Each year we celebrate the incredible people that make Nashville a beautiful place to live. This year, we toast a lineup that includes creatives, business people, culinarians, and everything in between. With a passion for philanthropy and a beautiful outlook on life, these are the men and women who make Music City shine.
Name: Sam Palladio
Age: 34
Hometown: Penzance, UK
Occupation: Actor/Musician
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’m a total nerd and love comics, role playing games, sci fi and model making!
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I spent almost all of 2020 in the studio in Nashville writing and recording my 1st record. As an actor, the challenge is always to bring someone else’s words to life and to bring them into that world, but I was finally able to tell my story and feel an incredible sense of pride for the body of work and sonic world that was created. My producers Soren Hansen and Paul Devincenzo have become like brothers throughout the process and for what was a very difficult year, I’m so proud of the work we all did together and the freedom we found exploring the songs. We took the record to David Sardy in LA and did additional production at Sunset Sound and David then mixed the project. It was the coolest process and added a little California soul to the record and I can’t wait for everyone to hear what feels like the most authentic music I’ve made.
How would friends describe you in three words?
Nerdy, charming, and thoughtful.
Tell us about a skill or activity that you’ve always wanted to try or one you’ve learned and mastered?
I’d really love to learn to play the Piano. I’ve messed around over the years, but never given it enough time to actually know what I’m doing!
Name the person who has been the greatest influence in your life.
My Mum Sally passed away at the end of 2018 and I wouldn’t be the man I am today without her unconditional love, her compassion, her style, her laugh and her belief in me. She just had something magical about her and set such a beautiful example to me and my brother growing up.
Name an organization or non-profit that you affiliate with outside of work and why it’s important to you.
I raise money for Cornwall Hospice Care back home in the UK. They were amazing at caring for my Mum and countless other families dealing with Cancer
What are a few of your favorite places in Nashville?
I’ve lived in East Nashville for seven years now and some of my favorite local spots are on the east side. Lockland Table, Urban Cowboy, Frothy Monkey, El Fuego, The Fox, Basement East, Mitchells Deli, Dose, East Side Bahn Mi, Chopper, The 5 spot.
Tell us about your routine/tips for looking and feeling great inside and/or out (salon, spa, fitness, wellness, well-being, etc.)
I’ve always loved Barry’s Bootcamp ever since my friend Antonio Compton introduced me to it when I first moved to Nashville in 2012. He’s about to open boxing fitness smash Rumble in Nashville, so I’m looking forward to joining in the fun when the locations open. Jogging through East Nashville and Shelby park became a great evening routine during 2020 and all the hills definitely keep you working hard. I also have an amazing trainer Tyler McPeak who I work out with about 3 times a week. I started recently working with Porters Call in Franklin who provide an amazing therapy service for musicians. Therapy was something I’d never done until last year. In the UK, that sort of open wellness work isn’t as commonplace, especially where I grew up in a small village, but it’s been a really useful tool to help with trauma from the loss of loved ones.
Describe your perfect day.
Waking up by the sea, heading out for a few hours snorkeling, having some tiki drinks in the evening followed by some nerdy board games with friends and loved ones.
What is your definition of beauty—as it pertains to yourself and/or others?
Compassion, creativity, joy, and laughter.