What’s your stage name and where are you from?
Sam-r and I’m from Beirut, Lebanon
What’s the story behind your stage name?
My stage name, Sam-r, represents both simplicity and authenticity. It’s a play on my real name and a reminder to stay true to myself, whether I’m creating music, mixing tracks, or performing. It’s a name that reflects my journey as an artist, blending raw talent with refined artistry.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
My musical journey has been a constant evolution, fueled by a passion for rhythm and storytelling. From my early days as a drummer to becoming a producer and mixing engineer, I’ve explored every layer of sound to find my unique voice. It’s a journey of growth, collaboration, and staying true to the craft, driven by a deep love for creating music that connects with people.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
While creating Dystopia, I wanted to push boundaries and create something that felt immersive yet raw. One of the most interesting moments came when I experimented with layering distorted vocal textures over a heavy, industrial drum groove—it gave the track its eerie, otherworldly vibe. The whole process felt like building a sonic landscape that mirrored the chaotic energy and emotional depth of the story I wanted to tell.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
Through my music, I want to convey authenticity, resilience, and the power of human connection. Each track is a reflection of real emotions and experiences, with the goal of inspiring listeners to embrace their truth and navigate life’s highs and lows. At its core, my music is about storytelling—bridging gaps and creating moments where people feel seen, heard, and understood.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
One of the biggest challenges I faced during production was finding the perfect balance between raw emotion and polished sound, especially on tracks like Dystopia. There was a point where the mix felt too clean, and it was losing the grit and intensity I envisioned. To overcome this, I went back to the basics—experimenting with analog gear, layering distorted textures, and trusting my instincts to bring back the edge. It was a reminder to let the creative process flow and not overthink the details.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
If I could collaborate with any artist, it would be J. Cole. His ability to blend profound storytelling with impeccable lyricism is unmatched, and his dedication to authenticity aligns perfectly with my own approach to music. Working with someone who’s not only a master of their craft but also deeply connected to their message would be an incredible experience, pushing creative boundaries and inspiring something truly timeless.
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
In the next year, I see my music reaching new audiences and opening doors to exciting collaborations and opportunities. I want to continue refining my sound, experimenting with new styles, and performing live to connect with listeners on a deeper level. Ultimately, my goal is to keep growing as an artist and use my music to inspire and resonate with people around the world
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
The next big step for me as an artist is to expand my reach by releasing a full-length project that truly showcases my versatility and vision. I’m also looking to perform on bigger stages, collaborate with like-minded artists, and dive deeper into storytelling through my music. It’s all about leveling up while staying authentic to who I am and the message I want to share.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
You can check out my most recent work, including Dystopia, on all major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. I’m also sharing behind-the-scenes content and updates on my Instagram and other social media, so you can follow along for the latest releases and performances (@soundslikesamer)