Meet Samuel Van Wagoner | Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samuel Van Wagoner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samuel, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
Stay true to your version of success and set achievable goals. When I decided I was going to be self-employed, I defined that success would be to make a living playing music. I was never going to be a millionaire but I have been able to use my talents to pay my bills, build a comfortable life, and to travel the country with my family. After being a working musician for the past twenty three years, my sustainability and consistent work has helped reinforce my idea of success and led to self-fulfillment which is important in a career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I bought my first real guitar in 7th grade at Evola music in Waterford, MI. I started writing songs in high school for fun. I moved to Los Angeles with my best friend John when I was 19. I just wanted to play music and that freedom made me realize I never wanted to have another job from there on out, I wanted to be a musician for the music and I just needed figure out how to make enough money to live.

I started a singer-songwriter and I started searching for gigs-coffee shops, the Santa Monica pier, the Venice boardwalk, bars, restaurants, and small venues. California living quickly taught me being famous wasn’t the sole measure of success. I played music every chance I got and eventually moved back to Michigan a few years later to be closer to family.

Over the years, I have had to strike a balance between playing original shows and playing cover songs in bars. I’ve performed to sold out concert crowds and at small venues with a few people enjoying the music. There’s been both fans and critics in both places that have driven me to be better and to try new things. I have learned that some people are going to love you, follow your every move, and show up for every show. Others are not going to be a fan and that’s ok. You can’t be too sensitive and have to stay focused on your goals.

I’ve learned that if you are consistent, kind, and dedicated to improving what you do, people and jobs will follow. I am incredible grateful that I have been able to be a working musician in the Detroit area, playing 200+ shows a year for the past 23 years, and I am still enjoying making music as a living.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My family and I live in Clarkston, MIchigan which happens to be one of the best small towns in the state. Our favorite things to do include grabbing dinner and checking out some live music at the Fed, playing foseball upstairs at the Woodshop,or grabbing drinks at Honcho or the Union. Downtown shopping at the North End Candle Bar, Essence on Main, Frank and Me, and the Union General is always a good time.

If a friend was here for a week, I’d be sure to include the following favorite must see spots:
1. A visit to Mackinac Island
2. A Caseville Sunset
3. A hike of sleeping bear dunes
4. A Tigers Game in Detroit
5. A Michigan Acoustic Brewery Tour
Over the past few years, I have played a Michigan Acoustic Brewery Tour during the winter and spring months. Brewery people are laid back, fun, and love to listen to acoustic tunes while they drink good beer. From Detroit, to Grand Rapids, to Up North, we have some of the best breweries around.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife Erin has been key in keeping me organized and focused. She is always there to encourage and support me and my music. My mom Christine has been my number one fan from day one. She still comes out to as many of my shows as she can and you can always hear her cheering in a crowd.
My friend Danny Kimosch has been a great mentor, an awesome drummer, and an example of self-discipline and professionalism for me.

Website: www.samvanwagonermusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samvanwagonermusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sam.vanwagoner/