Born in Essex, Sam Ryder, 34, played pubs and clubs before the first UK Covid lockdown, when he began posting music on TikTok. In 2022, he represented the UK at the Eurovision song contest and came second to Ukraine. His song, Space Man, went on to reach No 2 in the UK singles chart and he was nominated for best new artist at the 2023 Brits. His debut album is There’s Nothing But Space, Man! and his song Fought & Lost featured in the last series of Ted Lasso. He has been appearing at festivals throughout the summer. He lives in Essex with his partner.
Which living person do you most admire, and why?
Brian May, because of his love of wildlife and love of music. He’s a kind, gentle soul.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I’m quite stubborn.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Probably the same thing.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
I once did a record store signing in LA, which I had no business doing. No one was there – just staff. They were getting ready to close the shop and sweeping up.
What is your most treasured possession?
A sixpence from Brian May; he plays guitar with a sixpence instead of a plectrum.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Back when I was a kid, it was Rachel Stevens from S Club 7. I met her the other day at a Comic Relief filming. I am getting flustered now even talking about it.
Describe yourself in three words
Enthusiastic, enthusiastic, enthusiastic.
What makes you unhappy?
Overthinking and putting too much pressure on myself, and not realising my blessings.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I will never be selling feet pics, put it that way.
What is your most unappealing habit?
Muttering to myself. My partner says I’m like Snape at the Quidditch match.
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What did you want to be when you were growing up?
An astronaut.
Would you choose fame or anonymity?
I wish that to be a musician you didn’t have to be famous.
What do you owe your parents?
We had no connections, no financial aid, no Brit School. I was just an idiot with a guitar trying to play in pubs and clubs. They would drive me everywhere and always keep my fire burning.
What does love feel like?
Laughing and silliness.
What did you dream about last night?
I dreamed that me and Anne-Marie wrote a song about joining a football team.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Stoked and bonkers.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
People told us Eurovision was like a poisoned chalice – to have been part of an amazing team that worked on changing the attitudes around that is really cool.
How would you like to be remembered?
I don’t care.
What happens when we die?
I have lots of beliefs about that, but that will have to wait for another interview.
Tell us a joke
I went out and bought so many Dracula dolls, I lost Count.
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