Hi, thanks for sitting down with us today. I feel like this doesn’t get asked enough in interviews, so how are you doing today?
Happy to be home for a weekend for the first time in forever. Also very cheerful because Christmas has always been my favorite time of year so I find myself very sunny. Thanks for asking
Tell us about your relationship with music. Do you turn to it more when you’re sad or down, or when you’re happy?
Music is my everything. Happy, sad, motivated, lonely, I have songs for that. I have a constant struggle of listening to new music because the same songs for years and years have got me to where I am now. It takes something super powerful for me to add to a playlist.
What themes seem to show up over and over in your songs, if any? Why do you think that is?
Haha, it’s funny because a lot of my original songs come back to women being given a chance in this industry. And then I remember I need to be more relatable ! Any song that has to do with burning the world down, calling myself a firecracker, etc. is typically what finds me in music. I am very motivated lighting a fire in people when they hear my music. I think this is because I reside in a constant state of wanting someone to give me my shot. I stay on fire at all times on the off chance someone is going to grant me my wildest dreams by becoming a fan and big time supporter of me.
What have you found most difficult about releasing music?
My biggest worry for myself is staying on brand. I will write something and feel so inspired by it that I can’t wait to put it out, and then find myself having to pull back because even though I may love it, it may not be the right time or the right direction my music needs at the moment. The first question people typically ask me is what my style is or who I sound like. I feel a connection to all types of music, all types of writers, and all types of songs. I will pick an amazing song and cut it and get ready for release and have an internal panic as to whether it’s “on brand” enough. I am going for a female, badass, country/rock and I will be pitched a song that I KNOW I could knock out of the park, and then stress out if it puts out the vibe I need from it.
Tell us about what you’re working on right now!
In 2022 I have a new single coming out by a songwriter who has written for FGL, Kelsea Ballerini, and so many other big names. It’s a total vocal WORKOUT. I can’t give too many details just yet but I am SO psyched to be releasing a song by someone who already has such a great reputation with big artists! I have also booked my first standing slot on Mondays on Broadway so I’ve been putting so much into building my fan base from that awesome opportunity. I am also taking the first 1/3 of year to slow down from touring for a bit and really focus on writing.
Do you have a favorite lyric or verse from your most recent single?
My most recent single, Sleeping With Ghosts is about coping with the one that you love being gone from you. There is not a single lyric or verse that I am particularly attached to because I love it all so much, but something that I am particularly passionate about is how my videographer and creative director brought my music video to life. Watch it Here It’s inspiring and full captures the fire that I wanted from this song.
Thanks so much for chatting with us today! Where can we find your music online?
It was great gabbing with y’all today! Find me on Instagram @Samrifeofficial and anywhere you buy, or stream music as Sam Rife. For booking and other inquiries, find me at Samrifeofficial@gmail.com
End of Interview