Written by Mara Alcantara• April 20, 2026• 8:00 am• Featured Interview • Views: 11

Sam Haft: Crafting Songs That Resonate Across Fandoms and Beyond

Table of Contents

Introduction: Who Is Sam Haft?

Howdy, I’m Sam Haft—a songwriter and performer. For nearly a decade, I’ve been co-writing and performing as part of The Living Tombstone, while also contributing music to hit animated series like Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss. My work has reached billions of streams and earned nominations for major music awards.

At the core, I want people to know that I’m simply someone who loves making music that connects—whether that’s through storytelling, emotion, or shared cultural experiences.

On Standing Out in the Industry

I don’t necessarily see myself as unique. I genuinely believe that with enough time, effort, and persistence, most people could learn to do what I do. Success often comes down to a mix of preparation and timing.

What I do take pride in is my work ethic. I care deeply about the work I put out, even if I don’t frame that as being “different” from others.

The Gradual Realization of a Music Career

Music came into my life early, but I resisted the idea of turning it into a career for a long time. I worried that making it a job would take away the joy I felt for it.

Over time—through performing in a high school cover band, busking in New York City, and touring with comedy music—it slowly became a central part of my life. There wasn’t a single defining moment where I decided to pursue music; it was more like I eventually realized I had already been doing it all along.

One moment that stands out, though, was when my mom’s best friend encouraged me to pursue my talent and gifted me a MacBook with GarageBand before college. That gesture had a lasting impact on me.

Biggest Challenge: Balancing Creativity and Responsibility

The biggest challenge I’ve faced is time management. Being part of The Living Tombstone means balancing creative work with the realities of running a growing, international music project.

Learning to delegate has been key. It’s still something I’m working on, but it’s essential in order to protect time for creativity while managing the business side of things.

Shaping the Sound of Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss

Working on Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss has been incredibly meaningful—and initially, a bit intimidating. These shows have deeply passionate fanbases, and I felt a strong responsibility to meet their expectations.

Collaborating closely with creator Vivienne Medrano and co-songwriter Andrew Underberg has been a rewarding experience. Many of the songs I’ve worked on have become personal time capsules, reflecting different stages of my life.

For example, I can’t think about “You Will Be Okay” without also thinking about becoming a parent and navigating the emotions that came with it.

Writing Songs That Tell Stories and Stand Alone

Dark comedy and musical theater naturally complement each other, and I draw inspiration from works like Sweeney Todd, Assassins, and Bat Boy: The Musical.

When writing for these shows, I focus on understanding the character’s emotional state in a given moment. From there, it becomes an exercise in creative role-play—stepping into their mindset and expressing their thoughts through music.

There’s also a practical side: with only a few minutes per song, you’re forced to be clear and concise. That limitation often leads to stronger, more focused songwriting—something that aligns well with pop music sensibilities.

Fandom, Culture, and Musical Inspiration

Fandoms remind me a lot of Shakespeare. His work was filled with references that his audience immediately understood—shared cultural touchpoints that enriched the experience.

Similarly, writing within fandom spaces allows for a broader creative palette. There’s a shared language, a set of references, and a deeper level of engagement that makes the process especially exciting.

Different Creative Processes: Projects vs. The Living Tombstone

My approach varies greatly depending on the project.

Writing for shows like Hazbin Hotel feels collaborative and improvisational, while working on The Living Tombstone’s music is much more introspective—almost like therapy. It’s a slower, more personal process.

My partnership with Yoav Landau is structured differently from my work with Andrew Underberg. While Yoav focuses heavily on production and composition, I primarily handle lyrics. It’s a dynamic that feels both traditional and deeply personal.

Proudest Career Achievement

One of my proudest moments was when The Living Tombstone’s song “My Ordinary Life” was certified Platinum by the RIAA. I even got my first tattoo to commemorate it.

Looking Ahead: The Next Five Years

If the past has taught me anything, it’s that the future is hard to predict. Still, I’d love to release more solo music and continue growing creatively.

More importantly, my main goal is to ensure that my family is happy, healthy, and well cared for.

Upcoming Projects

I’m currently preparing to take on a new challenge: creating a stage musical. It’s something I’m both excited and nervous about—but ultimately, it feels like the right next step.