Samm started his musical journey at 16, initially drawn to DJing before evolving into production. His breakthrough came with the release of “Does It Matter”, which garnered support from industry heavyweights like Adriatique, CamelPhat, and Keinemusik. Samm’s sound is marked by infectious grooves and intricate production, earning him sets at major festivals like Tomorrowland.
In 2024, Samm released “Move”, a collaboration with Ajna on CamelPhat’s label, When Stars Align. The track blends dark, indie dance vibes with a haunting bassline, capturing the attention of both audiences and top-tier DJs and being names Pete Tong’s Essential New Tune in August. This year also saw Samm and Ajna remixing Hakim’s “Ah Ya Albi”, an afro-house reinterpretation that has further solidified their rising profiles. Alongside producing, Samm co-founded the Magnifik label with Ajna, pushing forward their shared vision for innovative electronic music.
Your debut single, “Does It Matter,” has been described as a warm, laid-back piece that pairs expressive vocals with a fresh bassline. How do you balance the emotional depth with dancefloor appeal in your productions?
Balancing emotional depth with dancefloor appeal comes naturally to me. I believe music should move people both emotionally and physically. When I’m in the studio, I aim to create music that makes people want to dance, while adding melodies and vocals that evoke emotions. It’s all about finding the right balance.
As a Belgian artist, how has the local music scene influenced your sound, and how do you think it contrasts with other electronic music hubs around the world?
Belgium has a rich musical history. Growing up here, I was exposed to a variety of sounds that shaped my musical outlook. Compared to other hubs around the world, which often have a strong identity tied to their music, I think Belgium’s strength lies in its diversity. This allows artists like me to blend different styles and influences without being confined to a specific sound or genre.
“On Vacation” has a distinctly relaxed yet groovy vibe. What was the inspiration behind the track, and how did you and Re.You collaborate to bring that vision to life?
As a big fan of Re.You’s previous productions, we naturally gravitated towards each other and decided to collaborate. Initially, we worked on one track, which came together in just a single day. We kept the momentum going, and within 3 or 4 days, we had three tracks ready. The process felt effortless because we both tend to avoid overthinking. If something feels right, we go with it and aim to release it. For “On Vacation,” the goal was to capture a laid-back, beachy, Afro House vibe—something that feels like the perfect soundtrack for a vacation.
The Afro House genre has been gaining traction, and “On Vacation” fits seamlessly within it. What draws you to Afro House, and how do you see this genre evolving in the coming years?
Afro House has a unique energy that brings people together. Unlike many genres that rely on predictable drum loops, Afro House is defined by its originality. The drum patterns, snare loops, and hi-hats often vary, and the low end is incredibly warm and harmonic. I see Afro House continuing to grow and influence other genres. It’s already spreading globally, and I think we’ll see more artists incorporating its elements into their own music and pushing the sound in exciting new directions.
You’ve collaborated with various artists in the past. What do you look for in a collaboration partner, and how does that impact the creative process?
For me, a successful collaboration is all about chemistry. I look for partners who share a similar musical vision but also bring something unique to the table. It’s important that we can challenge each other creatively. That dynamic is really inspiring.
Your music often blends melodic elements with deep grooves. Can you walk us through your creative process when you start a new track?
My creative process usually begins with a mood or a feeling. Sometimes it’s a melody that pops into my head, or other times it’s a rhythm I can’t shake. Often, I have a clear concept before I even start working on a track—whether it’s centered around vocals, melodies, or samples. By the time I begin production, I’ve already envisioned about 50% of the track in my mind. I typically start by laying down a solid foundation with a groove, kick, and bassline. For me, the “bass” isn’t just about the low end but creating a strong, cohesive start for the track. Once that foundation is in place, I build from there, refining and tweaking until everything clicks.
Technology and music production tools are constantly evolving. How do you stay ahead of the curve, and what role does technology play in your music-making process?
I don’t focus too much on keeping up with every new piece of technology or production tool. I buy plugins and tools as they catch my interest, but I don’t dive into every new trend or software update. I prefer to keep things simple and work with the tools I’m comfortable with. My approach is more about making creative use of what I have, rather than layering numerous effects on a single channel. I have a few personal tricks, but I like to keep my process straightforward. If a sound works, it works.
The DJ and producer roles often overlap, but they require different skills. How do you balance these two aspects of your career, and does one influence the other?
When I’m producing, I always think about how a track will translate in a live setting. When I’m DJing, I get to see firsthand how people react to different sounds and energies, which directly influences my production work. Being active in both areas helps me stay connected to my audience and the music.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your journey as an emerging artist, and how have you overcome them?
As an emerging artist, one of the biggest challenges has been finding my unique voice and standing out in a crowded scene. There’s a lot of pressure, but I’ve always tried to stay true to my sound. It’s also been challenging to navigate the business side—building a brand, managing releases, and so on. I’ve overcome these challenges by staying focused on my passion for music and surrounding myself with a supportive team.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next few years? Are there any specific projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?
In the next few years, I want to keep evolving my sound and connect with fans around the world. I’m working on some exciting new projects that I can’t wait to share, including more collaborations. Ultimately, my goal is to keep growing as an artist. There’s a lot of exciting stuff on the horizon, and I’m eager to see where this journey takes me.