At Lockout Music Studios, we’re proud to be a space where artists can thrive and create, but every now and then, we come across someone who’s doing something truly remarkable. One such artist is Sam Lak, who has taken his passion for music and transformed it into something much bigger—a creative agency and record label called Fly-Cut Studios.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Sam and learn about his journey from a young drummer to a full-fledged entrepreneur, carving out a space for himself in the Orange County music scene. Here’s what he had to say about his career, his process, and the exciting projects he’s working on.
I started drumming at the age of four, as music was passed down through my family. After years of practicing and playing in a church band, I joined a few bands in my early twenties. My love for music grew, but I wanted more responsibility and felt I had more to offer than just drumming. After about a year of planning, I launched Fly-Cut Studios in early September of this year.
I enjoy sitting down and really getting to know the artist. I like to hear the songs or artists that influenced them, and I ask about the story behind the song and the emotion they want to evoke. This helps me understand how they write and how we can shape their sound into something uniquely theirs.
Every artist is different, so my workflow changes. While we have some systems we prefer, we adapt to meet the artist where they are, which can make things more challenging but ultimately more rewarding.
The biggest challenge is finding the best process for each artist. We like to let the artist take the lead initially, but when they hit a roadblock, we offer our systems as a solution. It’s about building trust, and sometimes that means starting over from scratch, but it’s all part of the process.
Social media is a huge resource for discovering new equipment and learning different ways to use it to create something fresh. But I also love researching older gear and finding out what bands used in the studio or on tour. That blend of new and old technology can really shape an artist’s sound in unexpected ways.
Collaborating is a big part of my growth. Having 24/7 access to a creative space has allowed me to connect with so many different artists and friends. It’s given me a sense of joy and freedom that I hadn’t experienced before, both as an artist and as a person.
Lockout has made a big impact on my circle of musician friends. Having all of our spots in the same building or within walking distance allows us to collaborate and create easily. It’s brought us closer together, and I think it’s helping the local scene grow as well.
Start with whatever equipment you have and don’t wait to get started. Listen to a wide range of music from different decades, and don’t get caught up in having the latest gear—you don’t need most of it. Surround yourself with great musicians who inspire you and push you to grow. And most importantly, bring positive energy and avoid anyone or anything that holds you back from reaching your full potential.
Sam’s journey with Flycut Studios shows how having the right space and environment can unlock creative potential. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your music to the next level, Flycut Studios is proof that you can turn your passion into something bigger.
Ready to start creating your music, your way? With Lockout Music Studios, you can rehearse, record, and collaborate 24/7 in a secure, professional environment designed for artists. Book a tour today, and see how our spaces can help bring your vision to life!
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With 24-hour access, Lockout Music Studios provides a professional and comfortable environment for musicians to practice, perform, and record their music, allowing them to reach new heights in their craft.