There aren't many artists able to elevate themselves from the confines of musicianship and into the consciousness of popular culture. There are few that are as creatively talented as they are musically, Sam Sparro is one of the few.As inspired by Jeremy Scott and Gareth Pugh as he is by SWV and Hot Ch!p, the 25 year-old is utterly engaging. Firstly there's the voice; a big and beautiful scale-defying vocal that dips from bold and beautiful to low, sultry and slow. This guy has serious soul. Sam has also more than mastered the art of melody and knows a killer chorus when he hears one. Just listen to the sublime new single 'Black and Gold' to see for yourself.Armed with a pen that is both poetic and perceptive, 'Black and Gold' is credible, cutting-edge even, yet appeals to the popular. "I thought no one would get me. But they did. It was such a surprise," says the man himself about praise from the likes of Mark Ronson, Pete Tong, Annie Mac, Jo Whiley, Zane Lowe and thousands of MySpace fans and bloggers. They're all drawn to the same thing; a sound that is as distinctive as it is unusual. Blending a host of influences from all ages and genres, Sam has managed to create something that is somehow his own. To describe the sound as simply electrofunksoulpop just wouldn't quite be doing him justice.Not only a brilliant, multifarious musician that writes, performs, produces and arranges all of his own material, he's one crazysexycool character too. His style can be summed up as Sam Sparro meets London glam via Parisian fashionista Jean-Charles De Castelbajac; it's sharp but definitely not too serious. Continuing in the artistic vein, Sam designs his own artwork, makes funny behind-the-scenes videos for YouTube and DJ's the occasional warehouse party. Oh, and recently he released a mixtape, 'Songs Not Bombs,' featuring everything from his own music to cuts from Snoop, Soul II Soul, Montell Jordan and MIA.    The seed was more than sown. Sam threw himself into singing, touring with a gospel group and writing music in his spare time. He also helped out the McRary's by singing back-up and guide demos.Which brings us, basically, to today. About a year ago, the guys slipped out an EP on Modus as a tester; record labels from across the globe came knocking and the likes of Mark Ronson emailed Sam telling him how much he loved 'Black and Gold.' In recent weeks, a raft of Radio 1 DJ's has been playing the track.It's just a taste of what's to come.Truly, one of a kind, there's nothing about Sam you won't like. Cool, creative, iconoclastic and cutting edge, Sam Sparro is undoubtedly about to strike gold. Make sure you're there before the rush.