Fall (August/September 2011) Edition 

Isaac: You have some strong iconic influences. Of these influences, which artist/band do you relate to the most and why?

Sam: I feel like I take a little bit away from all my heroes, but I suppose I am particular to Paul Simon at this moment because he’s such an amazing storyteller. I’m not suggesting that I’ve matched his genius but it’s something I strive for.

Isaac: Do you feel that Indie music gets the respect it deserves? Why or why not?

Sam: Unfortunately, it’s a pay to play world and the artists that make the biggest splashes tend to be the artists that have the biggest backing. I think you need to have talent to get that kind of opportunity but there are a great number of incredible songs and artists out there that may never be heard of. The Internet is changing a lot of things but money never hurts. It takes a lot of time and money to break an artist and most Indie artists don’t have the resources to compete. With all that being said, I still believe that the cream rises to the top. If you or your songs are worthy they will be recognized as such.

Isaac: If you could change one thing about the music business, what would it be and why?

Sam: There would be more outlets for an indie musician on the radio, on television, on the Internet. Let the 12 year olds have Disney and leave the rest for us.

Isaac: What type of feedbacks have you been receiving about your music from fans and music critics?

Sam: I feel like everyone sees my most current crop of songs as my best music to date. It’s the most well received collection I’ve created. With that being said, I still see its shortcomings and I can’t wait to better it. After all, I am my own harshest critic. Well, I’m not as brutally honest as my wife, but I need that honesty if I am going to become a better artist.

Isaac: If you knew that you would never gain fame and fortune with what you are doing now, would you continue to make music? Explain.

Sam: I’ve been writing poetry and music for over 20 years and I will be until the day I die. It’s never been about the money or the accolades. It feels good to be respected and recognized but for me music is about expression and the joy of creation. There are few things in this world as satisfying as sitting down with a guitar and pulling something out myself that never existed before I gave voice to it.

Isaac: How do you handle negative feedback or negative energy about your music?

Sam: I believe that if you can’t stand the heat it’s best to get out the kitchen. If you put yourself out there and you create something as subjective as art, there are going to be people that don’t like it. I want to hear those criticisms and if they resonate with me, I’ll consider them. You can’t learn to see the world differently if you are not open to having your reality questioned.

Isaac: What role do your family and friends play in the equation of your pursuant of a music career?

Sam: My friends and family are my first sounding board and they play on my music. My wife Amber McDonald is an incredible photographer and artist and co-wrote the song “Peanut Butter Wishes” with me. She took my publicity photos. My old friend Joe Karnes played some bass for me, Adam Marcello (Katie Perry) played drums on couple tracks, my buddy Jeremy Dolan played some percussion for me, Eric Lynn played some key board and engineered the title track of the album, and in fact my brother helped mix the album. My friend Timothy Bird created an awesome video for the song “I Know every Raindrop.” And my mother, who is a manager, provides management and advice. Basically no man is an island.

Isaac: What is the best site/s that you can be found on the Internet?

Sam: Sampetersmusic.com

and

www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Sam-Peters-Music/133427126668493

or watch my newest video here



Isaac: The floor is yours; final words…..

Sam: Thanks for talking with me Isaac. It was fun!