Meet Sammy J Watson | Drummer, Teacher & Cabinet Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sammy J Watson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sammy J, what inspires you?
Im inspired by the idea that I have the power to truly be happy. The notion to leave it all behind and start life over and live in the present. Im inspired by my Child and the innocence possessed which reminds me of what music makes me feel like and why i started drumming many years ago.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a drummer by nature who recently has walked away from the the LA music scene for the first time in over 2 decades. I have prided myself on being a musician who doesn’t walk the same path as many who follow the “successful” ways of being a good musician. I told myself at a young age that I didn’t care about being rich and famous and that artistic and individual integrity was more important than climbing the ladder and whoring myself out to get ahead. I have turning down countless opportunities which would probably have set me up for life. I just cant fake emotion and happiness. If something doesn’t resonate or inspire me as artist, i have no intention or reason to pursue it or to be apart of it. Many would say this why I’m broke and un- “successful”. Music is much more sacred to me and deserves honesty. You ask what challenges have I overcome. Im in the middle of it and will let you know down the road. I decided to uproot everything i’ve built and escape the Pandemic relocating to my small home town from my childhood. This means swallowing my pride and doing what ever to make ends meet and sacrificing everything for my family. I am making my own music for the first time and feel like a kid discovering the power of instruments and sounds. I have complete control of my life and happiness. I now have the forests, mountains and cricks to wonder in and breathe. Happiness has always been a challenge for me. Luckily I discovered the power of a good therapist and would recommend everyone to work on themselves. It very tough to live in the now but necessary for true happiness. And so the journey continues…

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you are a music lover, visit the Baked Potato near Universal if ever in LA.. Its history is rich and you will sit 2 feet from the greatest musicians on the planet.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would have to give thanks to my old band mates of the apex theory. They taught me never to compromise integrity with my art. To strive and keep pushing for creative content. I thank the universe for opportunity. I thank my wife, Ruth for walking with a moral compass which reminds me every day that i will aways have something to learn and to stay humble.

Website: www.sammyjdrums.com
Instagram: sammy_j_watson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sammy.j.watson
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SammyJWatson

Image Credits
www.KaleyNelson.com