We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Samuel Dawson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Samuel, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I never did! My self-esteem has never been lower than this current point! Sometimes I find myself wide awake at night pondering, ” why…. why. Am I like this?” But then I just take shots lots of shots! Till I stumble up to my bathroom mirror with a shit eating grin, and I say to that man “come here you ugly bastard”. I give my reflection sweet tender kisses, and then I wonder Is this long enough?

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I started All Along four years ago by recording our first album (“Lonely Tuesday”) in a garage in Pennsylvania. Ever since then, growing the band, performing, and making more music has been my primary focus. And having fun, of course. And trying to not go broke. The band has changed through time and as I’ve lived in different places, from Pennsylvania to Nashville to Los Angeles. All Along is about short songs that you can listen to over and over again, songs that sound happy but are secretly sad. Our major inspiration is Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters. We have two albums and an EP out so far, with corresponding music videos, and we are currently working on a new EP as well as more music videos.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Trial and error, trying not to go broke, and lots of lubricant have been the most impactful on my journey. Being able to fail over and over again and still keep going has been a vital part of making music and keeping the band going. I’m really just trying my best not to mess up this interview right now. Trying not to go broke has been pretty much the most important part of making music so far. And lube. My advice for folks who are early in their journey is to have rich parents. Hard work goes a long way, but a rich mommy and daddy goes further. But even without that, through everything, I’ve been having a blast and wouldn’t change anything. The people I’ve connected with and the experiences I’ve had matter the most.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My dead mom has been the most helpful in helping me overcome challenges and build and develop the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge I needed to be (kind of) successful. I enjoyed playing music with my mom on Saturdays, and playing piano and making music with her was one of the most impactful parts of growing up and is the reason why I do this today. Also, having a ghost on your team can never hurt. Unless they decide to haunt you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allal0ng?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@allalong
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1dt0Kj3kTXZjNXyyzhtJjH?si=9ITr8wY9S0iEytgfOEtryg
• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ng/artist/all-along/1450880728

Image Credits
Photos by travie bopankis and Connor Jewett. ( the Zahn Brothers)