Sam Thousand

Photo by Chris Hurd

Sam Thousand (formally known as Sam Trump) is a multi-instrumentalist, singer/writer, producer/composer and a 3Arts Recipient with 15+ years of experience in live performance art, curation, and self management. Since picking up the trumpet at age 7, his artistry has allowed him the opportunity to perform in all corners of North America as well as overseas.

From maintaining years of performance residencies, and curating special events throughout the city, Sam Thousand has become a fixture in Chicago’s performing arts scene. He has served as a booking manager at multiple venues to help keep some Chicago’s top musicians working. He is co-founder of multiple Chicago-based organizations, and is a business owner and entrepreneur. Everywhere he goes, he brings a sophistication that engages & uplifts.

Sam Thousand is the CEO of Superlative Muzak, Inc., which executes all of his music & music business endeavors. Some past partners and clients include UChicago, DCASE, Chicago Ideas, Chicago Urban League, City Cast Chicago, Lululemon, SheaMoisture, Apple, REI, Volkswagen/JettaHaus, T-Mobile, & NBCUniversal.

In the last several years Sam Thousand has gained experience producing soundtracks for theatrical dance and film. His Chicago-based organization ‘Production:COLORS’ premiered its first 45min dance show at the Chicago Cultural Center (2016) and its second show at the Museum of Contemporary Art (2018) with raving reviews. Sam’s first official composer credit was for the web series FUNNY MARRIED STUFF (2016) and a second for HIPLET: BECAUSE WE CAN (2019) which landed him in a panel of film scorers at the SXSW 2020 Film Festival. His first feature-length film composition credit came with the Chicago documentary UNAPOLOGETIC (2020). In 2021 he composed and performed the theme songs to the daily Chicago podcast show, CITY CAST CHICAGO.

“My aim is to establish myself as a pioneer of new direction within the music scene. Through writing, consultation, and artistic space making, my ultimate goal is to inspire others to do whatever it is they love most, with the ambition of positively affecting our society. It is my hope that with every path crossed, inspiration transpires.”