Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Dinkins IV.
Sam, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Whew – How did I get started? Probably should better say when will I stop. From a very young age I’ve been a player in the music world. However, before I elaborate where I began let’s talk about what I do. Currently I manage artist, play drums and percussion, in addition to being a booked and busy production manager of concerts, festivals, and events. However, my adolescence was nurtured by a musical family; alongside an even more charming beast of a family business, deeply rooted in the education of music to humans of all ages. That business is called Dinky Drum Company, of which I still consult while tackling my other endeavors and ventures. Throughout the teachings and guidance of the community of musically inclined parents, mentors, and peers, my musicianship soared. I then took to Chicago for school and post grad immersed myself into the music community nationwide, maintaining a slew of gigs throughout the country. With humble beginnings in venues I then began to work with different artist, whether it be management, or full-scale tour production there has been no stopping since. I’ve always envisioned bigger, better, more bang.
Has it been a smooth road?
Well, most stories show that nothing is a smooth road, and mine is nothing different. Being a multifaceted person, I’ve always battled my own demons of fulfilling goals in several different sectors of the music industry. Between recording/producing, playing, managing it’s been a whirlwind of difficulties. To start there’s typically no direction ever when you want to do something, no road map personalized specifically for you, which is a logistical nightmare. However, like the saying goes, “you’ve got to start somewhere.” So younger me would think of where I would start, which pathway I would go down first, how can I effectively accomplish all these goals. I found some conclusions, and started on what was most immediately accomplishable. I had a laptop and DAW software so for a while I made beats and DJ’s in my room to mess around when I wasn’t practicing drums, legit days on days on months of work, only for my computer and hard drive to get stolen with everything on it, and this was pre-cloud and backup platforms. So now we’re back at square one. By that time, I’d been ready to venture into studio’s, internships were a dime a dozen, however the hottest ones always had the position filled regardless if I’d post my application within minutes of the previous vacancy.
Key point taken from this, it’s not what you know but who you know. And even though I landed a par level internship, I’ve never been a fan of working for free, so that was short lived. However, I was able to take my knowledge from that internship, and my knowledge of performing live, being that I’ve played music all my life and apply it towards a new sector of the industry, live shows. I’ve always been fascinated by the Geppetto’s of live performances, so I felt there was no better time. However, a good majority of the behind the scene facilitators I wouldn’t exactly call my peers, so now a fish out of water I needed to grow some lungs which isn’t an overnight process. So basically, after years of blending in and honing my skills proving them undeniable, I believe I’ve reached somewhat of a homeostasis.
We’d love to hear more about your music.
Personally I’m a live event Producer, Artist and Tour Manager, Audio Consultant and Designer. I’ve been responsible for some of the most ambitious live events, tours and installations in recent history. I work with brands, artist, sporting events, ceremonies, exhibitions, cultural festivals, religious and arts organizations, not-for-profits, marketing, PR companies/agencies, and so on. Life is about experiences, if I am not creating them, I head off and find them: adventuring.
My family business Dinky Drum Company, LLC is a professional Music Education, Performance and Entertainment business whose focus is on “Providing Quality Musical Services.” DDC School of Music teaches children and adults about music through private and group lessons. Our Educational Performances include a variety of shows beyond the concert hall designed for Children, Adults and Seniors. We provide Musicians, Ensembles, Bands and Groups for any event large or small. Our mission is, “To provide knowledge and experiences which promote the enjoyment of music for a lifetime.”
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Houston is a good place for any business as it is one of the largest major cities in the states making anything possible, fortunately my business can operate anywhere and travel with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: divproductions.com, dinkydrum.com
- Email: samdinkiv@gmail.com
- Instagram: samdinkiv
Image Credit:
Matthew Felix: Instagram @matthew_felix
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