Sammy Lowdermilk
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SAMMY LOWDERMILK, 39
Proud founder of Hip-Hop CHA, Chattanooga's first collective working to help local hip-hop artists and creatives; board member at Public Education Foundation; part of the Digital Equity Team at The Enterprise Center; co-founder of the Tennessee Code Academy and 100 Girls of Code, which focus on educating youth interested in computer programming.
What's your anthem or theme song?
"It Was a Good Day," by Ice Cube.
If you were a musician, what would your stage or band name be?
Tha Milk. Get it? "LowderMILK." That has been my Twitter handle since I created an account. I've also started a local hip-hop blog called Tha Milk Drop. I've taken a name that could easily be teased and used it to create something unique.
If you were starting a band, who from your life would you pick to be in it and why?
Fortunately, I am friends with several artists in Chattanooga. DJ D-Whit would be the DJ for sure. I'd have Kay B Brown as the rapper; maybe recruit Floami Fly or Kemo as well. My wife, Amy, would be the tour manager. I'd also have to recruit my sister because she has a beautiful voice.
Which member of the band would you be?
Manager or lead singer. I like to make things happen behind the scenes but also sometimes feel the obligation to lead.
If you achieved rock star status, what would you hope it would be for?
Saving someone's life. Does that count as star status?
Random green room demand?
Fun Dip.
Who are your top influencers (not necessarily musically)?
My mother, Barbara, is probably the biggest influencer on my life. She's an amazing woman. Deb Socia, who is with Next Century Cities and is the founder of Tech Goes Home in Boston. Gary Vaynerchuk has a drive like no other I've seen, so I respect the hustle. And you know I couldn't leave out a hip-hop reference, so it would have to be the empire-builder Jay-Z.
Which musical style best describes your personality?
A good mix of hip-hop, R&B and bluegrass. I'm a complex individual.
Who would write the soundtrack to your life and why?
Philip Glass. His music is both beautiful and tragic. Just like life.
First album you bought for yourself?
I bought two at once, actually: Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and Prince's "Purple Rain" soundtrack.
If you could change one thing about Chattanooga, what would it be?
It's quite troubling how segregated the city still is. The gaps of opportunity are too vast, even in 2018. We're a smart city with a great amount of wealth, but have yet to solve this problem in Chattanooga.
To what cause would you donate the proceeds from your first benefit concert?
Ronald McDonald House. They helped my sister during a tough time with her premature babies.