I first heard Sam's music via a This Never Happened track feedback session with Massane on Discord. I immediately knew that he was a talented producer because my phone connection was really bad - yet his song still sounded great (laughs)!
After connecting on Instagram, I realised that he hadn't released any music, and he didn't have any social posts. But it turns out that Sam was busy at home in the studio, creating music and working on his artistic brand. You can now see this hard work coming together with the release of his debut EP on Progressive Vibes Music, with some inspiring self-made visuals to match on his socials.
Keep scrolling to listen to Sam's new EP, and to hear how he got advice from Lane 8!
Socials: @MNDsync
Thank you for joining us Sam, can you tell us where are you in the world right now and what projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently in West Chester, Pennsylvania and I’ve been having lots of fun experimenting with all sorts of styles and sounds after signing my first release. I don’t necessarily want to put myself in a single box of what my sound is. I more so want to build a world around my name, and I am now exploring that world and what it entails.
You said you’ve been producing for a while but that this is your first main release, what motivated you to start working on producing more?
I’d say there were two distinct changes to the tide…
1. The pandemic really allowed me to jump head first into my passions in photography, art, and music; which as a result led to a progression of my sound at a more professional level.
2. Joining Discord communities with other producers providing feedback was life changing. I couldn't be more thankful that I joined this passionate community when it was first blossoming back in 2020.
Listen to Sam's latest release (part one): Strangers
"The pandemic really allowed me to jump head first in to my passions in photography, art, and music"
What would you say has been your biggest challenge so far within music?
Definitely staying consistent and trying to prevent myself from falling into the same pitfalls with every new song I’d start. I always want to evolve and try new things, which I think is the best part about being an up and coming artist. At any time you can remind yourself this could be my sound but I'm always free to adapt it however I like.
And to follow up on the consistency, another thing I used to get really in my head about was making subconscious comparisons between myself and other artists. And in this day and age of social media where we see what everyone is doing every second of their lives, it’s definitely hard not to.
I totally agree, it's so hard not compare yourself to others, how do you tackle this?
So I think it’s important to remind yourself that you’re on your own unique journey and that it’s pointless to compare your work and progress to someone else’s results. It doesn’t have to feel like a race because the truth is there was never a race to begin with, things will fall into place; as long as you're maintaining that consistency.
Check out part two of Sam's EP: Fall Apart
"Remind yourself that you’re on your own unique journey and that it’s pointless to compare your work and progress to someone else’s results"
How do you balance pursuing music alongside other responsibilities and interests?
I honestly just find the time to produce whenever I can see fit. I’ve found using a planner where I write out my tasks for the week helps keep me on target. I’m studying Graphic Design in college which is a whole other passion and thankfully this semester isn’t super time consuming so I can have a nice balance of design projects while making music.
And while I’m used to keeping myself busy, the real game is offering yourself grace to keep from burning out and not treating yourself like a machine. A clear conscience is essential for me to work at my highest level, so breaks and exercise are important to me.
Is there anyone who inspires you or has helped you out on your music journey?
Yeah so many people; Weval, George Fitzgerald, Recondite, Kiasmos, and Andy Stott just to name a few, it felt like a portal opened in the universe when I discovered them. My biggest influence however is a no brainer with Lane 8 and his label (This Never Happened).
Not only did my discovery of his song “Fingerprint” inspire me to produce music in the first place, but I actually sent him a (totally cheesy and badly written) email when I was in high school, asking for advice on how to come to terms with what your “sound” should be. He responded a few weeks later saying:
"I think everyone floats around a bit, and once you get a bit of momentum with a project you try to hone down on one or two specific sounds that people can identify your music by. Doesn't necessarily have to be that way though, there are plenty of artists who purposely reinvent themselves all the time. Up to you! Best of luck on your journey"
Daniel Goldstein (2019)
It was so cool to get some advice from him and I’ve held onto those words ever since.
On the other hand, my biggest role model, Leo Lauretti, has been the best teacher and coach for my music, he’s really helped me develop further than I thought I could since connecting in 2020. So I’d highly recommend joining his discord channel, (Abstrakt Music Lab) and get comfortable with sending your tracks!
Last but not least, what's most important to me is my family who's always urged me to pursue what I love, I owe everything to them in the end of it all.
Thank you Sam - to finish off, what song you have been listening to most recently?
I've been loving this song 'Origins' by Teho as of late. It makes me nostalgic of when I was in High School discovering this genre for the first time and how things felt so fresh and new, really great track.
Three takeaway tips:
Remind yourself of your own unique journey: if you find yourself comparing your work to others, especially when it makes you doubt your own work and progress, then remember, like Sam said - there's no race and you can go at your own pace.
Keep consistent and your own sound will come: In the words of Lane 8 - if you get a song that gains some kind of momentum it may be that you can hone down on a few specific sounds that makes people recognise that it's been made by you. But remember people reinvent themselves as an artist all the time so your sound doesn't have to be set for life, it can be ever evolving.
Save some time for yourself, your family, and your friends: Take the time to look after your own health, and always remember the people who stand by you through thick and thin. You're gonna need them on this journey (laughs)!
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