Creativity is often overshadowed solely by the results it bears; polished final products shine brighter than the sweat that goes into them. This is as true for most as it is for singer-songwriter Sammy K. While you can find some insight into his extensive production process via social media, his music is fueled by passion and hard work to a remarkable extent. We sat down (virtually, that is) to discuss his career in depth for the first time, exploring the methodology behind his intuitive lyrics and undeniable melodies.
With songs like “Look Your Way” and “Be Your Hero,” Sam Karagiorgos has amassed an impressive following as a self-made artist, hailing from a small suburban city north of Boston, Massachusetts. His closet stores the hats of both lyricist and vocalist, as well as instrumentalist and producer. This versatility makes him unique, and he takes care to execute each role effectively.
Like many musicians, Karagiorgos got his start at a young age with a timeless set of idols for his inspiration: The Wiggles. “When I was a kid,” he recounted, “a young little Sam, I think my parents took me to see them live.” Enthralled by the ambiance, he would strum along on his fake guitar “with a serious face” as his own means of participating in the fun. This heartfelt dedication also extended to other kid’s programs like Baby Einstein. “[Every instrument] looked like a cool toy, and I wanted to be a part of that.”
Now in his twenties, Karagiorgos can play pretty much any instrument you’d find on a stage. “I can play your basic garage band instruments.” This includes, but is far from limited to, guitar and piano, which both have particularly special places in his heart. “I think piano is my favorite instrument to play, because it’s really expressive.” He admittedly tends to play guitar the most, as evident in his acoustic-style songs and live performances. With growing up, he’s long moved on from the children’s classics of his past, inspired over the years by household names like John Mayer and Ed Sheeran. When asked about his decision to pursue music as a career, Karagiorgos smiled nostalgically.
“I always loved to play music.
I kind of loved showing people things that I made.”
Above all, though, a defining factor was witnessing Mayer discuss his life and journey. “He was my big inspiration to really go for it.”
Karagiorgos fondly reiterated the personal significance of Mayer’s live album, “Where the Light is.” He often listens to it for motivation, most notably as a ritual that began when he first started busking, or performing in public, in Newburyport. After driving to the picturesque coastal city, he’d set up beside storefronts for anyone willing to stop and listen to him play. “I knew every Ed Sheeran song from every record,” Karagiorgos explained.
“I didn’t really care about the money.
I wanted to feel like I was hanging out with people.”
Still today, this is one of his favorite ways to perform. “I really enjoy interacting with passerby and making the little kids’ days.” One of his hopes with busking is to inspire any child staring in awe as he plays, ushered over to say hi by their parent at a song’s end.
In addition to street music, Karagiorgos also likes to take advantage of opportunities at local open mics, especially at a gastropub in downtown Lowell called Warp and Weft. “It’s a spectacular place with a great crowd.” When asked about his favorite songs to perform, he theatrically leaned back and pulled a golden piece of paper of the wall beside him, as if divinely prepared for the question. Although we shared a laugh at the convenience of his setlist, this vigilance is another reason Karagiorgos is so good at what he does. He advises musicians have “four safe songs” practiced for live shows. For him, this includes tracks like “Stop This Train” by John Mayer and “Give Me Love” by Ed Sheeran, which is the first song Karagiorgos ever sang and played guitar to. In regards to his own catalogue, he said his song “Keep Her in the Dark” is the most fun to perform. A key piece of wisdom by which he guides his song choice is to “play the one you sing really well verses something people know or want to hear.”
February 7, 2020
Open mic performance of "Keep Her in the Dark" at Warp and Weft
When describing the music he typically creates, Karagiorgos likes to use the term pop, “because pop means popular.” In addition, writing all of his songs on his own, puts him in the impressive singer-songwriter category as well. Recalling years prior to the start of his career, he revealed, “I wrote songs, but I never did anything with them.” For example, the first set of lyrics he penned dates back to his days in high school. “I had a crush on this girl… and I wrote this dumb song.” A critical turning point with songwriting for Karagiorgos, when he began to take his work more seriously, came in the aftermath of a breakup. “I couldn’t listen to our playlist anymore.” That being said, he further explained the various places from which he pulls inspiration for songs, outlining three main sources:
1) Boredom and Loneliness
“If I have a lot of time on my hands, that makes me want to play and write. I feel like it’s a perfect storm kind of thing, like I’m ready to get something out of me.”
2) Going out
“[I’ll] get nostalgia, or see something crazy.” He finds himself pausing conversations to jot down a witty line he’s said or heard when talking to others. Not unlike most story writers I know (including myself), Karagiorgos also described the importance of typing his ideas into his phone while he’s out.
3) An experience
This is where the personal events and memories come into play. While Karagiorgos mostly keeps these anecdotes private, he’s able to weave genuine sentimentality into his tracks because of his passion.
This further applies to the rhythms and melodies Karagiorgos creates as well. “Sometimes I’ll start producing [the song] before I finish [the lyrics],” he confessed. Both the words and sounds in his music require a certain level of intuition; he often relies on instinct and experimentation to find the right fit each time. “If I write a song, and complete it, and have played it, then I know how to produce it.” In particular, Karagiorgos named “Be Your Hero” one of the more difficult songs he’s completed. “It took me a long time to figure out the sound of that.”
While there’s no part of the process that Karagiorgos would describe as particularly easy, recording is what he finds most exciting, “even if it can be frustrating.” The biggest obstacle of music production was, conversely, clear to him. “Finishing a project is definitely the hardest.” He attributes this to indecision, which prompts him to explore lots of options for each song before making up his mind for the final cut. He also explained that he isn’t necessarily productive 7 days a week, and doesn’t expect himself to be. There are times when he feels distracted, lazy, or simply uninspired, but he lives by a uniquely patient wisdom.
“I don’t believe in balance. Some days you’re 100%.
Sometimes you’re 100% for weeks.
But, some days, you’re not.
I’ve come to terms with knowing that there is no balance.”
This degree of forgiveness allows him to work more effectively and ease overwhelm, especially in times that are markedly hectic. “Part of the creative process is allowing yourself to not get burnout.”
After finishing a couple semesters of college as a full-time student, Karagiorgos decided to make the shift to fewer classes, allowing him to focus predominantly on his music. “I’m always going to be pursuing that [degree] until I’m sure I don’t need it.” He’s grateful for the support he’s received in response to this move, especially from his parents. “They believe in me more than they should.” Although most of his family and friends have been encouraging, there are still times Karagiorgos is wary when discussing his music career. Some who don’t know better express relief that he’s not pursuing music seriously anymore, and he usually doesn’t correct them.
“Society tells you to settle down and have kids by 30, but you have to do what makes you happy.
Happiness is going to look different for everyone.”
The overarching goal Karagiorgos has right now is to make a living on his music. For him, that translates to playing lots of shows and, of course, earning a blue check mark on social media platforms. It’s also more personal than the tangible benefits. “[I want to] ultimately be an inspiration. I believe this world needs more people who are influencers.” He explained that, while plenty of influencers today help dictate “what we wear and what we listen to, the world needs people who are up there [to] teach about Jesus.” From his perspective, Christianity and faithful practices have a misinformed reputation that has grown detrimental. “The world needs more Christian artists in the main stream industry. Because we’re all human.”
While the future is always going to be unpredictable, Karagiorgos has an optimistic approach for making a name for himself in the industry. “I just need to move with what is the biggest need right now.” He said that being malleable and constantly adapting are important aspects for anyone trying to doing so. His work ethic is evident in his frequent live streams and promotion material, but, above all, enjoying what he does is a great motivator. The advice he suggested for others is exactly what he tries to stick to. “Be bold and believe in yourself. Treat your music like it’s amazing. Be sure about it. Be confident in what you’re creating.” Similarly, while he agreed having plans and goals is beneficial, he doesn’t believe in shying away from the uncertain.
“Go with the flow, figure out where you are, and don’t get ahead of yourself.”
The journey is all but over for Karagiorgos as he continues pursuing his career in the music industry. With his talent, skills, optimism, and faith, the world can expect to see and hear so much more from him. You can find his songs on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and SoundCloud. Be sure to follow him on Instagram and Facebook for everything that’s yet to come!
A big thanks to Sammy K for sharing his passion and allowing this all to happen.
Artwork by KanWritesEverything based on lyrics written by Sammy K
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