Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Samuel Ragsdell
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What is your earliest memory connected to music?
One of my earliest memories goes back to when I was about two or three years old. We had a piano in the house, and I was always drawn to it. I’d sit there for long stretches, pressing keys, trying to imitate melodies, and singing little songs. Even though I didn’t know what I was doing, that was probably the moment music first got its hooks in me.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
Growing up, me and my brother used to drive around listening to hip hop all the time. One day we randomly decided, “Let’s try making a song.” From that moment on, something clicked. I fell in love with the process writing, recording, experimenting and it just became part of my life.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
I’m not locked into a specific project at the moment, but every song I release carries a piece of my life. I like creating music that documents who I was at that moment. So when I look back years from now, the songs become little time capsules snapshots of what I was feeling or going through.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I get this question a lot, and it’s always hard to answer. People have told me I remind them of the older-era Weeknd, but honestly, I’ve taken influence from so many artists that my sound has kind of blended into something of its own. I’d say the best way to describe it is: it’s me in musical form. And if someone doesn’t know me personally, I feel like they get to know me through my songs.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Recently, my best friend bought me Logic Pro, and it changed everything. For seven years I recorded everything in GarageBand, so switching to Logic opened up a new world. My mixing, mastering, and overall sound quality improved immediately. It really pushed me to take my craft to a more professional level.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
My process isn’t the flashiest, but it works. I use Splice a lot for melody ideas, drums, and FX it helps spark ideas and keeps things fresh. Outside of that, I try to push myself to make each track sound different from my last while still feeling authentically like me.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I’ve been spinning “Bleed” by Malcolm Todd a lot, and Omar Apollo stays in rotation too. I listen to a ton of artists, but those two have definitely stood out to me recently.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Honestly, my personal life fuels everything I make. For the past three years, my music has been directly tied to whatever I was going through. I think that’s the only way to create music people can feel when it comes from a real place, it connects deeper.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
People tell me a lot of my music feels somber or sad. I don’t necessarily want listeners to feel sad I just want them to feel what I felt when I made the song. If they can tap into that emotion, whether it’s heartbreak, reflection, or hope, then the song did its job.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
The biggest lesson is this: no one cares until you give them a reason to. A lot of artists think that making good music is enough, but it’s not. Marketing matters just as much if not more. If you believe in your music, that’s already enough for someone else out there to believe in it too. But you still have to show people why your art deserves their attention.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Madison Square Garden, without a doubt. So many of my favorite artists have performed there, and the energy in that building is always insane. That’s a dream stage for me.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Andre 3000. His voice, his creativity, and his perspective are still ahead of their time. I think his approach to music and life is so unique that creating something with him would be unforgettable.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website, Spotify, IG, links)
Spotify:
(Link provided by the artist)
https://open.spotify.com/track/3tDZvDf16KQzkXZdlvSUIG?si=BI_xaPiCTIKq4RHgWyeMKQ&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio
Instagram, TikTok, and all major platforms: @samuelragsdell
(Make sure to add whatever handles you want them to plug.)
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
This is my last year of school, so after that I’m dedicating myself fully to music. My goal is to take things to the next level by creating high-quality promo videos, dropping more consistent releases, and showcasing my sound in a way that reaches a bigger audience. I want to treat this next chapter with full energy and intention.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope that even if someone never gets the chance to meet me in person, they can still get to know me through my music. Everything I make is a piece of who I am, and I want listeners to feel that connection.
