Interview: Sammy Baker
Sammy Baker was a top 10 finalist and winner of the SAE scholarship in Season 1. Our host Nathan Sapsford caught up with Sammy to see how he's got on since completing his diploma in audio engineering
Nathan: Hey Sammy, you've come a long way with your music since your success in MySchoolAct in 2009, what have your favorite moments been?
Sammy: Prior to MySchoolAct, music was just a hobby. But now I aim to make it my career. Shortly after MySchoolAct, I played my first gig. I expected the crowd to consist of my parents and a few friends. Turns out over 200 people heard the news and came to watch. This has to be one of my favorite moments in my music career, although the first 10 minutes were a bit rough with all the nerves and adrenalin pumping!
Nathan: You just released your debut EP 'Game Over' on iTunes, congratulations! You had some big names in the biz help out in the making it, mastering it at 301 studios no less. How was that experience?
Sammy: Absolutely fantastic. I’ve had so much help from so many different people throughout the entire process. I tracked down Joachim Mueller through Facebook as I had heard his work and knew that he was a brilliant producer. I flew up to Brisbane and recorded the 5 track EP over a period of three days. I was blown away with how Joachim could listen to my songs, and within a matter of minutes, transform the songs from a basic acoustic tune into thick sounding radio-ready tracks. He strongly recommended sending the tracks to 301 studios to get mastered by Steve Smart, world renowned mastering engineer, and after listening to the final product, I’m stoked that I did.
Nathan: You've had a lot of success in various competitions, what makes MySchoolAct different?
Sammy: MySchoolAct was the first music competition I ever entered, and it is by far the best one I have participated in to date. Everything you could possibly want in a competition was included in the three days of MySchoolAct ranging from the legalities of the music industry to getting a chance to record a song in one of the best studios in the world, 301 studios. I gained so much knowledge from my time at MySchoolAct, that I probably wouldn’t be in the position that I am in now if I wasn’t a part of it. I will never forget sitting 5 feet away from Paul Dempsey listening to him sing an intimate set to the finalists, it was a once in a lifetime experience. The things I took away from MySchoolAct have set me on the right track for a promising career in the music industry, and I’m so grateful that I was a part of it.
Nathan: What do you think of the prizes on offer for this year's winners? Wish you were back in high school??
Sammy: Heck yes! Playing a set at BDO has been a dream of mine ever since I went to my first BDO concert in 2009. Whoever wins is going to have a blast!
Nathan: You won a scholarship with the SAE Institute in the last MySchoolAct competition, all high distinctions too so well done there mate, what was that experience like? What kinds of things did you learn in the course?
Sammy: I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for a diploma in audio engineering to SAE, which I have recently completed. The knowledge I have gained is priceless, as I have learned how to properly record bands in professional studios, how to mix music, how to use different programs to their full potential etc... I certainly know a lot more than I did when I was recording my songs with a laptop microphone! Now I am busy trying to find a job in the industry.
Nathan: You shot and edited your own video for you song 'Unsung Lies' in MySchoolAct 2009 ending up with an amazing result, how important is experimentation in the process of an artist?
Sammy: That was the first video I had ever shot. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, so I simply googled ‘how to shoot a music video’, and through a lot of experimenting with different camera angles and the stock standard effects on the program I borrowed off a friend, I ended up with a video that I felt was suitable for submission on the MySchoolAct website. In the end it comes down to the music, not the video.
Nathan: It seems the more content and the more involvement an Act has with their entry, the higher their ranking, what do you think an act can do to help their chances?
Sammy: It definitely helps if you have a personable character, so my advice is just be yourself! In terms of increasing their chances, I suggest they talk to their teachers. When I entered the competition, I spoke with the music teacher and my year advisor, and they were more than happy to help me out by putting me in the school newsletter and encouraging students to vote. Also, my parents informed all of their friends and work colleagues that I had entered a national competition and would appreciate if they could vote for me. In no time I was in the top ten. Also, don’t underestimate the power of social media! Create a Facebook event, invite all your friends and continue to increase your fan base. These are the methods I used, and it paid off for me!
Nathan: What other advice would have for entrants in this year's competition?
Sammy: Open your ears. Absorb every piece of information they tell you (it’s gold). Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take down notes. Just make the most of it and have fun.
Peace out!
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