Oshane Samuels
Some musicians find their calling early, and others follow it from somewhere unexpected. For drummer and musical director Oshane Samuels, that path ran from the football field to the drum riser. We sat down with Oshane to talk about what drives him, who inspired him along the way, and the gear that keeps him dialed in night after night.
Aformer CFL player turned full-time musician, Oshane has built a career on versatility, bringing a rich musical foundation and a high level of musicianship to every stage he steps on. Whether he’s behind the kit or leading a band as musical director, his focus is on serving the music and connecting with the people listening. Keep reading to learn more about him.
What initially inspired you to pursue a career in music?
My love for music started at a really young age, growing up in the church and playing alongside my brothers and cousins. Music was always a huge part of our lives. No matter where we went, we always had an instrument in our hands. Being surrounded by family who shared that same passion really inspired me and helped shape the musician I am today. As I got older, my love for music continued to grow, and what started as something we simply loved doing together eventually turned into something I knew I wanted to pursue professionally. Looking back, I’d definitely say my family and those early experiences in church played the biggest role in inspiring my journey in music.
Can you share a memorable moment from your musical journey that has had a significant impact on you?
One of the most significant moments in my musical journey actually happened while I was playing professional football in the CFL. It’s interesting because I was in a position that so many people dream of being in and dedicate their entire lives to achieving. And although I’m extremely grateful for my time playing professional football, I always felt this pull toward music. The more time I spent playing football, the more my heart and passion for music continued to grow. It wasn’t necessarily one specific moment or performance that changed everything, but more of a realization that, as much as I loved the game, my heart was truly in music. That experience taught me a lot about myself and ultimately helped me understand what I genuinely wanted to pursue in life.
What influences have shaped your style of music?
Gospel music has definitely played a huge role in shaping my style as a drummer. Growing up in the church, I was exposed to so many different musical elements that helped me develop the versatility to play across almost any genre. A lot of my inspiration also came from drummers I grew up listening to and looking up to, especially my brother Sean Samuels, along with Toronto legends like Adrian Bent, Otis Williams, and Jonathan Kerr. These guys had a major influence on me from a young age, not just in how I play, but also in how I approach music as a whole. I would definitely say my gospel roots, combined with the influence of these incredible musicians, have helped shape the drummer I am today.
If you could create a soundtrack for any historical event, which one would it be and why?
If I could create a soundtrack for any historical event, it would definitely be the 2016 NBA Finals, when LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers came back from being down 3–1 against the Golden State Warriors, who had just finished their season with a historic 73–9 record. I’ve always been a LeBron James fan, so watching that entire series was absolutely insane. Being a former professional athlete myself, I understand the level of pressure, determination, and mental toughness it takes to compete at that level. I would love to create a soundtrack that captures all those emotions, from the intensity and uncertainty of being down in the series to the excitement of pulling off one of the greatest comebacks in sports history. That would be an incredible story to tell through music.
If you could teleport to any concert in history, which one would you attend and why?
If I could teleport to any concert in history, it would definitely be a Michael Jackson concert. Lately, I’ve been watching a lot of his live performances on YouTube, and even through a screen, you can feel the energy and excitement of those shows. I can only imagine what it would’ve been like to experience that in person. From the music and choreography to the crowd’s reactions and the overall atmosphere, everything about his performances was on another level. As a drummer and musical director, what really stands out to me is how every element of the show worked together. The band, the arrangements, the transitions, the choreography, everything was so intentional and executed at such a high level. I would love to experience that level of musicianship and production firsthand, not just as a fan, but as someone who truly appreciates what it takes to bring a performance like that to life.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
This is probably one of the hardest questions for me because, honestly, my answer could change every couple of hours. There are so many incredible artists, past and present, that I would love the opportunity to collaborate with. But right now, I’m definitely in my old-school era, so I would have to say Earth, Wind & Fire. Their music has always been so electric to me. From their incredible arrangements and horn sections to the way they blend gospel, jazz, funk, and soul, everything about their sound is so rich and full of life. As a musician, I would love the opportunity to be part of that creative process, experience that level of musicianship firsthand, and contribute to a sound that has influenced generations of music.
What's the most memorable feedback or reaction you've received from a fan?
One of the most memorable reactions I’ve received was a message from someone telling me that watching my drum videos and the content I share inspired them to pick music back up again. That really meant a lot to me because, at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about. I’ve always been big on giving back to my community and inspiring others in any way I can. Knowing that something as simple as sharing my playing or doing what I love on stage can motivate someone to continue their musical journey is an incredible feeling. For me, music has always been bigger than just performing. It’s about connecting with people, inspiring the next generation, and hopefully making a positive impact along the way. That’s honestly one of the biggest reasons why I do what I do.
How did your collaboration with Plunge Audio begin?
My relationship with Plunge Audio actually started during a performance in Red Deer, Alberta. I was connecting with the monitor tech for the show, and he started telling me about these universal in-ear monitors from Plunge Audio. At first, I was a little skeptical, thinking they were probably just another pair of in-ears you could find online. But then he pulled them out and showed me, and right away I was impressed by how they looked. He offered to let me try them during the show, and I figured, why not?
The moment I put them in and started playing, I was genuinely blown away by the sound quality. I honestly wasn’t expecting them to sound that good. After the show, he connected me with Plunge Audio, and that’s where the relationship began. Since then, they’ve supported me throughout my tours, provided me with new in-ears, and have been amazing to work with. What I appreciate most is the consistency and durability. Every time I put them in, I know exactly what to expect, and they deliver every single time. It’s been a great relationship ever since.
What specific features do you look for when choosing IEMs for your performances?
When it comes to choosing IEMs for my performances, there are four things that are really important to me: sound isolation, durability, sound quality, and comfort. Sound isolation is huge, especially when performing on bigger stages where there’s so much happening around you. As a drummer, durability is also a big factor because things can get pretty intense behind the kit, and you never know what might happen during a performance. Sound quality and clarity are just as important. I need to be able to hear everything clearly and know exactly what I’m getting every time I put my in-ears in. Lastly, comfort and fit are probably some of the biggest things for me. I sweat a lot when I play, and I’m constantly moving my head and body, so having in-ears that stay secure and comfortable throughout an entire performance is essential. At the end of the day, I want to be able to focus on playing and giving my best performance without having to worry about my in-ears.
What advice would you give to other musicians who are considering using IEMs for the first time?
One of the biggest pieces of advice I would give musicians using IEMs is to learn how to build a great monitor mix. Having a well-balanced mix where everything is clear and nothing is clipping is extremely important. Personally, I love hearing everything in my ears almost like I’m listening to a fully mixed song. Being a drummer, I’ll naturally have my metronome sitting a little higher, but I still want to hear every instrument and vocal clearly so I can feel the music as a whole.
Another important thing, especially for drummers, is making sure your instrument sounds great before it even reaches your in-ears. I’m really big on drum tuning and making sure my drums are dialed in for each particular gig. At the end of the day, the sound going into your microphones is what you’re going to hear in your ears, so having a great source sound makes a huge difference. A great monitor mix starts with great-sounding instruments, and when everything is balanced properly, it allows you to focus on the music and perform at your best.
