Monarch Artist Feature: Sam Tabor

By Kelsey Knott Photos By Antonio Pantoja 

On his debut album, I Hope They Set You Free, Sam Tabor describes what it means to grow and leave behind past beliefs, fully accepting a “new you” and embracing change through fear. 

Tabor’s musical family instilled a love of music early in his childhood. “My mom’s one of the best singers I’ve ever heard. I started singing because of her, and she got me my first guitar when I was 7 or 8. My brother, who’s six years older, was playing music before me, and I wanted to be just like him.” With rock power chords reverberating through the house, Tabor was writing songs from that point on. Playing music in church and his high school jazz band provided him with practice in front of an audience, though he still preferred the creative aspects of making his own music. In college, his YouTube videos started to gain traction, accidentally putting music on hiatus. “I was still obsessed with music, but definitely went full force into my YouTube career. About a year ago, I felt like I really wanted to put out stuff. I reignited my love for it and decided I wanted to share my stuff with the world.” 

Sad songs tend to be Tabor’s jam, and he stays inspired by other artists in the folk and alternative genres, as well as by nature and real-life experiences involving growth. “Every time I start writing a happy song, even if it’s happy-sounding, the lyrics are not. When I really sit down and think about the things that I’ve learned from in the past, that’s what inspires my songwriting. I’m trying hard to write happier music.” Many of Tabor’s songs are specifically about his experience living with OCD, and he hopes listeners with the condition can feel less alone. “Songwriting has helped me navigate my mental health–things I didn’t even know I needed, like letting go. I’ve started crying when songwriting, not because it’s so good or anything, but just because I really needed to release the emotion.” 

While Tabor originally thought The Monarch was only a venue, he was amazed to find it was so much more. A welcoming place for all, musicians and creatives are always there, talking and meeting one another, sometimes making music and other times simply having a coffee chat. He shared a story about playing his first show at The Monarch and how accommodating Mark Roberts was the day prior in perfecting his sound check. “I haven’t topped it. Mark is very good at getting people together and making everyone feel as comfortable as possible. I wasn’t expecting to make new friends in my thirties, and I have made more friends this year than I have in the past eight years.” It fits right into the Louisville vibe: feeling like home and here to create something cool more so than make it big time. 

Furthermore, The Monarch evolved Tabor’s perspective on songwriting. “I think anyone should try to write a song if they want to, if they’re feeling it at all. Don’t worry about what other people think. The first time I came to the Monarch was for songwriting circles, and there were people with barely finished songs, and everyone was so supportive. Music really is a beautiful thing to try.” When it comes to songwriting, Tabor’s advice is just to start! “I think too much, and the less I think, the more people relate. So if you’re thinking too hard about making a song, just start.” 

Stay tuned for new music on the way! Follow Sam Tabor on all platforms, and check out his video game channel to see another side of Sam with his second passion.