Samtar is a musician based out of the United States. He wears many hats, from writing, recording, and self-producing his own music. The versatility that Samtar brings to this one-man operation comes through in his music by covering a variety of genres including Indie, Metal, and Electronica.
While songwriting, Samtar blends ideas from Science Fiction and Dystopian Societies, to Real World Politics, and Philosophy, creating a unique experience for all his listeners. With an abundance of misanthropic and rebellious themes, Samtar strives to stand his ground, and not bow down to anyone.
Samtar’s first album, “Plotting Against Reality,” was released in July 2020, and is available on all digital streaming platforms. His latest single, “Life is a Party,” will be released at the same time as this article and consists of less pessimistic notes.
However, once October hits, he promises more haunting and dystopian soundscapes.
Stay tuned!
What inspired you to become a musician?
I can't remember a particular event that made me WANT to be a musician. It was just something I was always compelled to do, and to continue doing. There are certain things and people though, that reinforced my desires to pursue art and a career as an artist. The most notable things to me have probably been: nature, bands I listen to, movies, and other art.
How old were you when you started playing?
I started at around 14, but I didn't take it too seriously, and just wanted to play with my friends who had also just started playing with instruments. We wanted to make a garage band, and be the next Green Day or Nirvana. At 17 I started to feel like there wasn't a place for me in the regular world, since all I wanted to do was stay home and write and record songs. I've never stopped doing exactly that. I've slowed down from time to time, but I've always stayed working hard on my craft and growth.
How would you describe your music?
Emotional, dark, haunting, and dystopian - with some epic, and beautiful parts.
Where did you perform? Do you have any upcoming concerts?
The Samtar project isn't intended to be a live project whatsoever actually - since it is a one man operation.
I like the idea of hiring musicians as touring musicians further down the road, but I'm not there yet.
Where is the place of your ideal concert?
Colorado Red Rocks - USA
What is your favorite song to perform?
I don't have a favorite. For me the part of music I enjoy the most is writing new songs. So I fall in love with a piece, play it until it's finished and recorded. Then I move on to my next love. However, the chord progression I like to revisit the most is the progression from "Dead City." Dead City is played so many different ways for me though, and the recorded version on my first album is by no means the only version (to me).
Which famous musicians do you admire?
Daron Malakian (System of a Down)
Brian Eschbach (The Black Dahlia Murder)
Bradley Nowell (Sublime)
Chuck Shuldiner (Death)
Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails)
Just to name a few. hah.
What's the best advice you've been given?
I honestly don't know. I sort of see everything as some form of advice haha, and that's something that's just very difficult for me to weigh.
If you could change something in the music industry, what would it be?
Stop large record labels from monopolizing the system.
Throw out the textbook for song structure, and what is and isn't okay in music. I remember there was a Rolling Stone article about Pink Floyd's "The Wall," that basically said "these guys don't know what they're doing."
I actually even take some issue with genres. The bands I've always liked the most are the ones where the genre is really quite hard to define. System of a Down, to this day I don't know what I'd really call it. People call it nu-metal, rock, metal, and all sorts of stuff but if you listen to it side by side with more commercial bands of those genres you'd be like no, that's not right. The indie music genre I feel like has become largely one note, and they aren't breaking any real barriers other than how many obscure instruments can we put on this track. Sorry for rambling. I have so many issues with the music industry honestly. haha.
What is a message you would like to give to your fans?
Stay true to who you are. Life is beautiful and ugly. Watch Miyazaki movies.
What's next for you?
Keep creating. Album number two is more than half done. I will be releasing the first single for that on September 18th.
I'm trying to get more merch. I have a t-shirt and cd so far, but I want to get more creative. It's a good way for me to earn a little money, and merch is one aspect of the commercial side of music that I like - mostly just because I love art.
I want to keep expanding the fan base.
I'd like to do more guest vocals for more bands.
Just gotta keep going!
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