Samvsthekids is an artiste from Lagos, Nigeria.
Hi, Sam! Can you tell us a bit about yourself? How are you coping with the lockdown?
I’m doing great, my name is Samuel Odoh aka Samvsthekids. I’m an alternative artist from Nigeria. I’m a member of the WETALKSOUND collective and I like to think I make timeless music for a constantly evolving generation. Right now I’m in Lagos, making music with some colleagues/friends. The lockdown has been rough on everyone, but I’ve been surviving so I can’t complain.
What was growing up like for you?
Growing up in Bariga, Lagos was an experience as I got to see a lot of sides of humanity, sometimes good, mostly bad. I come from a family of zealous Christians, and I’m basically the black sheep due to my desire to pursue a career in music. One interesting thing about my childhood was that we didn’t have any TVs, so I had to make do with books, so I can say I was heavily influenced and dare I say, partially raised by my favorite book characters.
What kind of music did you listen to, growing up?
One of my earliest music memories is listening to Blessings by Big Sean on the radio and explaining the punchlines to my younger brother while our parents drove us to deeper life camp.
Did your early music experiences influence you to start creating music?
To be honest not really, all the music I listened to as a child was gospel.
When did you start creating music? When did you start pursuing it professionally?
I started creating music in 2018, but it wasn’t until 2019 that I decided to take it very seriously.
Who & what inspires you to make music now?
My biggest inspiration is life itself, I draw inspiration from my experiences, other than that, artists like Xxxtentacion, A-Reece, PsychoYP, Drake, Nf, and Token inspire me.
Do you play any musical instruments? Can you produce and engineer yourself?
I can play the keyboard to an okay degree, but I’m still learning, of course, I don’t know how to mix and master yet, but it’s a work in progress. I tend to get very involved when I’m working on my music, from the producer to the mix engineer, I like to be present.
When you create, what’s your process like? What are some things you do to get into the zone to create?
If I’m being honest, I don’t really have a process, sometimes I write a song, then find an appropriate beat for it, or I find a beat, then write an appropriate song for it. All I need to have is the motivation and the idea of what I want to create. I don’t really need any extra help to get in the zone, but I don’t mind it either.
Do you make music for yourself or does your audience influence your direction?
I make music for myself sometimes, because I know that a large portion of my audience would relate, but I also make music specifically for the fans too, without them I wouldn’t be here.
Have you ever performed on stage? How did it feel?
I’ve performed on stage a LOT of times, and they’ve been electric for the most part.
How is support from your family regarding your music?
Support from my family is a battle I’ve been trying to fight, but this year I gave up, as I realized I already lost. It’s been this way since the beginning.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your career as an emerging artist?
The most challenging aspect for me has to be funding and access to resources.
Will you rather be independent or sign to a record label right now? Why?
I’d rather be signed to a label, I’ve heard the horror stories but being broke is pretty horrific too, plus I’d love to use the platform and resources a proper label brings.
What have you learnt the most so far in your music and life journey?
Patience, and the fact that life can change in an instant.
Many artists have distinctive visual brands. What would you say is your fashion style? Do you have a stylist?
I don’t have a stylist Just yet, and my style is still a work in progress.
How frequently do you release music? What influences your decision on when to drop music?
I think I’m at liberty to say I release music frequently, I dropped 2 EPs and 2 Collab EPs last year. I’m actually working on a couple right now, but those aren’t dropping anytime soon.
Any projects coming soon?
The idea behind “SAMVSTHEKIDS EP” was basically to show what was going on in my head at that point in my life. 4 tracks specially curated to reflect my mindstate and how I felt about my reality.
If given the chance, would you: Reinvent the wheel or build a new chariot?
I’d rather build a new chariot.
What’s the goal for you? What would a successful career for you look like?
The goal is to touch lives, on a worldwide scale, people are going through so much, and if I can give them great memories and make them just a little bit more intelligent, whilst making enough money to be independent and financially stable. I’d consider that quite successful.
Would you take a 9 to 5 job to supplement your income – do you currently have a job – or do you do music full-time?
I’d definitely get a 9 – 5 job to supplement my income when the opportunity and need arises, I don’t romanticize the idea of an overnight success. Currently, I’m a final year student, I’m also a freelance writer, other than that, I do music full time.
Where can people reach you on all platforms?
Twitter: @samvsthekids_ Instagram: @samvsthekids
Email: Odohs201@gmail.com
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