I see writing lyrics as a mindfulness practice, a way to tap into my spiritual source. When I release my work into the world, my mission is to connect and bring the same response out of the listener. As a client, I will seek to do just that with your project, pushing myself, and deepening the connection with your audience.
As a kid diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, I wrote rhymes to escape. I was so disconnected from my own reality that I delved into a world of my own creation. But when I ran the risk of not being able to graduate high school, I used the same determination that fueled my passion, to propel and excel. Around this time, I grew interest in creating my own Hip-Hop music. This led me to enroll in the “Audio Engineering” program at Flashpoint Chicago, where I connected with other Artists’ in creative ways. After college, I re-assessed my path. Through a journey of self-exploration, spirituality, and well-being, I started connecting with my true self and purpose: to be an artist that utilizes his knowledge and experience to connect with and help other people.
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Interview with Sam the Sentient
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I just wrote and recorded a verse for a song with my producer friend from college. It gave me the opportunity to reflect on an experience from my past, and give myself closure.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: My new single I’m dropping in December.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Not yet, but if anyone on SoundBetter is reading this, I’d appreciate a recommendation to your clients.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: In regards to what I do, I prefer digital technology since it’s easier for me to record my content.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I will always follow your creative direction, and work to deliver the best job possible.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: To be honest, this isn’t currently my job, but if it was, it would be supporting myself off my gifts and providing it as a service.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: What makes you stand apart from every other rapper: Mindfulness
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: It doesn’t make money, which it DOES!
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Do you have any creative direction for me? What is the deadline? How much are you willing to pay for my service?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: I apply myself with every project I do, I will utilize any creative direction you give me, and put in the necessary effort to deliver the best product possible.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Shure SM57 mic LA-2A Compressor 1176 Compressor SSL EQ Waves RVerb
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I’ve been writing raps since I was 12 years old, and I’ve been putting out music and performing at open mics for 3 years.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Spiritual and conscious rap.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Kendrick Lamar. He’s been my biggest inspiration since high school, and he could give me a lot of essential advice.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Record EVERYTHING!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Soul-ful Hip-Hop and Rap
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Writing lyrics
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: A self-aware perspective, attention to detail, and a dynamic performance.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I draw inspiration from intuition, an experience I had, or a burst of spiritual electricity in the moment. When I begin writing, I usually start with the hook, then the verses, which usually takes me no longer than a few hours. Once I record those, I’ll add in the remaining sections.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: A blue Ember small condo set mic, patched to a focus-rite solo interface, into the Logic Pro X DAW.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Kendrick Lamar, Jay Electronica, Common, Noname, OSHUN, Masie Blu, Daveed Diggs
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Writing, performing, and recording rap verses for collaborative features, and licensing projects.
I was the featured artist (at 2:11) in this production
- Songwriter - LyricAverage price - $100 per song
- Beat MakerAverage price - $50 per song
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $50 per song
- ProducerAverage price - $50 per song
- Kendrick Lamar
- Common
- Drake
- Blue Ember Mic
- Focusrite solo interface
- Logic Pro X
