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Chris Sammarco – “I Love Talking About The Technical End Of Creating Music”
Chris Sammarco has proven to be multi-talented, exhibiting skills as a DJ / songwriter / producer/ remixer. He has been a featured DJ at just about every club in New Jersey, including the legendary Joey’s and Club Abyss. Looking for an outlet for his creativity, Chris began writing and producing in early 1997. In late 1999, Chris teamed up with longtime friend, MC Get Bizzy Izzy, to record the anti-ecstasy anthem “Attention.” The song was immediately signed and released by New Jersey based E-lastik Recordings as a 12” single. In early 2002, Sammarco wrote and produced a song called “Pray for the Love.” It was released on NJ based X-treme Records with two separate vinyl releases.
After several years of silence, Chris returned with a vengeance with a bootleg of Jungle Brothers “I’ll House You” which caught the ear of legendary DJ / producer / label CEO, Stonebridge. Stone then offered Chris a remix on Matt Aubrey and Kevin Holevar’s “Addicted” which was released on Stoney Boy Records. Since then, Chris has done remixes for such artists as Inaya Day, Crystal Waters, Steve “Silk” Hurley, DJ Skip, Jamie Principle, Sandy B, and Snoop Dogg and has continued to produce for Stonebridge’s Stoney Boy Records as well as Chris Kaeser’s D-Tracks, 1980 Recordings, S&S Records, PR Records, Rise Up Recordings, Ibiza World Records, 418 Music and Clubstream Records.
S&S: What’s your style of music? How do you describe it?
Chris Sammarco: I would describe my sound as classic house with a modern twist. I do have several styles “within” my own style as I have done projects that are radio / commercial, house, electronic, tribal, underground, etc. I just love to create music and try to do what is best to bring out the song without too much effort. If it comes easy, than it is right.S&S: Who or what was most instrumental to you when it came to music?
Chris Sammarco: StoneBridge! He discovered me when I sent him a bootleg of Jungle Brothers “I’ll House You,” brought me into his label and everything I have today came as a result of branching out from connection with him. When it comes to musical influences, StoneBridge, Inner City, Steve Silk Hurley, Dancing Divaz, Loveland, and Todd Terry. There is a bit of all of the mentioned in my sound.S&S: What drives you creatively?
Chris Sammarco: The ability to create something unique. The ability to get lost from every day life for a few hours. Being an overachiever, the desire to succeed. Listening to songs that I enjoy also drives me, as I feel I need to match that level of quality in my own productions.
S&S: How much does your audience influence you and your music selection?
Chris Sammarco: I would say it is the other way around. My musical style brought me my audience. While my style varies, people have come to expect a certain sound from me and have stayed loyal to me over the years. I just create and play what I feel without any pre conceived thoughtS&S: What artists or genres do you listen to when you’re not working?
Chris Sammarco: 80’s rock and freestyleS&S: Do you have any favorite memories of growing up with your family?
Chris Sammarco: When I was around 5 years old, my family took a vacation to Florida. On the plane ride home, I someone got hooked on listening to classical music on the headphones. I was totally hooked and did not want to stop listening. I would say involvement in the music business started right then.S&S: Is there anything you would like people to know about you?
CS: My day starts at 4 am. I do my daily workout, spend an hour in the studio/ answering e-mails and than head off to my regular career in the construction industry as a Senior Estimator and Purchasing agent for an international construction company. I spend my nights and weekends working on my productions, so all in all, I sleep about 5 hours or less per night.S&S: Are there any charities you are working with or excited to tell us about?
Chris Sammarco: I’m not currently working with any charities but am always open to doing something for a good cause.S&S: Are there any questions that you wish people would ask you?
Chris Sammarco: Anything technical about the music business. I love talking about the technical end of creating music. It is something I’ve done extensive research on, and I’ve had many great teachers along the way.S&S: And on the flip side of that, are there any questions or references you wish people would stop asking or using?
Chris Sammarco: Yes. Do you ever eat junk food? Do you always eat your potato plain? I hear either one at least once per week. LOLS&S: What artist(s) have you been the most excited to work with?
Chris Sammarco: StoneBridge, CeCe Peniston, Steve Silk Hurley, Crystal Waters, Sophia May, Terri BS&S: Are there any artists that you dream of working with on a collaboration?
Chris Sammarco: Inner City-Paris Grey and Ann Saunderson, CeCe Rogers, Sabrina Johnson, Robin S, Nadia Ali, JomandaS&S: What can we look forward to next from you?
Chris Sammarco: First up is debut on Juicy Music on July 6th with my remix of Antonio Mojito’s-The Court of House Music. Another one I am excited about is my Tommy Boy Music debut with my remix of Barry Harris’s-Heartbeat Faster. I am also currently finishing up several original productions, one being Sophia May’s-Lovin Till coming on Tazmania Records, and another that is unsigned featuring an unreleased vocal from one of my friends 1994 catalog.
S&S: What legacy would you like to leave?
Chris Sammarco: I’d like to people to remember me as a honest, hard working, hands on producer, who always delivered music true to his heart.
Q&A By: Shannon “Skip” Syas – S&S Chicago
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