Meet Sam August

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam August.

Sam, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born in Ontario, Canada where I found my passion for music at a young age. I wanted to play guitar so badly, so my parents got me my first guitar when I was eight years old. From there, my love for music grew like wildfire. Growing up, my family moved around a lot, which exposed me to various styles of music. It also gave me a chance to meet a lot of people and experience different cultures, which all influence and fueled me to push boundaries by incorporating multiple genres into my sound.

At nineteen, I started playing on street corners while living in Asheville, NC visiting open mic’s and playing out as much as possible. I started making connections, which led me home to Atlanta, GA!

I moved to ATL when I signed a solo recording & management deal. Over the course of about six years, while searching for the right fit, I ended up leaving the label I was with and went on to sign two other record contracts. My experiences throughout those years taught me so much about myself, my artistry, the music industry, and how important it is to stay true to yourself. I ultimately found that being a touring artist wasn’t for me. My true passion is in the writing and production side of things, so I followed my heart, and that’s what I do today.

Has it been a smooth road?
I would say that the biggest struggle I’ve faced throughout my journey is mental health. I’ve battled with anxiety and depression since I was a young kid, and I was eventually diagnosed with PTSD from childhood traumas. Then in my early twenties, I went through over a three year long trial process against my childhood abuser. Although this battle has caused hurdles in my life, music has saved me. Music paired with therapy, medication management, and learning how to cope have all helped me find my unique ways of navigating life and chasing my dreams.

I’ve also had a significant life change recently. About two years ago, I tested positive for BRCA 1, which is a cancer mutation that increases your risk for breast and ovarian cancer by up to 85%. That paired with a strong family history of cancer and abnormal breast exams, I had added additional risks. After weighing my options, I decided to have a double mastectomy just over one year ago. Since my surgery, I have been healing, adjusting to my new body, and focusing on regaining my strength and range of motion, but I am getting there one day at a time! A big thank you to my fiancée for her fantastic support.

I hope to help others who might be going through similar experiences by sharing my story and spreading awareness. If you read this and identify with any of it, feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or need someone to talk to! You are not alone.

We’d love to hear more about your music.
I am a songwriter, music producer, vocal producer, and musician in Atlanta. I create with and for artists across a spectrum of styles and genres. I’m also an Atlanta based singer-songwriter, and you can catch my acoustic sets at local intimate venues.

One of the biggest things i’m proud of is starting my own publishing company in my early twenties. As far as music achievements go, I’m grateful to have played guitar on the #1 Hit Song ‘The Git Up’ as well as co-producing songs on Blanco Brown’s debut album ‘Honeysuckle & Lightning Bugs.’ Another dream come true for me was another project where I got the chance to work with Keke Wyatt. I’m definitely excited to continue growing my career in this beautiful music community! As far as what sets me apart from others, I think that my unique experiences have shaped my sound and helped push me to create without boundaries.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that Atlanta brings together people from all walks of life and musical styles!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.samaugustmusic.com
• Email: sam.betruemusic@gmail.com
• Instagram: samaugustmusic
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/samaugustmusic2

Image Credit:
Starr Jamezz, Nate Kieser

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