Meet Sammy Listoe | Singer-Songwriter

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

Hi Sammy, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
I truly feel like I’ve explored so many different habits, rituals, tactics, staples etc. throughout my life and the different paths or pursuits that I’ve navigated. Of course dedication, having great perspective, and remembering “why you started” all come to mind, but I’d have to say the number one thing that has taken me the furthest, is the idea of falling in love with the process. The work you find in the day to day. The triumphs and the failures. Because if we are only focused on finding fulfillment in the end goal, we’ve missed the point. We miss out on so much of the present by living in the future. It’s about the adventure there. When we fall in love with the process, we get to love what we do every day, and that in itself allows us to live in the flow, which attracts so much more opportunities for success than living in force and for “tomorrow” or the outcome. It’s living for the journey, not the destination. I believe that, in and of itself, is where we can find the most success and fulfillment.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was fortunate to grow up with a mother who is insanely talented when it comes to music. She was always singing and playing piano, so I had an understanding and appreciation for performance and music at a very young age. I grew up playing piano, drums, and saxophone, but motocross was my main passion, and I didn’t take music seriously for myself until I was about 18.
I began playing guitar, writing more, and completely fell in love with it.
At 21, I moved to Los Angeles, mainly to pursue acting, but organically, music became my passion.
Over the last 9 years I have travelled the country and the world playing shows, recorded albums, several singles, and have not only grown as an artist, but also as a man.
I currently work as a firefighter in Southern California, which I have found so much fulfillment in.
As I said before, I have learned to find faith in myself, to trust the process, and that life is about the journey.
My music is a journal. It’s truth.
I grew up finding peace, motivation and hope in the music that I listened to. It let me know that I wasn’t alone. In my dark times or good times.
That’s been my motivation and what I hope people find in my music.
I hope it moves you.
Makes you think, reminisce, dance, cry. That you aren’t alone. That we are all just riding the waves of life, and it’s about today. It’s about the journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I lived in a few different Los Angeles neighborhoods for about 5 years. You definitely have to hit Venice Beach. You will find so much art, energy, and a variety of experiences. Trust me!
Get in an early morning hike to Wisdom Tree. A short, steep journey, but well worth the view. Take a moment to read the words of other hikers in the box below the tree, and add your own.
Take a cruise on the PCH and into the rolling hills of Malibu. Preferably on a motorcycle. Words can’t explain the beauty you will find there. Just do it.
Check out Kulaks Woodshed. A haven for independent singers and songwriters. This was one of the first spots that I played my original tunes, and the community there is incredible.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been blessed with so many amazing and supportive people along the way. Friends and family that I am forever grateful for, and wouldn’t be who I am, or where I am without. The man that I want to shoutout here though, is my father, Wayne. He instilled in me the values of hard work, family comes first, staying true to your word, and going after the things that are scary. I grew up racing motocross, and my pops always pushed me to be the best I could be. I learned so much from him, and a lot about myself in that process. Mainly faith. Having faith in your gifts, abilities, and faith in yourself to accomplish whatever it is you set your mind to.
I have carried these lessons with me throughout my life, and applied them to all areas as I’ve gone along. My dad and I are still very close and continue to have the same conversations we had when I was young. Loving ones and tough ones. Thank you for everything pops. I love you.

Website: https://www.sammylistoe.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sammylistoe/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/sammylistoe

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/sammylistoe

Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/SammyListoe

Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdVTcRm2/

Image Credits
Josh Morin (truck pictures)