SAMI JO

What made you decide that music is a thing for you?

I taught myself guitar in high school so that I could write letters to the people I would never actually talk to.

Introduce us to you and your musical history.

I am a singer/songwriter based in Nashville, TN. Writing songs is my freedom and passion. I am just stubborn enough to be abnormally motivated when people tell me “no,” and I seem to unreasonably believe I can do 73 things at the same time. I moved to Nashville from Northern California 7 years ago to pursue a songwriting and artist career, since then have founded “Sams Jams,” the weekly all-original “writer’s round” on the legendary Music Row, started the world’s only all girl Beatles tribute band “Penny Lane,” and toured the United States and Europe in the name of music. 

What was life like for you before music?

Much more simple. And much less exciting!

What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?

Freebird. (Unfortunately, I’m not joking)

Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?

Living in Nashville is both fabulous and traumatic. Some days I feel like I’m about to overtake the world, and others, I feel like I fell on my face tripping up the stairs in a crowded room of industry executives.

Whats the biggest thing you have learned from someone else in the industry?

To always show up and support others who are trying hard in this world. I’ve witnessed a lot of people reach their goals just by being genuine and supporting their peers. Word travels fast 

Tell us Two truths and a lie about you.

I got Covid from Mick Jagger

I’ve never been sky diving

I wrote a song called “Two Truths and a Lie”

If you could wish for one thing to aid your career what would it be?

A hug from Paul McCartney

Do you ever worry about people taking things the wrong way or cancel culture? Discuss….

It does seem to be a very relevant fear these days, but I don’t let it dictate how I act in public. I am who I am and I won’t change my beliefs to make somebody like me, and I won’t be offended if somebody doesn’t have the same opinion as I do. However, I would be affected if it were a friend or someone close to me that “cancels” me because of who I am.

SAMI JO

Do you subscribe to any conspiracy theories? If not, why not?

Paul is dead. I didn’t believe it at first but *nerd warning* …I chose to write my entire college “argumentative debate” essay on if the rumors of Paul McCartney dying and being replaced were true. Originally, I believed it was a ridiculous conspiracy, but after excessively too many hours researching the FACTS, I discovered he is deceased. However, I still love fake Paul equally as much. 

What was the worst experience on stage?

Not sure if this is particularly negative, but, one time I finished playing a very specific song I wrote about a certain someone, only to look out in the audience and see said certain someone. And he was wearing the same colors that my song described him wearing. 

Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.

I got my motorcycle license when I was 17!  I, however, do not have a motorcycle.

What are the next steps you plan to take as you to reach the next level?

Focusing even more energy on the writing aspect of the industry, as that is my first love.

What are your thoughts on Elon Musk’s contribution to the world?

I like that he fought for freedom of speech with the purchase of X.

I hear you have new music, what can you tell us about it?

I wrote this song while feeling frustrated that I kept calling my mom complaining about the same guy a little too much. She happened to be with me the day I first met him (it was perhaps in Ireland). She didn’t exactly like him then and she doesn’t like him now. I guess mothers do always know best? 

What was the recording process like? 

I knew I wanted to keep it pretty simple, so I tracked my acoustic guitar, added a kick drum and a mellotron in the bridge and final chorus, and layered my harmonies. I told my producer, Shane Weisman that I could hear a banjo on it and he immediately texted his roommate, who plays banjo and happened to be the next room. He came right in, expertly threw down a banjo track which was instant magic, and left us with this final product!

What do you think of Beyonce crossing over to country?

Did she?

Your single sounds almost like a response to Noah Kahans Stick Season, what prompted you to write it? Is there an influence there?

He is definitely an influence! I have been insanely captivated by how Noah can weave words together in such a painfully emotional, yet energetic and fun way – leaving you crying and happy. I am completely honored if you hear some resemblance.

What was the biggest learning curve in recording this new single?

Having patience and grace with myself if I don’t check off all the 72,427 items on my check list of things to do before release.

Would you change anything now its finished?

I feel like it conveyed all the emotion I was feeling, so I wouldn’t change anything.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?

I will be touring Europe, mainly Ireland, July through September. I hope to see y’all at a show near you!

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