We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Samuel Walukouw. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Samuel below.

Samuel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Spending time on our craft is the most important aspect of our journey to become successful in whatever we do. I learned how to sing and write songs at a later age than most of the artists or singers around me. I didn’t go to school for music nor take any vocal or songwriting lessons. I taught myself from the very beginning, and of course, I’ve had some help and input from many great artists around me that helped me become the artist I am today. But I took my time and spent a long time on perfecting my craft in what I do, whether it is singing, song writing, drumming, even cooking.

Knowing what I know now, there are many things I wish I could have done differently in my learning process. I wish that I could have been more disciplined in my craft, more confident, and trusted the process. Discipline and patience are some of the most essential skills for continuously improving in your craft. Talent can only take us so far without discipline. Some of the obstacles that stood in the way of learning more were usually my fear of failing, time, and money. Most of the time, we are afraid of failing in the process of learning something or simply afraid of not being good at something without realizing that everything takes work and time. But some of the biggest obstacles I face are definitely not having enough time and money to focus on my craft.”

Samuel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

“There are three things that I am immensely passionate about: music, food, and traveling. I am currently working on a second album with my Reggae band, I host private dinner events, and I am in the process of launching my travel program.

Some of the things that I am most proud of are releasing an album, hosting an Indonesian food workshop in Jamaica, and performing my music in Kenya.

It all started when I moved to Boston and formed a Reggae band named “Java Jukebox.” The name Java was my way to pay homage to my roots and my birthplace of West Java, Indonesia. I started as the drummer but later transitioned to become the lead vocalist of the band. We had a successful run in Boston for roughly three years, performing, touring, and releasing a single and a full-length album during our time there. Eventually, our bassist, drummer, and I decided to move to California in an attempt to reach a bigger audience. However, the global pandemic hit in 2020, and we took three years off.

During the lockdown, I had a lot of time to figure out who I am as a person outside of my music career and what I can do besides music. It was during this time that I realized my passion for cooking. I find many similarities between cooking and writing a song. Most importantly, I am able to express myself and have the opportunity to share and educate people about my roots through cooking. I continued to improve my cooking craft during this time and was able to do some catering and vlog my cooking journey.

It wasn’t until 2022 that everything connected for me. I left California, drove across the country for a week by myself, and then traveled to Kenya, Jamaica, and all over Indonesia. I found my passion for traveling and learning about other people’s cultures through my travels, particularly through their food, music, language, and traditions.

My mission is simply to bring people together and make this world a better place, whether through my music, a dish that I make, or an itinerary that I create for people to experience life through traveling.”

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

“The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the opportunity to experience life through your art. For example, I’m able to meet and perform on the same stage as some of my musical idols. I can travel around the world, meet new friends, perform, share my art, and create beautiful lifetime memories. Most importantly, it allows me to be recognized through my art by people I have never met and to be told that my art has brought joy and strength into their lives.”

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.

“I think that some of the things ‘non-creatives’ struggle to understand about my journey as a creative are my approach to becoming ‘successful’ and what I view as ‘making it’ as an artist. I believe everyone has their own path and definition of success. Some might get there earlier than others, some take longer, and some might not achieve financial success but still have the best reputation among their peers and other artists. We do not have a specific formula for ‘making it’ or even a clear understanding of what that means as a creative or artist.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.javajukeboxmusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbsam27/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-walukouw-b84449195/