Einsam, the alias of Bristol-born multi-instrumentalist Sam Jackson, has given us the perfect gem with the release of “Something Happened,” the standout single from his debut EP, Actionism. This track summarises what Einsam is all about: a fusion of post-punk grit and leftfield pop sensibilities, all while entering heavy philosophical themes. Einsam’s sound is like if David Byrne’s Talking Heads and Depeche Mode had a love child raised on post-punk and quirky pop.
So, what’s the deal with the name Einsam? It’s German for “solitary,” which fits Jackson’s solo artist vibe perfectly. After a four-year stint in Vienna, he came back to Bristol in 2020 with a head full of ideas about life, language, and the human experience. Actionism is where all those thoughts come together, and “Something Happened” is what we call “the cherry on top.”
This track is not some random indie banger – it’s got a message. Jackson describes it as a transition from inertia to momentum all about moving from doing nothing to doing something – a feeling we can all relate to, right? The way he builds the song is pretty cool too. He starts with simple loops and keeps adding layers until you’ve got this rich, textured sound that’ll have you hitting repeat. What really stands out is how Jackson captures that “aha!” moment when you realize you’ve got the power to make choices and change your life. It’s like he’s bottled up that feeling of possibility and poured it into the music.
Recorded in his Bristol studio, ‘1↓’, and mixed by Dom Mitchison of Spectres, the track hits that sweet spot between polished and raw. The guitars on this track are sharp and angular, weaving in and out of some cool electronic elements. Each listen reveals there’s always something new to catch — it’s like peeling back layers of an onion, but way more fun.
But wait, there’s more! The EP also features two other bangers: “Fill Your Boots (More Life)“ and “Motivation.” These tracks have been getting some serious airplay on BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio. This guy, Einsam, needs to be studied for his awesome dexterity. “Motivation,” in particular, even landed a spot on Amazing Radio’s Outre Indie playlist – not too shabby!
Now, let’s talk live shows. Einsam isn’t just about studio magic. Jackson’s live shows are where it’s at. He’s shared stages with acts like Just Mustard and Jaakko Eino Kalevi, and he brings the same energy from his recordings to the stage. The chemistry between Jackson and his backing band is electric, making each show feel like a one-of-a-kind experience.
Nowadays most tunes sound like they came off an assembly line, this song is like a shot of adrenaline to your ears. “Something Happened” is a rallying cry just summarising the spirit of Actionism—a call to action in a world that regularly cheers complacency – you know, that whole “get off your butt and do something” vibe. Einsam is not just another name in the crowd.
“Something Happened” is a friendly yet strict wake-up alarm for anyone seeking to break free from the chains of inertia. Sam Jackson’s solo project is hitting all the right notes, blending wise-man stuff with melodies that’ll be stuck in your mind for days. As he continues to shape his track in the music industry, one thing is clear: Einsam is a name to watch, and Actionism is just the beginning of what promises to be the best of this man.