“I make sure each project starts with something fresh and unique” Samm interview
Samm is on fire right now. The Belgian DJ-producer is storming the electronic scene, blending deep melodic techno with Afro-house grooves that captivate listeners.
After dropping his breakout single Does It Matter, which turned heads everywhere from Solomun to CamelPhat, he’s now part of Tomorrowland’s official roster at One World Artists. Samm’s performances at festivals like Tomorrowland, alongside icons like Black Coffee, have set him on a meteoric rise. With his label Magnifik, co-founded with Ajna, Samm is curating fresh, boundary-pushing sounds, positioning himself as a true innovator in today’s electronic music landscape.
We’re super pleased to have some time with this incredible artist!
You’ve often mentioned your early start in music, picking up instruments at 12 and entering the electronic scene by 16. Do you think your classical training influenced your production style, and how do those early experiences with instruments shape your tracks today?
Absolutely, my classical training has had a huge influence on my production style. Learning instruments like piano and guitar at a young age gave me a deep understanding of melody, harmony, and structure. That foundation shapes how I approach electronic music. It helps me add layers and emotion to my tracks.
The launch of Magnifik with Ajna seems to be more than just a label but a community. Can you share some of the most memorable moments from building this community, and how has it influenced the growth of both your career and the label?
Magnifik has always been about more than just releasing music. It’s about bringing like-minded people together. One of the most memorable moments was hosting our first label showcase. Seeing family, friends, fans, and other artists all under one roof was surreal. That sense of community has been key to our growth, as it’s created a space for people to share ideas and inspire one another. It’s influenced my career by giving me a platform not only to release my own music but to nurture new talent and keep the creative fire burning.
You’ve collaborated with artists like Ajna on multiple projects, including tracks like ‘Move’. What’s the dynamic like when you work together in the studio, and how do your individual strengths contribute to the creative process?
Collaborating with Ajna is always smooth and natural. There’s an unspoken understanding between us, which makes the process feel effortless. We balance each other out—it’s a creative push and pull where our individual strengths complement one another, ultimately elevating the track.
In a recent release like ‘Does It Matter’, you blend melodic elements with Afro House. What drives you to experiment with different genres, and how do you ensure that each track still feels authentic to your personal style?
I’ve always been motivated to blend genres because it pushes me creatively and keeps my sound evolving. One of the key things I do is avoid working from a template. I always begin with a blank slate and let the process unfold organically. While I may have an idea of where I’m headed or rework elements from past tracks in a new way, I make sure each project starts with something fresh and unique.
You’ve received major support from heavyweights like Solomun, CamelPhat, and Black Coffee. How does that recognition from such established names in the industry influence your confidence as an artist and your future projects?
Having support from industry giants like Solomun and CamelPhat is an incredible affirmation of all the hard work I’ve put in. It feels great to know that I’m on the right path and that the music I’m passionate about is resonating with such influential names. Seeing my tracks played by so many different artists is a clear sign that I’m doing things right, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward with future projects.
You’ve played at iconic festivals like Tomorrowland. How do you prepare mentally and creatively for such massive performances, and do you approach those sets differently than you would in more intimate club settings?
Playing at a festival like Tomorrowland is a completely different experience than a club set. The energy is totally different, and the crowd is massive, so I prepare by focusing on creating moments within the set that resonate with a larger audience, but I still like to leave room for spontaneity. Mentally, I go into it with the goal of creating a journey, regardless of the size of the crowd. But in smaller, more intimate settings, I’m more flexible, feeding off the energy in the room and experimenting more. It’s all about reading the crowd’s vibe.
The track ‘On Vacation’ with Re.You has a laid-back but infectious groove. Can you talk about how the concept of being “on vacation” influenced the mood and flow of the track, and why that theme resonated with both of you?
For ‘On Vacation’, the goal was to create a laid-back, beachy, Afro House vibe—something that feels like the ideal vacation soundtrack. When you’re on vacation, there’s a sense of freedom and relaxation, and we wanted to reflect that in the groove. It’s easygoing but still has a rhythm that keeps you moving. For both Re.You and me, the theme connected on a personal level because we share a love for travel and discovering new places. It was all about channeling that carefree, adventurous energy into the music.
Outside of music, you’ve mentioned in past interviews that you enjoy traveling. How do your travels influence your sound, and are there any places you’ve visited that have had a profound impact on your creativity?
Traveling is a huge influence on my sound because it exposes me to different cultures, rhythms, and atmospheres. Each place I visit leaves a mark on me creatively. I think travel helps me expand my musical vocabulary and keeps my sound evolving.