Keep up with Sam here:
I was born febuary 18, 1986 in Chicago, IL. I started playing drums at the age of 13, after watching my cousin Jacob Cohen play. I got a d rumset for my Bar mitzvah and started rocking!!!!!!! I took Lessons from a few differnet teachers from when i was 13 – 18. My last teacher I was working with (Chris Edwards) was great, but I didnt have the time to continue. My first serious band came my sophmore year of highschool, A deathmetal band called Insurrection. This band went on for a couple years and then we kinda went seperate ways. I was Bummed out, but then Marc Okubo, who was in insurrection, started writing for a new band. He asked me to play drums in this band with him. This started Veil of Maya. Veil of Maya is what made me get serious about drums. I have been playing for 7 years now and have no plans of ever stopping. I would like this to some day be my job. Theres nothing better then being able to do what you love for your living.
Sam Applebaum Interview:
SD.com: How old were you when you started playing?
Sam: I was 13 years old.
SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
Sam: No, But I wish I would have though.
SD.com: Ever take any lessons?
Sam: Yes, I stopped taking them because I ran out of time. I would like to take them up again though. I probably learned the most from talking and asking questions to drummers that I have met. In my opinion, the best way to learn is to ask questions.
SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?
Sam: Thomas Hakke
Hannes Grossman
John Longstreth
Derek Roddy
Jared Logan
I learned alot from Mike Portnoy as well. This list could go on and on and on…
SD.com: Assuming that influences doesn’t mean favorites, who are your favorites?
Sam: Thomas Hakke
Hannes Grossman
John Longstreth
Derek Roddy
Tony Royster Jr.
This list could go on and on as well…
SD.com: Let us know 5 CD’s that are in your current rotation
Sam: Nas – The lost Tapes
Nercophagist – Epitaph
Meshuggah – Chaosphere
Maps & Atlases – Tree, Swallows, Houses
Spawn of Possession -Noctambulant
SD.com: Can you remember a night you think was your best playing ever? If yes, when and where?
Sam: I remember playing pretty well at our Cd release show. It was this past june in Milwaukee. I usually play better after playing consistantly for a few days.
SD.com: Do you have a favorite brand of drums or cymbals?
Sam: Sabian/Zildjian/Paiste cymbals, Tama drums and Axis pedals
SD.com: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Sam: I do some streching, and I will warm up doing singles on a practice pad. I also do a little partying to loosen myself up and calm down.
SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be…
Sam: To challenge yourself as much as possible. Also to make sure your having fun doing what your doing. If its not fun, then somethings wrong.
SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
Sam: Im gunna have to say Hannes Grossman from Nercophagist. He was a machine and totally blew me away. I have seen John Longstreth play with origin a few times, hes pretty sweet to watch.
SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life?
Sam: Something that has to do with music, I might try to start fooling with live sound. I just dont want to work in an office ever again.
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