She has been playing stringed instruments since she was old enough to put rubber bands between dresser knobs. Left-handed and upside down, she has been writing and performing music for the past two decades. We are happy to introduce you to the talented artist – SAMANTHA GRIMES!
[Blaster] Thank you for your time Samantha! What music did you grow up listening to?
SAMANTHA GRIMES: I grew up listening to rock music from the 1960s and 1970s. My father was a DJ and my mother sang constantly. Between the both of them, they instilled music in me at a young age. I was five years old the first time I held a guitar.
[Blaster] How did you become involved in music production?
SAMANTHA GRIMES: I have been toying with music production since I was a teenager. At that time, my idea of producing a demo involved a pencil microphone and Windows Recorder. I would spend hours recording my guitar and layering my vocals. Which, if you remember Windows Recorder – meant a lot of copy/paste and patience.
[Blaster] How would you describe your musical style?
SAMANTHA GRIMES: I have spent the last twenty years attempting to describe my musical style. Some people call it rock, others pop. Some people hear country or roots, others hear alternative or indie. When it comes down to it, I do not think any one genre describes me. My musical style is storytelling with strings…or piano. Or a kazoo. It really doesn’t matter as long as I can write lyrics to it.
[Blaster] Is there an hidden meaning in any of your music?
SAMANTHA GRIMES: Not really. I’m an open book when it comes to my writing. Much of it stems from real life trauma or experience. Some of it is embellished. Some of it is completely fiction. That’s the fun! People can try and determine what actually happened to me and what didn’t.
[Blaster] Who writes your songs?
SAMANTHA GRIMES: I have written all of my own music since I was old enough to put pen to paper. Some of the musical elements to a song are added by my bassist or potentially my producer, but the bulk of everything I create is 100% me.
[Blaster] Where do you find your artistic inspiration?
SAMANTHA GRIMES: It usually comes out of the blue. I find that the songs that write themselves are the best ones.
[Blaster] Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organization?
SAMANTHA GRIMES: I am a member of ASCAP. I formerly was on Return Records / The Orchard (A Sony Music Company) but am currently looking for opportunities and/or a label that can truly make a difference in getting my music out.
[Blaster] Who are you inspired by?
SAMANTHA GRIMES: I am inspired by my friends, my family, the world around us. I am inspired by strength and trauma. I am inspired by nature.
[Blaster] Do you collaborate with others? What is that process?
SAMANTHA GRIMES: The bulk of my collaboration happens after the song is written. I consider it a collaboration when my producer makes suggestions or revisions, or adds musical elements. I consider it a collaboration when my bassist or drummer comes up with an element that rockets the song to a higher place.
[Blaster] What skills have you learned that will help you in your music career?
SAMANTHA GRIMES: I am not sure if I would consider them skills, but I truly think having a tough skin in this industry is paramount. It is also important to be ambitious, passionate, and realistic.
[Blaster] What are the main topics for most of your songs? Do you think topics will change overtime?
SAMANTHA GRIMES: People always laugh and tell me that I write anti-love songs. Honestly, I think that’s untrue. Whether I’m writing about heartbreak, trauma, pain, anger – all of those topics are related to love or the pursuit of it.
[Blaster] What are you working right now? Did you release something in the past?
SAMANTHA GRIMES: I am currently gearing up for the release of my newest song “Wendy Darling” that comes out January 1st 2023.
[Blaster] What do you feel is the best song you ever released and why?
SAMANTHA GRIMES: That is like asking someone to choose which child they love the most. I have put my soul into every song I’ve released. ,,Trainwreck,, has been the most prolific. Believe is my secret power anthem. I would say, if I had to choose a favorite solely according to my own belief, I love the song “Hello Hello”. It isn’t rock, it’s piano pop. I love that song wholeheartedly. I remember every aspect of writing and recording it. I worked with producer Tom Prestin of Born Into Royalty and he perfectly captured everything there was to capture about that song.
[Blaster] What would be your dream collaboration, with any musician or producer?
SAMANTHA GRIMES: I have always dreamt of performing or opening for Travis. They have been a favorite and inspiration of mine for well over 2 decades. If I could work with a producer other than my own, I would go for Glen Ballard (who produced Alanis Morrissette).
[Blaster] How do you balance your music with other obligations – school, hobby, job?
SAMANTHA GRIMES: It isn’t easy at all. I have a full time job and there are days, once in a while, where I know my mind isn’t 100% focused. But I’m also fortunate to have people in my professional life that support and understand how important my music is to me. I also have a family – which raising kiddos is a full time job as well! I’m not sure how well I balance it all – but I do my best to make sure everyone’s needs are met and that mine are as well.
[Blaster] At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?
SAMANTHA GRIMES: I really hope that people just enjoy listening. I’m not naive – I know my music isn’t for everyone. But I genuinely believe I am a good songwriter and I hope people feel that way as well.
[Blaster] Would you like to give any message to your fans?
SAMANTHA GRIMES: I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of you. I’ll always be playing music – no matter what – but your love and dedication to me has opened so many doors and provided such cool opportunities for me. I am eternally grateful!
[Blaster] Can you share your contact information for possible collaborations and social networks links, so fans can follow your work and access your music?
SAMANTHA GRIMES: Check me out on Facebook, my website (www.samanthagrimesmusic.com) or on Twitter @upsidedownlefty . You can always follow my bandy shenanigans on IG @samanthagrimesmusic.
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