Daily Inspiration: Meet Sam

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam.

Sam, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Grew up in southern Maine and went to Boston to study at Berklee College of Music. Spent 14 years in Boston working as a professional DJ and Audio Engineer. Worked for Berklee College for 4 years supporting the program I attended before taking a leap of faith and moving to Atlanta. Luckily I was able to join an amazing DJ company ‘Amp’d Entertainment’ that has given me the opportunity to perform at venues such as the Atlanta Botanical Garden and the very classy Bar Margot at the four seasons hotel (shoutout to my staff at Bar Margot, y’all are the best!). Currently networking in the professional audio space and have good relations with two studios in town, those being the recently renovated 699 (formerly 11th st studio) and No Turning Back (NTB Sounds). Hoping to grow my network of local musical artists and collaborate to help them realize their dreams in sonic landscapes. Find me on instagram @milimadeit.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As with most artists we aren’t given pensions or healthcare, so it was scary leaving the relative stability that working for a college was able to bring. Without reaching superstar levels of fame, it’s difficult to cut a living in the music and entertainment industry, but I’ve always chased impact over wealth. Ultimately I’m incredibly grateful for my amazing wife Nielle, AKA Mr.s Mili for pushing me to take the leap of faith and try something new.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a professional DJ, Producer and Audio Engineer. From sonic curation at events both private and public to building artists and repertoire in my local scene. There’s nothing more satisfying to me than pulling off a memorable event or helping an artist take a demo to a fully realized song. I’m a music lover in general and I’m grateful to have collaborated on feature length albums in Hip-Hop, Jazz, Classical, Rock and Contemporary Pop music.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Most of us artists find something we love and HOPE that it will pay us. The truth is what I thought I’d be doing out of college is not at all what kept me afloat. My relationship with DJ’ing has been tenuous at times, but it continues to be something that allows me to pay the bills and have the flexibility to pursue my artistic interests such as writing and recording music. We’re in a really tough time for anyone who isn’t independently wealthy and some of the most successful people I know still take part time jobs, have day jobs, or even entire careers separate to their artistry. This to me is not a sign of failur; as long as you’re still doing what you love I’d call it success.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milimadeit/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-milinazzo-b3bb24120/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6lS8JgkbYwAYSN3O7uSRrA