We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andrew Sumabat a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Andrew, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
My decision to pursue music professionally wasn’t a single moment but a series of realizations and experiences. In high school, music was the only thing I was truly drawn to—it was where I felt both challenged and at home, and it was clear early on that it was the only field I wanted to explore deeply. One of the reasons I pursued music is because, beyond being one of the most fulfilling things a person can do, it’s also something our world needs right now. Music has the power to connect us, to heal, and to express emotions that words alone cannot. In a world that often feels divided and disconnected, music offers a sense of unity and a way to communicate on a deeper level.
I am so grateful to have learned from countless world class musicians and teachers. My mentors taught me that being an artist is a deeply meaningful pursuit, and I began to understand what they meant as I got more involved with music. One pivotal experience was meeting one of my musical heroes, Wynton Marsalis. I asked him for advice, and his response has stayed with me ever since: “No matter what you do in life, define yourself with more, not less. Figure out what you want to do, and earn your prejudices.” His words resonated with me and sparked my determination to not only pursue music but to approach it with a sense of curiosity and depth.
Throughout school, my main instrument was trombone, but I was never satisfied focusing on just one. There’s a mindset in the music world that you should dedicate your life to mastering a single instrument, but that felt limiting to me. Instead, I found joy in becoming “more than acceptable” at multiple instruments. Today, I play trombone, trumpet, saxophone, bass, guitar, piano, drums, and many others—essentially all the instruments in a big band. I’ve started recording big band project videos where I do all the playing, recording, mixing, mastering, editing, and videography work myself. It’s been incredibly rewarding, and I’ve been inspired along the way by talented friends and mentors. One of my biggest inspirations is Carlos Eiene, also known as “Insaneintherain.” His creativity and work ethic showed me the potential of taking on every part of a musical project and helped me build the confidence to pursue my own vision.
Although I’ve been having fun covering great music, I’m moving into writing my own compositions. I’m not entirely sure where this project will go, but it feels infinitely expandable, and the possibilities are incredibly exciting. These experiences, combined with my love for music, have made it clear that this is what I want to do. I’m looking forward to seeing where this journey leads me!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a Seattle-based musician and multi-instrumentalist, focused on creating, performing, and producing music across various projects. My current major project is my big band, where I’m involved in every aspect—from performing all the instruments to recording, mixing, mastering, producing, and video editing. This hands-on approach lets me control the entire creative process, pushing myself as a musician and producer. The project has started to gain a little traction on social media, which has been exciting as I continue to build momentum.
My journey into music began in 5th grade when I heard my local high school’s jazz band perform. At the time, it was one of the top high school jazz ensembles in the U.S., and I became instantly enamored with jazz. I picked up the trombone in 6th grade, and in high school, I expanded my skills to trumpet and saxophone, performing across all the instruments in a big band.
I’ve had the privilege of performing with Grammy-winning artists such as Christian McBride, Dianne Reeves, Sean Jones, and John Clayton. I’ve also toured the U.S. with the gospel group Kings Kaleidoscope, gaining invaluable experience along the way.
My biggest inspirations come from a diverse range of musicians and artists who have shaped my musical journey, and these are just a few of the many that continue to influence me. Carlos Eiene (Insaneintherain) has had a major influence on how I approach my big band project. John Coltrane’s spiritual energy in his music has been a huge inspiration in my playing, especially in how I approach improvisation and musical expression. I admire Wynton Marsalis’ technical mastery and improvisation, which have inspired me to constantly refine my own approach to music. Kings Kaleidoscope, with their eclectic blend of styles and their commitment to their faith, have inspired me with their bold creativity and energy. The way they fuse different genres while staying true to their message is something I deeply admire. Kiefer’s incredible beat production skills, piano playing, and his contributions to jazztronica have made him one of my favorite artists of all time, inspiring me to blend genres and experiment with new sounds in my own music.
Currently, I’m focused on my big band project, where I write, record, mix, master, produce, and even create the video content. This full control allows me to push creative boundaries and challenge myself in new ways. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made with this project, and I’m excited about what’s to come.
Ultimately, my goal is to become the best version of myself as a musician and producer, creating something beautiful through my music. I want my work to connect with others, whether it’s through performance, production, or collaboration. Music is my way of expressing myself, and I hope it resonates with those who experience it.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
It is incredibly challenging to be an independent creative or artist in today’s world, and I believe society needs to do more to create an environment where artists and creatives alike are recognized and where people truly understand the value the arts bring. The arts are often underappreciated and undervalued, with many failing to realize just how important they are to our daily lives. I feel that investing in arts education is essential to changing this perception. When we prioritize arts education, we teach future generations to value creativity and understand its role in shaping the world around us. Everything tangible in our lives, from the design of everyday objects to groundbreaking innovations, was conceived by a creative mind. The arts fuel that creativity and are the foundation of countless industries in our world. By supporting and uplifting the arts, we not only promote innovation but also enrich our communities and enhance our shared human experience.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Being a creative often feels like swimming upstream in a world that values conformity and conventional success over individuality and self-expression. For creatives, this mindset can make our journey feel isolating and deeply misunderstood. Non-creatives who pursue traditional vocations often enjoy a level of comfort and stability that simply doesn’t exist in the arts. Our industry has no clear path, no guarantees of success, and no universal benchmarks for progress. Every creative’s journey is uniquely their own, shaped by trial and error, immense effort, and a deep sense of purpose.
We are so often misunderstood, yet our work is consumed and taken for granted by society. Imagine a world without music, TV shows, movies, books, or visual art. All of these things that bring joy, connection, and meaning to people’s lives exist because of creatives. Our work is what truly makes life worth living, yet the passion, courage, and sacrifices it takes to create are often overlooked. Non-creatives may see the finished product but fail to recognize the deep emotional and mental investment that goes into making it a reality.
For many of us, being a creative isn’t just a choice—it’s who we are. The arts are so meaningful to us that we can’t imagine living without them, even when society undervalues our contributions or tells us our path is impractical. To be a creative person is to embrace uncertainty and pour your heart into something greater, knowing that what we create has the power to heal, motivate, and inspire!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sumabatman
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sumabatman
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sumabatman
Image Credits
Savannah Lauren, Stuart Danford, Jason Chia