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.
Contact me through the green button above and let's get to work.
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
