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On The Table Read, “the best entertainment magazine in the UK“, musician and music producer Sample God talks about his music career and his creative process.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Sample God about his life and career, what inspires his music, and the creative process that goes into his work.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
My name is Sample god, I’m a producer, engineer, dj, and artist. I started my journey 7 years ago in high school mixing records during lunch for the students with just a laptop and a small speaker, that inspired me to want to add my own tracks into the mix. I started my career as a producer using a bootleg version of FL studio that I had downloaded onto my moms I-MAC and started playing with sounds and loops.
From there I adopted the name “Sample god” due to the rising popularity of my beats and artists calling me the “god of samples” , I could turn any sound into a beat. After that I started hitting up artists to send me vocals so I could structure a beat around their voice and send it back to them royalty free.
The first actual beat I made was called “AT&T Type Beat” and it went viral gaining over a few million streams due to mass amount of artists using it and making meme compilations to the sound on vine.
After doing that for a year or two I decided to make my first project, “this album is a journal” which was picked up by an A&R from Sony and got me my first distribution contract. From there the rest is history and I continued to grow a large fan base and made many more records. I believe I have over 600 songs in the vault to this day.
When did you first WANT to write songs?
After wanting to become an artist, I started to write about things that were going on in my life. My English teacher told me I was a very good writer and had a creative imagination, and that I should either go into song writing or become and author. That gave me the confidence I needed to start documenting my life in a “journal” on my iPhone notes and structuring then into songs.
When did you take a step to start writing songs?
Once I had my first breakup. It was my first actual relationship for 2.5 years at 16. It really took a toll on my development as a person.
What was your first song released, and what was it about?
The song was called “Hold Me” and is about how I didn’t know what to do about the circumstances that arose in the relationship and how I would take the steps to fix them.
Focusing on your latest song. What were your biggest challenges with it?
My latest few songs were more uptempo which is something I started to work on in the last couple years. One thing that was a challenge for me was beat selection, I like to use different sounds in my music to catch the ears of my listeners so making sure I pick the right beats is always a challenge for me.
How many songs are you working on right now?
I have ADHD so I’m always working on at least 3 or more songs here and there. I never run out of inspiration so I always have a few tracks up my sleeve
Do you keep to a theme with your music, or just go where the mood strikes?
I used to just sit down and make what I felt like I needed to make. But now that things are becoming bigger I try to group my songs and projects into themes and stories so they are more digestible.
What is your favorite song you’ve recorded, and what do you love about it?
My favorite song I’ve recorded would have to be BOGO. It was the first high energy song I made and I love the way I made myself sound.
Do you find other people’s music inspires you? Who do you listen to most?
I am heavily inspired by artists such as, xxxtentacion, ski mask the slump god, juice wrld, smino, and the $uicideboys. As of right now G59 stays number one on my list.
Do you write your own music, or do you have musicians you work with?
I compose all my music.
Do you play any instruments?
I don’t know how to play any instruments. But if you hand me one I can figure out any song by ear and play it right then and there.
Do you like performing live, or does it scare you? Where can people watch you?
I do have stage fright but I always love getting on stage and pushing myself out of my
comfort zone.
Is your music available online, and where can people listen to it?
My music is available on all platforms in every country.
Are you able to make music full time, or do you have day job?
I’ve just transitioned into being able to quit my job and pursue my music career full time, I run a home studio for the local artists in my area as well as myself
Are your friends and family supportive of your music career?
My family and friends weren’t so supportive in the beginning but as time grew they saw my passion for it and what it was growing into and now they are all on board to support me and watch me grow.
What’s something you never expected about being a songwriter? What have you learned that surprised you?
I never realized how much work went into the process of creating music. The tones, frequencies, delivery. It all can make or break hoe a song turns out.
Have you had any experiences that really stand out because of your songs?
Getting recognized in public in the weirdest places, I’m a very quiet person on the outside so it throws me off that a random person on the street thousands of miles from home yells my name and comes running up to me.
Do you have any important events coming up we should know about?
I’m working on a lot of big things this year. Trips, shows, projects, etc. I can’t give away too much but know there are some big things on the way.
What is the first piece of advice you would give to anyone inspired to write songs?
All it takes is effort. Do the hard work especially when you don’t feel like it. Even if you go to the studio and make nothing for 4 hours. All that matters is you invested into yourself and showed up for your growth.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
I’m blown away at how far this has taken me. I never expected this much out of what I was doing. It started as a hobby and has turned into a purpose. I’m very grateful.
Pop all your music, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
https://www.instagram.com/samplegod/
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sample-god/1450740601
https://www.youtube.com/@SAMPLEGOD
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