The Ode To Joy Podcast
Welcome to "The Ode to Joy Podcast," a thought-provoking and uplifting show dedicated to exploring the transformative power of creativity, self-expression, and the pursuit of joy. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover the hidden depths of the human spirit and the boundless capacity for personal growth and fulfillment.
In each episode, we dive deep into the stories of remarkable individuals who have embraced their internal muse or genius. Through their trials and triumphs, we explore the obstacles they faced in nurturing their muse and the strategies they employed to share their personal genius with the world.
We believe that every person possesses a unique wellspring of creativity, waiting to be tapped into. Our guests share their firsthand experiences, guiding listeners through their own creative journeys, and providing invaluable insights and inspiration along the way.
From artists to entrepreneurs, writers to musicians, and thinkers to dreamers, our diverse range of guests offers a kaleidoscope of perspectives on embracing one's passions and cultivating a life of purpose. We delve into the pivotal moments that sparked their creative awakening, the challenges they encountered, and the profound transformations that occurred when they wholeheartedly embraced their authentic selves.
"The Ode to Joy Podcast" celebrates the joy of self-expression and the extraordinary beauty that unfolds when we dare to follow our creative impulses. Through engaging conversations, we explore the importance of cultivating resilience, overcoming self-doubt, and persisting in the face of adversity.
Whether you seek inspiration for your own creative endeavors, encouragement to embark on a new path, or simply a dose of positivity and upliftment, "The Ode to Joy Podcast" is your go-to destination. Join us as we embark on a voyage of self-discovery, where the pursuit of joy and the celebration of personal genius reign supreme.
Tune in, open your heart, and prepare to be inspired as we uncover the remarkable stories of those who have embraced their internal muse and illuminated the world with their personal genius.
"The Ode to Joy Podcast" is available on all major podcast platforms. Subscribe today and embark on a journey to unleash your creative potential and find your own Ode to Joy.
The Ode To Joy Podcast
The Rhythm of Resilience Sammi Garett's Musical Journey
What happens when childhood dreams and a love for glittery My Little Pony watches collide with the world of professional music? This week on the Ode to Joy podcast, Sammi Garett, my dear friend and an exceptionally talented musician, joins us for a heartwarming and hilarious chat. From our shared memories in Port Washington to her captivating journey from a high school drummer to a celebrated performer, we recollect the joyful and funny moments that have shaped her path. Sammi also reveals a surprising hobby—archery—that adds another layer to her creative and multifaceted life.
Sammi shares her love for percussion, the thrill of her first lead role in a middle school musical, and the undeniable energy exchange with audiences that has fueled her career. Our conversation covers the serendipitous moments that led her to join the funk band Turkuaz, and the resilience required to thrive as an artist amidst the inevitable challenges and criticisms. Sammi’s heartfelt insights into maintaining a positive mental attitude and staying true to oneself are both inspiring and relatable, especially for anyone navigating the pressures of performing and social anxiety.
Wrapping up this episode, we celebrate the joy of music touring and express our gratitude to our listeners. Sammi gives us a sneak peek into her exciting upcoming projects with her band Cool Cool Cool, including new music releases and tour dates. Don’t miss the chance to follow her journey on social media and catch her live for an unforgettable experience. Tune in for a delightful ride filled with laughter, music, and a touch of nostalgia.
Follow Sammi:
IG @sammigarett
https://sammigarett.com/
Join Cool Cool Cool on Tour https://wearecoolcoolcool.com/tour
Follow Elena:
@elenabox
Buy your copy of Elena's book "Grieve Outside the Box"
Follow on IG @elenabox
Welcome to the Ode to Joy podcast, a show where we talk about joy. How do we cultivate it, how do we maintain it and what are the things that get in the way. I'm your host, elena Box, bringing you another part of our series, all about the inner muse. This week we are talking with Sammy Garrett. Full disclosure this episode was recorded back in late March of 2024. I was experiencing crazy morning sickness at the time so I had to sort of put it on the back burner and I'm just so excited to share it all with you now. I hope you enjoy. Hello, dear listener, and welcome back to another episode of the Ode to Joy podcast. It is my sincere pleasure to invite on my friend, sammy Garrett. Welcome, sammy.
Speaker 2:Hi, thank you so much for having me. I am so excited that is an understatement we're so happy, so giggly.
Speaker 1:We're very giggly right now. Oh my gosh, sammy and I have been talking for like the last half hour catching up, because we are old friends from high school. So you know, just welcome to the ride, dear listener. Oh my gosh, yeah, we're going in.
Speaker 2:Join us, join us.
Speaker 1:So a little bit about Sammy Garrett. If you're unfamiliar, get yourself familiarized. Follow her on Instagram. She is a musician currently in a band called Cool Cool Cool and a former member of the band called Turquoise, and we may be talking a little bit more about, well, this whole journey of her musicianship as we get into the conversation. So can you, sammy, just plant us in for our listener. Where are you joining us from at this moment?
Speaker 2:I am joining you from my home in Queens, new York, so I'm home for a little bit in between tours. So it's nice to sort of be be home for a little bit and not in a bus and in a van. So I'm so happy I have have this time to chat with you. It's it's been too long.
Speaker 1:It's been too dang long. So I'm so happy, sammy's here. We go way back. We're both born and raised in Port Washington on Long Island, so she's the.
Speaker 2:Long Island girl 516, baby.
Speaker 1:Yay, so we actually we go way back into elementary school. She was in my sister's year, and then we were in high school together. We both had the same my Little Pony glitter pink watch. Do you remember that, sammy?
Speaker 2:You know, I think about that like once a week and I'm like gosh, I really need to find a similar watch and I remember it had little rhinestones around it and I think I bought two and I'm like I need to like these rhinestones keep falling out. So I put like um, like clear nail polish around it to like keep this. Oh my gosh.
Speaker 1:I was obsessed. It was a journey. It was a great watch. We got a lot of compliments on there.
Speaker 2:So many compliments, we bonded.
Speaker 1:We did. We were in outdoor adventure um gym class, which is really cool. Yeah, we got to like ride bikes and do rock climbing and obstacle courses.
Speaker 2:That's where my love of archery came from, and I'm I'm a very good archer. I like to brag a little bit.
Speaker 1:Good for you, as you should. It's hard, it's a lot.
Speaker 2:Everyone all my bandmates, I like it would like randomly come up in conversation and I'd be like no, I'm a really good archer. And they're like, all right, whatever, sammy and one of our friends actually, they have like they live in Massachusetts and they have like a sort of a big backyard and they had, um, some archery stuff and I was like now's my chance and I did very well. I showed everyone and they're like oh okay, you weren't lying. So I'm glad I redeemed myself after all these years.
Speaker 1:After all these years, you showed them. It's a skill and it's very meditative. We just had on the podcast John Orsini, who teaches at Kripalu, and he does something called mindful archery, which is very cool. It's sort of like a meditative. I want to go and do it because I think there's something.
Speaker 2:Can we go together?
Speaker 1:I think we should. I think you might be a lot better than me, but I think.
Speaker 2:I don't know.
Speaker 1:I don't know, We'll see. We'll see so for our listener. I just love this. You bring so much to the table. There's so much that we can catch up on because we literally have decades of fun together. I know, but let's bring it into you as an artiste. So I knew you back in the day. We were in drama club together and we did a lot of musicals and plays and all kinds of performance, and back in the day it was you. Well, you were a drummer is how I first knew you. She was isn't that your screen name Like drummer girl?
Speaker 2:Drummer babe 13 at a wellcom.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and you were like the only person in our marching band who pulled off that all wool marching band outfit. Well, like you actually look cute.
Speaker 2:Oh, my God, thank you. You. You're so sweet, it was so itchy and I don't think they had changed the marching band uniform since like 1972. But, um, you know, on those white shoes, dinkles, I think about those all the time.
Speaker 1:Oh my gosh, they were unfortunate.
Speaker 2:I have to they were hideous, horrendous, so bad. Oh my gosh, putting us poor little high school kids in this outfit.
Speaker 1:I mean I was getting no dates in that. I don't think I was either. I think maybe you were the only one who people were like, yeah, she kind of looks cute. Like you have your two braids, and I was like, yeah, she looks kind of cute. And then you had all the drums, my two little braids coming up the hat.
Speaker 2:Oh my God, I'll send you a photo. I literally have that exact photo with my little braids and my little. I will send you that photo. Dear listener, please take a look at this photo and let us know she's pulling it off.
Speaker 1:I'll try to find one of me and you can see it's not going well. So Sammy was a drummer, yes, and so you always had music. You had music in your bones. And then you I mean at least I saw you really like blossom into this beautiful singer and you were like this mega babe musical theater star in high school. So I'm curious for you, where did that go after that, as you like, really nurtured your creativity and how did you then choose to? It's like, when I think of creativity, I think of, like this wild river, like how did you choose to kind of direct the river after that?
Speaker 2:I mean, that's actually like the perfect way to describe it. Like I love it how you called it a river, like I call it like a wave. Sometimes it's just like you just like ride this wave and wherever it takes you, it's just sort of like you like give, you just give into this. You know movement and you're like all right, well, I'm, I'm doing this now and I'm here now. So I actually still play the drums and I play. I have like a little like electronic drum pad that I play in Cool, cool, cool, and so I play like a bunch of percussion. I played percussion in Turquoise also, and one of my friends, andy Frasco, and the UN, his band, sometimes they invite me and I sit in on the drum set so I'll like play a whole song with them on the drum set. It's super fun. But um, but yeah, it's kind of like a river. You're just sort of swept away and and you know, there you hit some rocks, but then you come back and then you keep following it. So I, you know, I did musical theater in elementary school and, like you said, I was always super musical. So there was always, I was always, you know, playing an instrument or singing and it was really awesome just having such an amazing like arts department.
Speaker 2:I think where we grew up, that really like nurtured the arts and I got into musical theater and I just fell in love with it. I fell in love with the like performing aspect of it and being able to perform for people and change the way they feel and make them happy and like that's. That's like like when I perform, like that's my goal, is like that is something super special that I can do and that I'm able to do is like I just want to make people happy. They're here for a certain amount of time, you know, during a show, during a play, during a musical, and you know in that 90 minutes or two hours, it's like, well, this is my job and I want to make them happy and I want to bring them as much joy as possible and I have fun doing that because it's something super special.
Speaker 2:It's a really really unique relationship, is a very we always talk about like our job is like very weird. Like you get up on stage and you know you have you blow air into a saxophone and then people are dancing and you're yelling into a microphone, like when you break it down to the really like little bits and pieces. It's like so strange. But I mean, I love music. I love the way it makes someone feel, I love it. It's sort of like smell, you know. It's like you put on a song and you know exactly where you were when you first heard this song. It's very nostalgic. So I just I love everything about it. I think that maybe answered your question in a very long, long winded way.
Speaker 1:I forgot what I was talking about question in a very long, long winded way. I forgot what I was talking about. So many ways to take it, though. My my question, uh, now is because you mentioned something about like this um, how do I say it? It's it's sort of like this magnetism, this force, this energy exchange between audience and performer, which I love and I know, and it's something alchemical. And I'm really curious for you when it comes to, I think, sort of like harnessing or at least like targeting that power for yourself. Was there a moment in your life, like in, like baby stages, baby you? Or at what point in your life, I think, did you first kind of target that and hone in on that, where you're just kind of like oh yeah, this is something that is powerful and something that I want to continue to nurture.
Speaker 2:It was my audition for the school musical in middle school. It was once on this island middle school.
Speaker 2:It was once on this island. It was once on this island, so good and um, you know so. So before that I was, I was playing drums and like the school band and stuff, but I had never. I think that was like my first interest in wanting to sing. And I remember I came home and my I was like mom, you know, I want to audition for the school musical. And she's like was like mom, you know, I want to audition for the school musical. And she's like, oh, okay, sure, um, and I auditioned and I got the lead and it was just like everything about it, like the audition process excuse me, um and just like the energy, like getting up there and singing. I think that was like the first time I was on stage singing. So that was just like this amazing rush and and then just like every step of the way, like you know, my first musical, and like getting the lead, that was incredible and just meeting all of these amazing people and rehearsing and then showtime and it was just this like, like you said, it's like this crazy chemical thing that like it's so unique. And from that moment, shout out to Cam Gelb, who who also, uh, who did that musical and Marty Braun she was the musical Cam and Marty yeah, cam and Marty. I mean that was the moment where I was like this is what I want to do. This is what I want to do.
Speaker 2:I want to get up on stage in front of people and sing and like, honestly, till this day, every single show, I'm nervous. I'm still nervous. I don't know what it is. I mean it's like a like a fun, like like good, nervous. But like every show is important, whether it's two people or 2 million people. Like a show is a show, no matter what. And I, I, I take it obviously, you know, seriously to a point. Then you know there has to be some fun in there. But like, every show means a lot to me and it was my middle school musical that really, like set, paved the way for what I'm sort of doing now. You know, I mean I don't do musical theater, but it's still that, you know, performance aspect that I love and just getting up on stage.
Speaker 1:Well, what I love about seeing you perform live and listener if you haven't already, do yourself a favor, get one of Sammy's shows because there's something like when you're on stage I see all of the elements of you in musical theater and like us on stage and doing cause you do these little, you know, you do your coordinated dances and dah, dah, dah, dah dah, and I'm just like, yeah, I love it and I think it's very cool that you kind of weave all of that into your artistry. So I kind of see the whole, the whole picture.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and especially you cause, like you know your artistry, so I kind of see the whole, the whole picture. Yeah, and especially you, cause, like you know, we grew up together so you know like what I was, you know back in the day and you can see a lot. And you know, and I think even people who, who haven't grown up with me, still see, like the drummer, the musical theater, little sprinkles in there. So I really really take a lot of that and put that into my performances that I do today.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, I love that, I absolutely love that. So I'm curious for you as you embrace this path, because I know you went to Berkeley, am I right? Yeah, berkeley College of Music for vocal performance, and so as you chose to go down this path, you know was there and you can. You can take it however way you want. You know you can, you can bring us into your college days or whatever way you want to take it. But really my question is, like was there, at least in the beginning, when you like really chose, okay, I'm going to continue down this path? Was there any fear that you felt, or you know what kind of? I think, yeah, what fears were coming up for you? Were there any fears coming up for you when you chose to go down what some might think of as as a different path to to go into studying art?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I mean it's. It's definitely scary, because you're like, well, how am I going to make money? What is my job going to be? What is, you know, I mean auditioning. You know, being being a performer of sort of any kind, whether it's musical theater or you're an instrumentalist, it's a lot of like auditions and going on auditions. It's like auditions and going on auditions. It's it's like emotionally draining and there's a lot of no's, but then you get some yeses, but then there's also a lot of no's. It's like, you know, the highs are really really high and the lows are really low.
Speaker 2:So I actually auditioned for a bunch of musical theater schools and Berkeley College of Music was the only like non-musical theater college I went to, and when I went to go visit it in Boston, I just immediately fell in love. I was like, whoa, these are my people. I felt like I walked into, you know, like the band room, and I'm like here are my people, like this is like that's what it was. I was like, oh, I'm supposed to be with these people. And that's why I decided to go to Berkeley and I'm I'm very, very happy I did, because I think it opened up a lot of different doors for me, as opposed to like just doing musical theater.
Speaker 2:You know, and I especially think it, it was a very good fit, like being a drummer. I was able to work on a lot of my drumming there and incorporate that into a lot of stuff I did at school which, like, I don't know if I'd be able to do that at musical theater school. So, you know, it's like it was definitely scary. It's you know, it's always scary Like okay, like this is what I'm going to do. I'm going to do it. But you know, I I think if you sort of like the river, it's like, you know, you hit a couple rocks and there's some bumps, but, like you know, you you find your people and you, you find what you love to do and and you do it.
Speaker 1:You, you know, you you make it work and somehow you end up on the other end like okay, you know know, and I love that you've given yourself these opportunities for the river to look unique and for you to be able to just explore how you needed to explore too, Because I think, especially when it comes to creativity, if we like put ourselves into boxes. I've seen this with fellow actors and musical theater performers. It's like when they're like I am only a musical theater performer, then there's so much more to life and becoming a well-rounded performer that I think they miss out on, and then I think it kind of like squelches the river a little bit where you're like well, the river needs to go in this direction, but how would you know if you didn't allow yourself to even think about that?
Speaker 2:Exactly it's.
Speaker 1:It's having that sort of like flexibility where like, oh, I kind of explored this little alcove but like that didn't really work, and so like I'm just going to you, just like, keep you, just keep going you know, and it might not make sense during the process either, and you know you might get into like a little loop de loop in the river where it's like, oh, and we're back here again and that's cool. And you know, I think for my path it's like a lot of people didn't really understand how cause I went from doing standup comedy into fully diving into the world of shamanism and then starting to become a death doula, I'm so impressed and, like you are just so magical and I'm so impressed with what you do.
Speaker 2:It's just, and I mean, that's that's a perfect example. It's like comedy and then like death duel and you're like how do you? But like it works, how does it come?
Speaker 1:together. I'm like we still got jokes here Cause the whole thing is all a cosmic jiggle. I'm like I see these as the same.
Speaker 2:Yes, I totally agree. I totally agree same.
Speaker 1:Yes, I totally agree, I totally agree, yeah. So I think it's interesting, as as creative people, to just uh allow yourself to follow the inspiration and to see where the river wants to go.
Speaker 2:We adapt, we're creative, we got it, we're artists. We got to. You know, do what you gotta do. Do what you gotta do.
Speaker 1:So that leads me into my next question. I'd love for you to sort of tune us into how you, at least from my outside perspective, reached really a huge sort of I don't want to say pinnacle, or you talked about stones, but I think of it almost like this mountain of success, like achievement, when you were in the Banterquois. Can you sort of place us into how the river brought you there and sort of just allow us a peek into that mountain, that boulder, however way you want to describe it?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I can, it's actually a funny story. So, just going back to Port Washington, back to Port Washington, um, so I went to Berkeley and once I graduated I moved back home to Port for a little bit, um, but my parents were still in town and um, so I lived in Port for a couple years and then I I moved into the city and one of my and I knew, so I knew Turquoise from Berkeley cause they were like the big party band. It was like Turquoise, oh my gosh, you're at a party in a you know basement Alston apartment, somewhere Turquoise is playing. That's what's up. My college friends saying, hey, like you're in the city, I'm, like I'm in Turquoise, do you want to come audition for Turquoise? I ran into Greg Ormont and he says you're in the city and like do you want to come audition for Turquoise? So I didn't. Turquoise was playing a show with pigeons playing ping pong, which is Greg Ormont band, Greg Ormont.
Speaker 1:we also went to high school with and were in musical theater shows and plays with.
Speaker 2:Crazy small world. So my friend, geneva, who was a singer in Turquoise at the time, was playing a show with pigeons playing ping pong. Geneva and Greg Ormont were talking to each other and Geneva was saying Turquoise is looking for another singer and they didn't know that. They both knew me. So then Greg Ormont was like oh yeah, like, say it Like, I mean, I don't know exactly how the conversation went, but I think my name was brought up. And Geneva was like oh yeah, like, say it Like, I mean, I don't know exactly how the conversation went, but I think my name was brought up and Geneva was like oh my gosh, I know Sammy. So she texted me. She was like yo, do you want to come audition for Turquoise? And I was like 100% yes. And then the rest is history.
Speaker 2:I auditioned, got in the band was in the band for gosh was like 10 years and and that's that's how that happened. And then again it was just sort of like this river. It just sort of swept me away and it was this you know nine piece funk band from Brooklyn and we started touring super, super heavily and it just it swept us all, swept us up. So that was a funny little Port Washington Connect. I connect, I know.
Speaker 1:And the thing that I love about this story too is, I think, perhaps for me and I don't know if our listener might, um, you know, feel the same way, but at least for me sometimes, when I think about like success or like these moments of when we think about sort of where we want to go, at least for me it's. I think it's sort of has to follow in, uh, I don't know some kind of linear fashion or something that will kind of make sense of like you do this and then that, and then this and then that. And what I've noticed as I've had more of these conversations, or as I've been sort of studying different artists and how they've interacted with their muse and how they've, I think, reached certain levels of success, is that often it sort of comes in these random moments of connection and serendipity and like one random phone call where it all comes together and it wouldn't have happened if this wasn't in place and that wasn't in place.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I totally agree and I think, like I'm I'm a believer in that. Like everything happens for a reason, whether it's good, bad, weird. You're like I shouldn't be here, but like it's, you know, and fast forward to sort of like the end of Turquoise and us breaking up. I was like this is it, my life is over. I'm like this is the worst thing, this is terrible, and like I was super, super sad. But out of that I released my very first single. That was like of my solo work, and now my new band, cool Cool Cool. We are touring all over the United States and releasing songs.
Speaker 2:So it's like, it's funny how, like in in a moment of like true sadness, you're like this is it, it's over. And then you sort of come out of that and you know then when you you end up in wherever this new place is with you and you look back and you're like, oh my gosh, well, if I was still doing that or in this place, I wouldn't be where I am right now. And I am so happy and excited to be where I am now that I think, if you know we were all still in that band, I don't, we, I don't. I don't think we'd be here, you know. So it's like definitely some happiness came out of that sadness, which is always very interesting to sort of reflect back on, you know, and like it was crazy, I was like this, is it my life's over? But like, here we are. I got, you know, some Sam and Garrett originals up on Spotify which, like I don't know, if I was still in Turquoise I would release that, you know.
Speaker 1:So it's like one of those when one door closes, another door opens which is like you know, it's like so nice, you know, but then when you're in it, you're like the door's closed there are totally, and that's how I felt.
Speaker 2:I was like this is it Like the door's closed, closed, bolted shut, like forget this? But you know, and I feel so silly being like, you know, saying that, but like, but it's like, it's true, and in the moment, I think, obviously, you know, if someone's having a hard time, I think that's, you know, maybe not like the best thing to tell somebody, cause then I think that's how you know, that's how they feel, they're like well, I'm no, you're wrong, where's the open door? Cause I don't see it Exactly. So, you know, but like, but it's true, it's like give it some time, and I've had to like sort of definitely like, accept that and be like, okay, you know what, like, even though this is like a really weird place, like I'm learning something from it. I'm taking this experience and you know I can try and spin it to somehow, you know, make it a better experience, or or try and at least get whatever I can out of this bad, weird experience and and learn from it.
Speaker 1:So something that keeps coming to mind as you're sharing your story is the word resilience. And you know, when you talk about just even the life of a performing artist, of you know just all of the rejection that comes with it and having to continue to pick yourself up and put yourself out there. And then I think of, like you, just even the amount of touring that you do, I'm amazed with. I think what comes to mind is again this word resilience and how you continue to show up and even with everything that you've been through, and I guess I'm just sort of curious for you, is that something that you, I don't know, maybe, like, did you always have it? Is it something that you've had to build over time? I'm just curious for you, like, what is that for you when you think of resilience?
Speaker 2:I mean, I definitely think being an artist is having to be very resilient, cause, like you said, it's like a lot of no's. Here and there it's rejection, it's people I mean like art is very personal, like whether it's painting, you're writing a play sink, like anything. It's it's very personal. So when you release that out into the world, you just want everyone to like it. We're sensitive people. We want everyone to like what we do, but it's a hard reality to sort of realize that not everyone's going to like what you do. So I think it's it's a, it's a lot of resilience of just like you got to pick yourself up and dust yourself off and like try again, cause it's, you know, you got to throw a lot of like rocks at a target like one will hit.
Speaker 1:There's your archery coming back in.
Speaker 2:There's your archery, but it's I mean, it's definitely takes a lot of resilience. Like I didn't know I was going to love touring as much as I do until I started doing it, cause it's a very you know, it's a weird thing. It's like get in the van and let's drive eight hours and then load in. We call it hurry up and wait. So it's a lot of like we got to hurry to get here and get here and do this and load in. And then it's like, all right, now we wait for the show and then we do the show for an hour, an hour and a half, and then it's done and then we take it all down and we pack it up and then we go to the next place. So it's like I think you do need a lot of resilience.
Speaker 2:But I also think, like it's important, like I love what I do and I don't take it for granted, that like I'm, like I'm doing what I went to school for, like that's incredible and I'm meeting all of these amazing people and I get to, you know, make new friends, reconnect with old, and like that's. That is like why I do what I do. And, yeah, I think having resilience is, is it's super important because you can I think you can like get you know we're sensitive people, we can get bummed pretty easily, but I think it's it's important to you know. Just remember that like you're, you're changing people's lives, whether it's on a very, very small scale or a very, very large scale. And like that's that's why I continue to do what I do and I just I love touring and it's it's a crazy, weird job, but I'm I'm super here for it, yeah, yeah, and you do it so well.
Speaker 1:Oh, thank you. So something you mentioned I'm just curious because it is it's something that I'm just constantly in conversation with and I'm I'm simultaneously terrified and then also like amped up and fired up about this. But I'm just curious, like for you, something you mentioned is like is like haters are going to hate, in that way of like, not everything you do is going to be everybody's cup of tea, and that's something that I really struggle with in everything that I do, especially in the work that I do, because there's so many voices that can come in and be like you're wrong and you suck and you know whatever.
Speaker 1:So I'm just curious, like how do you move through that? As a sensitive artist, as a person, how do you move through that?
Speaker 2:I don't think one ever gets over it. I think it's sort of like like you learn to live with it in a way, and it's sort of like sometimes like the voices get a little quieter and and it's just. I mean, it's I. I've honestly, and I'm trying to like I have like so many thoughts running through my head. It's sort of like like going back to when I was saying like how nervous I get before every show. Recently I've been like, okay, well, I don't think that's gonna change. I think I'm always going to get nervous before shows and like I just have to sort of like learn to live with it and like that's part of the job. And it's sort of like this little like devil on your shoulder where it's like you can't get rid of it, but you sort of just like learn to live with it and like as you accept it. I think like the voices and the volume sort of turns down a little bit, but like it's always there. It's I don't think it's ever going to go away. You know the, just like you know the haters, the voices, like they're never going to go away, they're always going to be there. And it is really tough. It's not, it's not easy, because everyone has an opinion and everyone thinks they're right and you're wrong, or you know they like the way this sounds and not that. And why are you doing this? Or why do you look like that, like it's always going to be there? Or why do you look like that, like it's always going to be there?
Speaker 2:I think it's just trying to figure out how to like turn the volume down on that a little bit and just be like okay, well, this is not going to go away. I just have to sort of learn to. I don't want to say live with it. I feel like that's like too extreme. It's like learning, like like coping with and understanding that. Like that's sort of part of the job that comes with the territory, of this interesting job that we have.
Speaker 2:And you know, and I and I think that's kind of part of the energy too that like feeds into like, well, you know all right, well, I'm going to show them because, like, I can do this and this person said I couldn't. So you know what I'm going to show them, and like I think that's like a good part and you can sort of use that to propel you forward and be like you know what. You know what I'm going to show this person. They think I can't do this or you know whatever. So I think you can use a little bit of that hate and spin it and that noise and sort of spin it and be like you know what Cool you said I didn't look good wearing this or didn't sound good singing that and like, all right, well, here, here it is. And I and I do like that part of it, like showing people, like look what I can do, and you thought I couldn't. So I think it's it's just like love hate relationship, you know, and it's definitely scary.
Speaker 1:It's scary, it's terrifying and it's like fired up. It's. There's just two, two parts of it.
Speaker 2:So it's a big one, it's weird, it's very weird. But you just sort of like, okay, this is here and it's not going away. How can I use this? You know, let's get creative with it.
Speaker 1:Well, something that you mentioned also is, which was going to be sort of this other question I have tagged onto this question, is like when to? I feel like you must have to practice discernment when it comes to criticism, to sort of decide like what, what criticism or feedback can I take in that might be useful and might propel me forward, and what criticism or feedback can I just literally put in the garbage?
Speaker 2:Yeah, a lot of it is sort of like garbage. It's just like you know you're like all right, well, whatever. Okay, they don't know what they're talking about, cause, like it is a weird world and you know, a lot of people don't really understand the little nuances behind the scenes of even like you know, you know, as a performer, like people don't really know behind the scenes, they just see this one sort of picture. Um, you know you're on stage and it's this for this amount of time and like that's it. It's like a lot, there's a lot behind it and there's a lot of people that help out. That you know it takes what, uh, what do they say? Like it takes, it takes a, it's something about running it. It takes a village and it like takes a lot of people to like run the ship.
Speaker 2:You know there's a lot of people behind the scenes, um, but oh gosh, I just completely lost my train of thought. I was, I was trying to think of a, a saying, but it's like oh, so this I don't know where I heard this phrase, but this I feel like I think about this a lot. So it's don't, don't take advice. No, I'm going to get this wrong. Oh my gosh, don't take criticism from someone you wouldn't take advice from.
Speaker 1:Yes.
Speaker 2:And I'm like I heard that once and I was like, oh, it blew my mind, cause it's very true. It's like if you wouldn't take advice from whoever this person is giving criticism, like don't take their criticism. Also, and that has been like my mantra, has been like my mantra. It's been like you know why? Why would you take criticism from someone you would not take advice from and just to sort of like flip it, like that blew my mind. And I think that's really important because there's a lot of people who are critical out there and who will are happy to say you know their, their two cents and whatever. Like you know you're doing this wrong, this is bad, but like well, would you take advice from them? Probably not. So why are you taking that criticism? And that just completely changed the way I looked at a lot of things.
Speaker 1:I love that. I love that you say that it's a mantra for you, which was really one of sort of my other questions of like what are some things that you repeat for yourself that like help ground you into reality? I think of maintaining a positive mental health, positive mental attitude. Yeah, that leads me into this next question of what are some sort of like tools and techniques and like non-negotiables for you as you're performing, as you're on tour, like how do you maintain your center?
Speaker 2:Um, it's definitely hard because, you know, the highs are really really high and the lows are really low, but I think that's like one of my biggest ones. It's like don't don't take criticism from someone you would not take advice from, cause you know, just again, it's like everyone, everyone has something to say which, like you know, is important, and I want to hear them out. But, um, that's, that's a really, really important one. Um, I think, just just again, knowing that I'm that I'm, I'm here to like entertain people, I'm here to make people happy, like that's what I want, and I think it's so important that, um, another sort of like one of my mantras and a thing that I think about all the time, is that I want people to walk away from a show, whether they meet me at, like the merch table or at, you know, in the line at a supermarket or an airport. Like I want people to walk away and be like, oh, my gosh, sammy was so nice, that was such a an amazing experience, and not that I'm ever mean, um, but it's sort of like, you know, they say like don't meet your heroes. It's like, well, I don't like I want people to be able to like meet me and be like, oh my gosh, I'm so happy I met her. And that was amazing because I had a weird experience with one of my heroes and I met them and I walked away and I was like, wow, that was a bummer and I never want to see anything there in every like. It just like tainted that and I was such, I was so upset. I'm like I never, ever want that to happen. I'm like I never, ever want that to happen.
Speaker 2:So, no matter what kind of day I'm having, no matter what happened in my life, I put that aside. And when I'm meeting people, performing, talking to people, that's their time, that is, I want to give them all of my love and happiness because they deserve that and they, you know, paid money to come see your show. And I would be so upset if someone walked away being like, oh my gosh, I met Sammy. That was such a bummer experience. I can never listen to her music ever again. I would, I would quit, I'd be like forget it, it's over, it's done, cause I just think it like it. It taints stuff, taints stuff and I I do not want that.
Speaker 2:So, no matter what kind of day I'm having, what mood I'm in what happened. I put that in a little box, a little, tie it up, set it off to the side and I'm like this is this is your, this is your time. So that is like my number one, I guess, kind of mantra and like little thing that I think about all of the time whenever I perform or, or you know, meet people, I mean I'm I'm rarely ever I'm not a mean person, right, so it's, but I don't let that show and I think that's important when you're meeting people who are supporting what you're doing and who are fans and friends and stuff. So I love that.
Speaker 1:I love that. It's super positive. And it sort of brings me into my next question. I have two more questions, one's sort of like a bigger one than one's like a cute little one. So you can take the bigger one or take it however way you want, but I love that. You've sort of been.
Speaker 1:I had this question and then just hearing how you're showing up is so important, because I feel like how you're meeting people and serving them in that way is so important, and I can just imagine how many other creative people, other, just other humans that you're inspiring just by showing up with this really beautiful, authentic positivity. And so that leads me into this bigger question, which is how important has mentorship been in your process? This might be a bigger question, maybe it's small, but you know, what mentors have you had that have like actually, you know I guess been there to kind of mold you and shape you? How important has it been for you? And and even if they aren't somebody that you actually worked with, you know, was there any kind of like patron saint of musicians or performers that kind of guided you, like a muse of your, like something that someone inspired by?
Speaker 2:I mean I feel like it's kind of a mix of a lot of stuff. I mean it's definitely my parents are a big um, they, they have a you know it's a super important impact on what I do and how I do it. And they always they raised me with just just always being kind, always spreading love, being kind and just like really they have an amazing worth work ethic. So it was amazing growing up and seeing both of them just work like super hard and just being super dedicated to their family, but also, like their passions and just, you know, showing that like you can, you can do it all and if you really put your mind to it, you can do whatever you want, and that's that's really important. We're like, you know, sometimes being an artist is really difficult, but if you, you know, really focus, I think you can achieve whatever you want to achieve. So so they're they've definitely have a very they've. They've had a big impact in my music career and also they've just been so supportive of whatever I want to do, whether it was be a you know a volunteer firefighter in Port Washington or a ballerina, or you know a musician. They're like, yeah, let's do it. Where, like, where do we sign you up? So it's been amazing having just that support system or, you know, growing up with that. They're like you could do whatever you want. Let's go and just being so, so down and just a team player and supporting me in whatever silly, weird thing I wanted to do, so that's been a big part of my journey.
Speaker 2:Whether it's a big part of my journey, whether it's you know putting out music or you know putting out a clothing line or makeup, like what, like, whatever I want to do, I just feel like, hey, you know what, let's try it, why not? But I mean other than that it's just like. I mean other than that it's just like gosh. I don't, I don't know if there's any like like one specific person, but I've seen, you know, just like little. I feel like I take like little bits and pieces from you know, like, whether it's like celebrities that do this or this artist that does that, I just want to make sure that I give everyone a special, unique as possible experience and like me, it's just like I'm.
Speaker 2:I just try to be my most authentic self and it's I'm like silly and weird and like I mean I don't know, I don't even know what to say. I, it's just like I'm. I'm just like Sammy, it's so like I don't know, I don't think of myself as like I don't know I'm, I'm, I don't know I'm, I'm, I'm extremely honored to be like where I am. I mean, I, yes, I think I'm successful, but like I don't, it's weird, like I don't think of myself as that. I'm just like Sammy that grew up in Port Washington and that likes like cheese and snacks and you know archery. Like I'm just it's so, it's, it's so. It's like this weird sort of not double life. But I don't even know what I'm saying. I'm just like rambling, but it's interesting.
Speaker 1:I love that you maintained your authenticity through it all, because I feel like maybe other people have had to have. Like this is my public persona, you know my performer self, and then this is my private self, but it sounds like you've kind of been able to merge the two. So it's just you just are.
Speaker 2:Right, it's, it's. I try to just be myself. I mean, you know, there's definitely Sammy Garrett on stage and then Sammy Garrett off stage. They're a little different but they're they're the same person. I'm still like sort of my definitely weird, goofy self on stage and I'm definitely like very shy. You know I got a little bit of social anxiety and you know I tell people that and they're like what you? I'm like? Yeah, no, I definitely do. Sometimes, when I I liked you know what did they say? Like I don't know what to do with my hands, you know like I'm awkward sometimes I'm silly and weird, so it's, it's just, it's a it's, it's an interesting.
Speaker 2:It's an interesting little mix of the two, but I try to just be like my authentic self on off stage wherever I am, because I think that's really important and I think you know I, I want people to see that I don't want to be two different people. I'm one person. I want people to like see, see me for me and and just just enjoy what I do, cause I enjoy what I do and I just want to make you know, people, people, happy what I do and I just want to make you know people, people, happy.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's a beautiful thing, it's a beautiful thing. I guess I kind of answered your question in a very long, long winded way.
Speaker 1:So okay, so I have little question and then and then question to round out the whole interview. So, being who you are, I'm just curious because I knew you back in the day when your signature winged eyeliner first began and I remember I was also trying to do it at that time and there was a number of years where, like, I was doing it, you know, um, but then it was kind of funny. I don't know if you ever got this, but people would be like, are you just trying to copy Sammy Garrett, because you guys have the same watch and you're also doing winged eyeliner. I was like no, you just both like the same thing. I don't know, but I'm curious, like what is your secret to the perfect winged eyeliner look?
Speaker 2:Oh my God. You know I like to say sisters, not twins. You know, sometimes today they're a little maybe like stepsisters. You know, sometimes I nail it Some other days I'm like good enough.
Speaker 1:It is what it is.
Speaker 2:It is what it is. I mean, I guess it's all the years of practice. But it's funny, even, like if I take a few days off from doing the winged eyeliner and then, like I go to do it and I'm like, oh my God, I forgot how to do this. And then it's terrible and I end up like Amy Winehouse and it's just like out to here. I'm like, oh no, what did I do? You know, some days it's really tough, some days they match, some days they really don't, but you just, it's really refreshing.
Speaker 1:Some days they match, some days they really don't, but you just it's really refreshing, sort of like a river, you just roll with it, just gotta let it go. I love that you've committed to it, as like your look, because for me I was like at a certain point, I was.
Speaker 2:I the the imperfection as a Virgo, I was just like I can't deal with it.
Speaker 1:I know You're a Virgo too, I think so. Yeah, it's tough, cause I'd be. Oh, this one has a little too much. Then, yes, it's, you can very easily. It's a fine line. And then, very easily, once you step over, you go full. Amy Winehouse.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, it's like you're cutting your bangs and you just keep going shorter and shorter. You're like oh no, we've gone too far.
Speaker 1:We've gone too far. We've gone too far. But I love that. That's just so refreshing that you're like I've never perfected it. It's just it's actually a really perfect part of this whole conversation. It's just you gotta let the river flow perfectly imperfect. Yeah, perfectly imperfect. Authentic, just your authentic self, and I love that.
Speaker 1:Aww, thank you, okay, so final final question to wrap up the whole conversation what's on the horizon for you? What do you have coming up that you can let our listener know about? Where can they come see you? Where can they find you on social medias, et cetera, et cetera.
Speaker 2:All right. Well, cool, cool, cool has a bunch of shows coming up. We have some dates coming up in Colorado. We'll be on Long Island this summer opening up for, um, jerry Harrison and Adrian Ballou, who were in Talking Heads. So cool, cool, cool. We'll open up, and then we are also their band, so then we'll do a whole Talking Heads set, which is super exciting. Um, all the tour dates are on my social media, which is just sammy at sammy garrett everywhere just that's my name across the board, and we got a bunch of new music coming out. As cool, cool, cool. Um, I'm planning to hopefully release some sammy garrett original stuff and, and you know, I just I hope to see everyone at a show. Come and say hey, come, say hi, yeah.
Speaker 1:We love it. Feel free, yes, don't be scared. Go say hi to Sammy, don't be scared. I'm really nice. I know what to do with her hands, but she'll be very nice. That's me, yes. Well, dear listener, you can check out all of the links in the show notes and I hope you do yourself a favor, give her a follow, go and check her out, see her live. It's just a wonderful, magical experience. Thank you so much. I love you me too. I'm so happy that we got together and we got to have this conversation. Thank you so much, sammy, for coming. I'm so happy that we got together and we got to have this conversation. Thank you so much, sammy, for coming.
Speaker 2:I'm so happy. Thank you so much for having me. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. I love it.
Speaker 1:I love it. I love it. Okay, dear listener, thank you so much for tuning in. This has been another episode of the Ode to Joy podcast. Thank you so much for tuning in, dear listener. And hey, guess what Cool, cool cool is on tour right now, so definitely go check them out. You can probably see them wherever you are in the United States. They're touring until late November, so check out in the show notes. I'm most likely going to be at their show next Tuesday at the Paramount in Huntington, if you're on Long Island, and I'm just so happy that she came on to chat with us and I hope you enjoyed that as much as I did, sending you so much love.