Meet Sam Striker | Video Game Composer & Mastering Engineer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sam Striker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
Bringing on more people and choosing to be a partnership of three rather than a solo venture. This, by far, is what supercharged the business and set us apart. There are plenty of sole proprietors who do what we do. But because we are only focusing on what we each do best, we can operate much more efficiently and no details fall between the cracks. Our clients always have someone they can speak with directly and I always have a strong team I can lean on.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Native Darkness Productions is a company that focuses on the creation and arrangement of music and sound for video games and other commercial media. I’d say what sets us apart is our ability to not only be a team who functions more efficiently, but the fact that we enjoy being the Disneyland of customer service. We are always prompt and do our best to put clients concerns at ease and make them feel heard. It can be difficult working with one person who does everything because they are trying to balance too many plates. Our mission is to find the sound of your brand- and make what’s in your head come out of your speakers. I’d say keeping this standard in the front of our minds is what has helped us overcome challenges and grow through hardships.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love my stomping ground, McKinney. They have an incredible downtown full of unique spots. From Arcade 92, Filtered Coffee shop, a secret password-only speakeasy lounge, Amoré Hookah bar, music venues, and tons of places to take pictures.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife, D’laina Shearit, is the most inspirational and entrepreneurial person I know. She’s a YouTuber and a YouTube strategist. She has been my biggest cheerleader and is an endless supply of motivation and direction when I feel lost or under immense pressure. As an Eagle Scout I also have to give credit to the BSA program. Definitely my biggest source of leadership, business, and overall character training. The stereotype is that you learn outdoor survival skills and how to tie knots- but the truth is that I wouldn’t be able to speak as confidently as I do or understand how to delegate tasks if it weren’t for being put through situations that forced me to do so and corrected me when I did it wrong. For that, I am extremely thankful for the BSA program. Troop 226, Circle Ten Council.

Website: www.nativedarkness.com

Instagram: @nativedarkness

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NativeDarknessProductions

Image Credits
Rachel Mathews