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043 | Sami Ansari on his unseen 'Sound City' photos
Episode 434th February 2026 • Foos Files: A Foo Fighters Podcast • Harrison Media
00:00:00 00:52:11

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Summary

Cinematographer Sami Ansari’s role in the 2013 documentary film ‘Sound City’ was a case of fourth time lucky.

Having been hired - and subsequently let go - on three occasions when working with the Foo Fighters, Sami eventually found himself thrust into the less familiar role of photographer on the ‘Sound City’ project.

In keeping with the analog spirit of the Dave Grohl-directed film, he captured several rolls of black and white photos which have been unreleased - until now.

In this week’s episode, the San Francisco Academy of Art film school graduate recalls his memories of the Sound City sessions, in which Dave Grohl and his Foo Fighters bandmates were joined by an all-star cast of musicians including Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty.

Topics Discussed

  1. Sami’s past music industry experience
  2. His first encounter with Dave Grohl
  3. Being hired and let go from the Sound City project
  4. His eventual role as photographer
  5. The changing energy of the sessions
  6. Joining Sound City Players at the Sundance Festival

View Sami's previously unseen Sound City photos on Instagram at @samisurfs

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