The race to be Coldplay’s support act in Perth just got political.
Singer Sam McGovern has been lobbying politicians and has launched a viral campaign in a bid to win over Chris Martin.
The 23-year-old from Golden Bay, who has amassed over 350,000 followers after appearing on The Voice, claims he has already managed to win over Perth Mayor Basil Zempilas to back him.
Through an original song competition, the British stadium rockers are offering one Perth act over the age of 16 to open their two massive Optus shows in November.
“Basil is backing me,” the former WAAPA student told The West.
McGovern explains he tried to get into Optus to film a stunt for the competition.
“They wouldn’t let me in. But it all worked out — divine timing — as I walked back to my car Basil was there! He noticed me and I noticed him. I went up to him and asked who he thought should open. He had previously mentioned a few other bands but I changed his mind with a performance. He was sold!”
McGovern is pitching a song to Coldplay called Hotel Rooms.
“It’s unreleased from my upcoming EP. We recorded it in John Butler’s studios where he recorded Ocean. This song is about love that is too good to be true. You know it can’t last. It’s like a hotel room. It’s great for a few nights but you can’t stay there forever.”
The singer feels he is “destined” to be picked.
“As an artist I have always liked to put myself out there in the most confident, unsuspecting ways. If you want to reap the rewards you really have to take the risk. Do things that no one else is doing. I am quite well known for doing that in Perth — a lot of my signs are plastered around trees and bridges promoting my music. I’m going out there being very confident and ambitious, in different scenarios with strangers.”
Even though it is music experts and ultimately the band shortlisting and picking the winner, McGovern is raising his profile to get on the radar.
“I spent all day putting my ‘McGovern for Coldplay support act’ signs around. I put them all around Scarborough, Cottesloe, Fremantle — all the areas where I live. Other tactics include asking the people of Perth who they want. I’m trying to change their mind by performing for them and filming these reactions with strangers.”
He insists social media — not talent shows — is the path to growing an artist profile.
“These TV shows are a good platform to give you a good kickstart. After that the internet can kickstart it,” says the determined singer. “My last campaign, I amassed over 35 million views on my socials. I gained 350,000 followers in the space of two months. I couldn’t reach that on a TV show, that was all off my own back and promotion.”
“My ambitions are gigantic,” says McGovern who promises to buy Chris Martin “a tea” if his campaign works and he gets picked.