Sam is a Brooklyn-via-Austin multi-instrumentalist and has been working in the music industry as a performer, promoter, and DJ for 12 years and counting. He tours regularly and has shared bills with Mac Demarco, Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, Beach Fossils, Snail Mail & many more. As a kid, he started one of the 3 bands at his extremely sports-focused Texas high school, and really fell in love with music when he moved to Austin in 2010. While at UT, he was music director at 91.7 KVRX, DJed a weekly FM roots music show, played in multiple bands, and began booking DIY shows. This led him to the music promotion world where worked with Margin Walker (now Resound), and at venues like Cheer Up Charlies, Hotel Vegas, and Mohawk. Sam moved to Brooklyn in 2020 and has continued recording, DJing, and touring.
Condition(s) & Date(s) of Treatment:
Fractured 3 bones in left hand, treated September 2025
What inspired you to start playing music?
My dad was in the most classic suburban cover band growing up. They would play pool parties, backyards, and the one bar in our suburb. As a kid you think your parents are embarrassing, or lame, or out-of-touch; but when I got to see my dad get up on whatever “stage” he was playing on and rip through a Skynyrd tune or a Springsteen anthem, I saw how music could be magic, even in the most seemingly mundane situations.
Who are some of your musical inspirations?
I began as a classic rock obsessive, and at one point owned every single AC/DC album that had been recorded (I think it was 18?). It was when I got to Austin for college, my whole musical world opened up. I was introduced to bands like Pavement, Pixies, and Yo La Tengo, who changed my idea of how a guitar could be played. But that coincided with a newfound love for folk, electronic, and outsider music. As I started to supplement my live playing with DJing, I rediscovered a love for the HITS. Whitney, Madonna, Prince, disco, R&B, 90’s Rap, the list goes on. Currently I’ve been on a deep dive into the “sophistipop” music of the late 70’s and 80’s and been really inspired by bands like The Blue Nile, China Crisis, and The Frazier Chorus.
I guess that’s a convoluted way of saying I’ve continued to find inspiration in every corner of music, and that it’s super important to continue to dig, discover, and re-discover!
What was the injury that brought you to MTF, and how did the injury affect your music?
I was in a bicycle accident and broke my left hand in three places. I was unable to play guitar, keys, or even type on a keyboard.
What was your experience with receiving care through MTF and your recovery afterward?
MTF literally saved the day. I had my injury on September 1st and had the first show with a brand new band booked on October 15th, with several paid DJ gigs in between. I was worried I was going to be out of commission for months, and my surgery was so well performed that I was essentially fully recovered by the show in October, and only had to miss one DJ event.
What’s coming up for you?
I just released a new album “Volume D” with my band Daphne Tunes on February 6th, and Net Loss will be releasing our debut album this summer!
Where can people find out more about you and your music?
Please follow Daphne Tunes and Net Loss on Instagram and Spotify!