ve kinda been writing songs since I was 15-16, but I never really started taking it seriously until a couple of years ago when I started recording them in Liverpool. It’s been fun – scary as well” 

He gave me a rather wholesome answer, reflecting on the influence his parents had and the dedication they showed, encouraging him to do piano lessons.

I then had the exciting opportunity to finally see him play his songs live, opening for Permanent (Joy), an Indie rock band from Liverpool.

From the first moment, it was clear how SMO’s stage presence mirrors the warmth he carries off stage – humble and easy-going. As he stepped on stage with his sunglasses and his Ken ‘Keneough’ t-shirt, the crowd immediately paid close attention. “Celebrate You” sounded just as fun live, just as he described earlier, with the contagious melody bouncing around the room. 

Between songs, he kept the atmosphere light and chatty, joking around with his band. There was a very clear chemistry between his band, and I was instantly impressed at the way they complimented each other.  

Looking ahead, SMO hinted that there is more music on the horizon – a debut album. It is looking like we won’t have to wait that long, as he teased: “I think that’s coming next year. So stay tuned.”

Watch the full interview with SMO by Amy Croft for Ceol Magazine below:

https://youtu.be/xTTyUx2J3i8