Monthly Archives: November 2011

What’s up Sam Lachow? Who are you and what do you do?

Waddup! I am a producer, songwriter, rapper, videographer, director, and editor of video and music. I collaborate with a variety of musicians from all over the country to combine the different skill sets and talents of different artists into full-bodied projects. I just released my first solo project titled Brand New Bike, in which I produced all of the beats on the album using all live music with no samples.

You’re currently promoting that debut album. Tell us a little more about what went into creating that project.

This project is not just a collection of songs…it is a full and complete album. Each track sounds very different than the rest and has its own creative qualities. I produced every beat on the album using live music with no samples which gives the album it’s own unique sound. The musicians I used (trumpet players, piano players, singers, guitarists, etc.) are all extremely talented and they all have their own style. It is a hip hop album with influence from all types of genres and styles.

How did you decide who to work with and feature?

I feature a wide variety of artists on this album, all of whom I have a ton of respect for. I did not look to feature anybody based on their buzz or fan base. I chose them because I am a fan of their work and because I enjoy working with them. I made sure to have a nice variety of styles and voices. I wanted to make sure the listener can easily tell apart each rapper or singer from the others. This gives each verse a lot of character and keeps them from blending together.

You are a songwriter, performer, and producer, among many other things. Do you feel it’s important to always have all of the creative control over your work?

Art runs in my blood. I can’t escape it. I began rapping and producing beats around 5th grade and started selling albums to my classmates around 7th grade. I began making movies with my friends around the same time and developed a knack for video editing and directing. I am sort of a control freak, so when it comes to my music, I wouldn’t feel comfortable letting someone else direct and edit the video. I like my fans to know that I do it all, and that they aren’t just listening to a “rapper,” but a well-rounded artist.

Who are some of your musical influences?

I am a huge fan of Outkast and the way they create music. Andre 3000 is the best to ever do it in my opinion. I am also a huge fan of Pharell as a producer, and I tend to be influenced by the Gorillaz when it comes to marketing strategies and style.

You’ve been a part of Shankbone, a group you started in Seattle. When and why did you decide to also start working as a solo artist?

I enjoy working on my own because it gives me more room to experiment and be in control. What I miss about working with Shankbone is simply how much fun we had together. Creating music with those guys was like play time, and the music reflected that. It was fun, but a lot less serious and a lot less musically advanced.

How did growing up on opposite coasts, in Seattle and New York, influence your sound and the way you approach your career?

I am influenced by all music, not a specific “scene” or “style.” Seattle definitely influences my writing because I grew up there, and NYC has definitely had a huge impact on the way I grind. You have to work ten times as hard living in New York as compared to Seattle.

What’s next on Sam Lachow’s agenda?

New videos for tracks off Brand New Bike, and a new 6 track free EP that will be available on my site.

Where can we find you online?

http://www.samlachow.com Twitter @samlachow http://www.facebook.com/samlachow