Junior Sam Potter marches to the beat of his own drum, sharing percussion covers of rock, hard rock, contemporary Christian, and jazz songs with over 900 Instagram followers.

Q: When did you start learning to play the drums?

A: Summer 2012 at Matt Burk Music Studios in Allen.

Q: How long have you been performing?

A: Since right after I started playing. Back at the lesson studios, they used to do these things called jam sessions where you learned two songs, and to practice them, we would show up in a random order of bands. It was pretty fun, and I did them for a few years. That’s where I started.

Q: Who are your greatest influences?

A: I’ve got a few of them. The main drummer at Chase Oaks church, where I go, her name’s Jaquita Jones, and Ringo Starr. He’s what got me wanting to play before I started taking lessons. There’s also this guy named Philly who used to come through my dad’s recording studio, and he was amazing.

Q: You’ve posted a lot of drum covers on your Instagram. If you had to pick, which of all the covers you’ve recorded is your favorite?

A: Probably my Bohemian Rhapsody cover. I did three parts and I put a lot of work into that. It was really memorable.

Q: What was the hardest cover to record?

A: Probably one that I did with pots and pans when I was vacationing in Idaho, the song “Heartless” by Kanye West. I had four pots around me and used the carpet as the bass drum.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: I’m going to keep posting regular covers. I’m always trying to improve with the light set and all that, just always trying to improve. I’m going to keep it going as long as possible.

Q: Do you want to pursue a musical career in the future?

A: Yes. If I can make it into the business, yes.

Q: What is your advice to other aspiring musicians?

A: Kids, do your practicing now, while you can, and never give up. It will be hard sometimes, but always keep pushing through.