Micah Chudleigh
Updated: Mar 28, 2021
After teasing fans with the trailer over the weekend, south London's Sam Wise has released his 'Bug or Bird' short film, detailing the run-up to his headline show in Islington and reflecting on his come-up thus far.
The 'Sorry You Were Saying' rapper also takes us through his neighbourhood in Vauxhall, pointing out pivotal places and moments from his childhood. The film also gives insight behind the scenes of his team, including his brother, as he prepares for his sold out headline show at the Islington Assembly Hall.
The show, Sam's first as a headliner, was dubbed as the final music show before lockdown. Taking place on the 13th of March - whilst featuring several of Wise's long-time friends and collaborators - the electrifying event truly lived up to it's billing, a the national lockdown in the UK came into effect 3 days later.
The title comes from a moment in the film where a ladybird lands on the window, with Sam Wise enquiring as to whether it is 'a bug or a bird?'. Though a purely innocent question, the nature of it took on a life of it's own for Sam; will you be trodden on, or will you fly?
Featuring excellent cinematography and a hypnotizing piano backing-track, the film really makes you feel as though not only were you there for entire build-up to the show, but as though you've been with Sam and his team from the inception of his career.
The film, directed and produced by Alia Hassan, also features a spoken word poetry segment, with Wise telling his audience to 'be the change you want to see in the world'. The film is a real insight into the mind and artistry of the House of Pharaoh's member, highlighting why he occupies such a unique space in the UK music scene.
The film is now available to watch on YouTube. You can also stream Sam Wise's 2019, 11-track mixtape 'Sorry You Were Saying', here.