We dive into the journey of Samm, a rising electronic music artist who began DJing at 16 and quickly transitioned to producing.
Drawing from a rich family background steeped in music, Samm developed a unique approach, combining traditional elements like structure and melody with the ever-evolving tools of electronic music. A pivotal moment in his career came with the release of Does It Matter, a track that gained support from industry heavyweights like Solomun, CamelPhat, and Adriatique, propelling his artistry to new heights.
We also explore his collaboration with Ajna, both in the studio and as co-founders of Magnifik Records. Their label focuses on creative authenticity and fostering a strong sense of community, a key vision in their approach to both music and business. Notably, their recent release Move pushes boundaries with a dark indie dance vibe, crafted to energize festival crowds.
You started DJing at 16 and producing shortly after. How did your early exposure to music, especially through your family’s influence, shape your approach to electronic music?
Growing up in a family where music was always present gave me a strong appreciation for various musical styles and traditions. It made me curious about how different elements come together to create a track. When I started making electronic music, I approached it with the mindset of a traditional musician, thinking about structure, melody, and harmony, not just the beats and drops. This early exposure taught me the importance of blending technical skill with emotional expression. Today, I aim to bring the same emotional depth and complexity to my tracks while exploring new sounds with the tools and technology of electronic music.
‘Does It Matter’ was a major milestone in your career, gaining support from names like CamelPhat and Adriatique. How did this track come together, and how has its success impacted your artistic direction?
‘Does It Matter’ came together quite naturally. It started as a bassline-driven track, and from there, we layered other elements on top. I stumbled upon a vocal that fit perfectly, and once we added it, the whole track just clicked. It sounded amazing as it was, so we kept it simple. Surprisingly, the track was completed in just one day. ‘Does It Matter’ was really the start of everything for me. It opened doors I never imagined, getting the attention of big names like Solomun, Keinemusik, CamelPhat, and Adriatique. Knowing that these influential artists, and even the wider world, were listening to my work made me realize the impact my music could have.
Your collaboration with Ajna on both music and the founding of Magnifik Records has been well-received. What was the vision behind creating Magnifik, and how do you balance your creative and business roles?
The vision behind creating Magnifik was to build a platform where we could release music that truly represents our artistic vision and support other talented artists. We focus on authenticity and quality, giving each project the time and attention it deserves. By staying connected with our fans, we ensure a strong sense of community. Our goal is to build a label that values creativity and collaboration, bringing people together around our shared passion for music. Balancing creative and business roles can be challenging, but it’s something I’ve learned to manage over time. On the creative side, I focus on making music. When it comes to the business side, I work closely with Ajna. We each bring different strengths to the table, and we trust each other to handle our respective areas effectively.
‘Move,’ your recent release with Ajna, features a dark indie dance vibe. Can you walk us through the production process of this track and how it fits within your evolving sound?
With ‘Move,’ we aimed to create something bigger and more suited for festival crowds, as we felt our sets were missing that kind of energy. We started with a straightforward bassline we had already recorded, then built the track by layering drums and chords. We added a lot of trim to the sounds, giving the lead a kind of shivering texture. The vocals really brought it all together, giving the track a unique feel while still fitting within our evolving sound.
You’ve been supported by industry heavyweights like Solomun and Keinemusik. How does their backing influence your confidence and future projects?
Having support from industry giants like Solomun and CamelPhat is an incredible affirmation of all the hard work I’ve put in. It feels great to know that I’m on the right path and that the music I’m passionate about is resonating with such influential names. Seeing my tracks being played by so many different artists is a clear sign that I’m doing things right, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward with future projects.
You’ve performed at iconic festivals like Tomorrowland. How do you approach live sets, and how do they differ from studio production in terms of energy and creative flow?
For live sets, my goal is to create an exciting and memorable experience for the audience. I prepare by choosing a mix of tracks that build energy and keep the crowd engaged. I also adjust my set based on how the audience is reacting. The energy of a live performance is all about being in the moment and connecting with the crowd. In contrast, studio production is more about crafting and refining each element of a track. I spend time experimenting with sounds and perfecting details. It’s a more detailed and solo process. Both are important, but they involve different approaches and energies.
Afro House and melodic techno are key elements of your sound. What draws you to these genres, and how do you maintain authenticity while experimenting with new influences?
I’m drawn to these genres because they both blend rhythm, melody, and emotion. Afro House has this vibrant energy that makes people want to dance, while melodic techno has more emotional depth. They allow me to explore different moods and styles in my music. To keep my sound authentic while trying out new influences, I make sure that any new elements I bring in complement and enhance my existing sound rather than overshadow it. It’s about finding a balance between innovation and the elements that define my music.
With Magnifik, you’ve built a community-focused label. What future plans do you have for the label, and how do you aim to foster the next generation of electronic music talent?
Our focus with Magnifik has always been on community and collaboration. Going forward, we plan to grow this sense of community by bringing in new artists with fresh and exciting sounds and supporting emerging talent. We want to provide a platform for these up-and-coming artists to share their music and connect with fans. We also aim to host more events and expand our showcases beyond Belgium, reaching new international audiences.
