Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Calhoun.
Hi Sam, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It truly all started with Smash Mouth’s ‘All-Star’, no joke. I used to listen to that song all the time as a kid and i loved it so much i sought out the CD at my local library. I carried my walkman anti skip CD player around everywhere and I would listen to the album on repeat intently listening to the space age theme of the album and how every instrument worked to build up this futurist utopia i was sonically living in. It was just sparks and curiosity from there. I would go to the library frequently and browse every CD in alphabetical order and whatever album art jumped out at me I checked it out and listened. I found Beck’s ‘The Information’ that way. The more curious I got musically, the more I yearned to make music of my own and have people feel the way I did when I first picked up ‘Astro Lounge’. The first chance I got I picked up and instrument when we were given musical initiatives in middle school, and for some reason I chose the clarinet. I really did love that thing and I practiced often but the sounds I was making didn’t feel familiar to me or make me curious. My new music teacher at the time, Ms. Robinson, let me play guitar for the first time and this time I felt sparks. I think within the next month I had sold my clarinet and my Dad sold a violin that my sister had basically given up and I got my first ever guitar. From there it was ultimateguitar.com (before the pay walled tabs), and youtube covers and more musical knowledge and expansion all before I even got into high school. I started playing in bands, getting shows, and learning stage etiquette, but still hadn’t found my sound or even what my contribution to the musical landscape would be yet. I think around 2013-2014 I fell in love with Rap and Hip-Hop on a molecular level, like I actually felt that shit and what it meant. It was around then that i started my beat-making journey using pretty much everything I’ve taken in musically over the years. Beat-making was probably also the most humbling thing I’ve ever done musically; I feel like i have more trash beats then I have actually good ones even to this day. Then, I lived in Chicago and since Ive moved to Atlanta, I’ve really spread my wings and found my voice.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has seen all kinds of turbulence, the biggest of which has probably been self doubt. I’ve had all kinds of money and living and job issues. I’ve been a horrible friend and ruined relationships. I was homeless in the winter in Chicago. I had kind of an unstable friend group. I’ve been in an abusive relationship. All of these things were situational, with opportunities for change (even tho difficult) but really tricking myself and not believing in my talents and what I could do felt like the first domino falling. Like going through all this shit, and then making art that reflected that pain and also the happiness I felt, then not wanting to release anything or let anyone hear what I was working on because I was afraid I wouldn’t sound cool or hard or whatever has got to be the ultimate self sabotage. I’m glad where I am now and how comfortable I am with my music but I don’t think anyone should stop themselves from sharing their crude feelings and creativity with the world.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Music Producer/Engineer. Im also a graphic artist. I specialize in music and visual taste-making, which is just a pretentious way of saying i make music and visual art of all kinds! Im known for my Hip Hop beats and dual wielding SP 404s. Im most proud of my new album ‘World Piece (vol. ii)’ because it took 5 years to make and everything has changed since I started it. Plus, its a damn good album. I think my ability to never take myself too seriously sets me apart from others. This music shit is bigger than me and Its all about community and what we’re making out of it.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Everything about me being in Atlanta at this moment feels like being in the right place at the right time. I told myself that in 2024 I would break into the music scene, but I had no idea how. A few weeks later Im walking into my local liquor store and my now friend Q tells me about Auxigen. 2025 I go on tour with Imp. Im not sure If I’m lucky, but my favorite number is 7 for a reason.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://favvors.bandcamp.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/favvors
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@favvors
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/favvors
Image Credits
All Pictures Taken By: Patricia Villafañe
