NeuFutur Magazine / neufutur.com: Sammy Hakim Interview

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Sammy Hakim Interview

How did “Get A Little Closer” move from initial thought to finished effort?

I originally wrote “Get A Little Closer” the day before going to Nashville to meet with Dave Moody , the head owner of Lamon Records, for the tracks for the EP . I played the song for him and he immediately decided it would be one of the songs on the EP. The next day we booked Quad Studios in Nashville to work with the fabulous production team and musicians on the EP. Everyone was so amazing, they were really responsible for shaping the final product of “Get A Little Closer” by taking the sounds in my head and creating something even better.

How does the single fit into the larger tapestry that is “Sammy”?

“Get A Little Closer” fits into “Sammy” because it’s unique, edgy, and for the fans. Writing for the fans is what makes “Sammy” possible.

What artists and styles most influence your overall sound?

I listen to all kinds of music! From Bruce Springsteen, Britney Spears, The Stones to One Direction, Ed Sheeran to artists like Drake and Lil Wayne, to indie music, and beyond. All the musicians that have shaped today’s music have such talent and have been so incredible to learn from.

What distinguishes the music on Sammy from the rest of the music online?

“Sammy” has its own unique twists and mixes of genres that you really can’t find anywhere else. It’s got a little something for everyone. It blends the line between genres and lets the fans decide what to classify it as. There really is something for everyone between the tracks.

Who are you listening to right now?

The song “I See Fire” by Ed Sheeran just finished playing. But usually I’m listening to whoever’s on the radio!

Who would you sing alongside in a dream concert, and what artist have you most liked playing alongside?

I’d have to say either Elton John or Ed Sheeran. I’ve enjoyed having the opportunity to play with every artist I’ve gotten the opportunity to! There are such talents in the world and I’m fortunate enough to have had the chance to play alongside some of them.

How has your style evolved and changed over the period since you first started?

When I first started releasing music I was working with one sound at one level, and now I’m working with a different sounds at multiple levels. One of the most important factors I’ve learned from my first EP “Locked You Out” was that I had to break out of my comfort zone and try different genres. Because of that, I am now able to write music for any genre, and push myself to limits I hadn’t thought possible.

My music will remain ever changing, I just hope I never disappoint my fans and they’ll jump on to this wagon with me and help me create that moment of ‘huh. What will she do next?’

What has provided more of your fans – Facebook / Twitter or traditional word of mouth?

I think word of mouth and Facebook have played a big role in my name getting out there.

The local papers have also help with all the interviews and yahoo new really gave me some great exposure. Radio tours and interviews reach places that offer a huge amount of exposure as well.