Meet Samm, the young genius whose catchy beats, smooth transitions, and melodic, deep workings have quickly caught the attention of big names in the music business and music fans alike.
Samm is ready to take his art to new heights now that he has signed with One World Artists, Tomorrowland‘s well-known management and booking agency. His official remix of Lost Frequencies and Bastille’s “Head Down,” which came out just weeks ago, is already getting a lot of attention from fans and reviewers.
Combining afro-house with upbeat dance music melodies, Samm’s unique style has caught the attention of big names in music, like Solomun, who named the track they made together “Does It Matter” the track of the year. With help from big names in the business like Adriatique, CamelPhat, Keinemusik, and Themba, Samm’s rise is clear to see.
That’s not all, though. Samm started Magnifik, a new record label and community. He is hosting his own ‘Magnifik’ stage at the Belgian festival Extrema Outdoor, including performances by Amémé, Sona, Avangart Tabldot, and more.
Samm’s journey is just getting started. He is getting ready to play at some of the world’s best events and clubs, like Tomorrowland, Pacha Ibiza, and Extrema Outdoor. We sit down with the rising star for an exclusive chat to talk about his musical roots, how he comes up with new ideas, and his hopes for the future.
So sit back, and enjoy our exclusive interview with Samm.
How did you first get into producing music, and what inspired your unique sound?
Fifteen years ago, I started my journey into music as a producer. I began experimenting with FL Studio and soon transitioned to Logic. Growing up in a musical family, there was always music in the air. I picked up a guitar at age 12, which led me to explore house music and other genres. For the past decade, I focused more on producing for other bands and acts. However, after my child was born, I felt a strong urge to create my own project. That’s when ‘Samm’ came to life.
Can you tell us about the creative process behind your official remix of ‘Head Down’ by Lost Frequencies & Bastille?
It was quite challenging because the original track has a very poppy, radio-friendly sound, so I needed to adapt it to fit my sets. To achieve this, I incorporated my signature bassline and added some chords. Next, I focused on creating a strong drum groove to keep the record going. Felix and Bastille’s vocal creation during the breakdown provided the perfect lift, bringing the energy back into the groove.
Your music blends afro-house and melodic dance music elements. What drew you to these particular genres?
I love percussion that’s not too basic, which is why I’m drawn to African and Latin grooves, but at the same time, I’m a fan of melodic elements like chords and harmonies.
Can you share some details about your new record label and community, Magnifik, and your collaboration with Ajna?
We both began our solo careers around the same time and wanted to create a party that reflected how we would like to party. We had been working on music, so it felt natural to take the next step and build a complete atmosphere around it. That’s when “The Magnifik” concept popped in our head. What defines us is our focus on warm vibes and our type of mellow, yet still clubby music. We aim to connect with our fans on a personal level. Our goal is to make it feel like we’re partying alongside them, not just performing.
What are you most looking forward to about playing at Tomorrowland this summer on the Keinemusik stage?
Since this is the first time Keinemusic will be hosting a stage, I’m eager to see what kind of crowd it attracts. Of course, I’m excited to the set as well.
How did the opportunity to make your debut at Pacha Ibiza as part of CamelPhat’s residency come about?
When Camelphat performed ‘Does It Matter’ and we heard they had an album coming out, they reached out to us for a remix. They’re super friendly and open-minded about discovering new talent, and we were excited about the opportunity. I think their label, When Stars Align, does a fantastic job of shining a light on other artists.
Tell us about the experience of hosting your own ‘Magnifik’ stage at the Belgian festival Extrema Outdoor.
Extrema was one of the first to recognize the potential in what we are doing so we’re forever grateful that they allowed us to curate a line-up like this. This year we have Moojo, Avangart, Tabldot, Sona, Mosoo, Bastin and Ameme on the schedule. We’re excited to see how it all unfolds!
Last year, you shared the Atmosphere stage at Tomorrowland with artists like Black Coffee and Dixon. What was that experience like?
The weather gods were very kind to me. It started raining so badly that everyone at the festival ran to my stage, giving me a packed house! It was my first big festival as ’Samm’ so I enjoyed it every minute of it. Despite the weather, or maybe because of it, the energy was incredible, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience.
How do you approach crafting a setlist or a live performance?
I don’t hahaha — I always look at the crowd and randomly put new tracks on my usb. This is what keeps me fresh as a dj and lets me adapt to the energy of the crowd.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a DJ/producer in today’s music industry?
I believe consistency is key in the music industry nowadays. The days of releasing an album and then going quiet for four years are over. To stay relevant, artists need to maintain a steady presence, whether it’s through new music, live performances, or social media engagement. It’s all about keeping the momentum going and continuously connecting with fans.
How do you balance the creative process of producing music with the demands of touring and performing live?
It can be challenging, but I’ve developed some techniques that help me generate ideas quickly, allowing me to polish and finalize them later.
Are you more of a hardware or software guy when it comes to producing music? What are some of your go-to tools or gear in the studio?
I used to be more of an ‘in the box’ guy but I recently got myself the Project 6 which I plan to set up in MIDI mode to make my productions more expensive. As for in the box, I’m a big fan of Soundtoys and RC10 to tweak and give an analog feel. My favorite synth at the moment is Repro.
Do you have a particular routine or process when it comes to writing and producing tracks? For example, do you tend to stay in the studio until you land on an idea you want to pursue, or do you wait until inspiration strikes and then head into the studio?
Most of the time, I start with an idea in my head, which for me is already about 50% of the work done. If I’m stuck without a clear concept, I pick a random number from 1 to 12, which determines the musical key I’ll start in. From there, I let things evolve and see where the creativity takes me.
How important is sampling and incorporating organic sounds or field recordings into your productions? Can you give an example of an interesting sample source you’ve used?
I always add something ‘real’ to my productions to create a layer that sets the mood right away. This adds a sense of realness and prevents the track from sounding too computerized.
Can you share any details about upcoming projects or releases you’re working on?
The next release is called “Everybody Get Up,” a collaboration with my good friend Maxi Meraki. However, the exact release date is a secret—no one knows when it’s coming! Keep an eye out for it!
How has your sound or approach to music evolved since you first started producing?
My sound and approach to music have evolved enormously since I first started producing. It seems to change every year, partly because I never use templates. This approach forces me to be creative and continuously push myself.
How important is maintaining an active social media presence for you as an artist, and which platforms do you tend to focus on the most?
Maintaining an active social media presence isn’t a top priority for me as an artist, but I don’t stress about how to approach it either. I prefer to keep it simple and focus on just being myself. I like to post or say things that feel genuine rather than making it all about me. This way, I stay true to my personality and connect with my audience in a more authentic way.
What advice would you give to aspiring producers or DJs who are just starting out?
Share your music with others and ask for feedback—don’t overthink it. Just release what you like. To grow as an artist, you need to keep evolving, and the best way to do that is by putting your work out there. So, make sure to finish your tracks and let them see the light of day!
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
If I could get Tom Mish on guitar, FKJ for the musical elements, and myself as the producer, I’d be able to die happy J
